17 June 2004
Protesting Fruit And Veges Demand Consumption
Early morning Auckland commuters were confronted today by protesting carrots, broad beans, pumpkins, peaches and other
assorted fruit and vegetables.
They were left in no doubt that New Zealanders need to consume more fruit and vegetables to prevent many diseases such
as some cancers, heart disease and diabetes.
The “protest” was part of a series of events around New Zealand to mark the release of new research undertaken by the
Cancer Society in association with SPARC.
“Our survey of more than 8000 people showed there is a lack of understanding about the link between fruit and vegetable
consumption and preventing some cancers,” says Carolyn Watts, nutrition spokesperson for the Cancer Society.
“Most New Zealanders know they should eat fruit and vegetables for a healthy lifestyle, yet nearly half do not do so.
Sixty-eight percent of people who don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables don’t know they don’t and they don’t know that
frozen and canned fruit and vegetables are just as good as fresh.”
Cancer Society divisions around New Zealand undertook a variety of activities to highlight the findings including many
fruit and vegetables giveaways.
The Minister of Health, the Hon Annette King, hosted an official launch at Parliament, where guests were served fruit
juices, surrounded by colourful fruit and vegetable displays designed by students from the Whitereia Polytechnic’s
Commercial Floristry students.
The son of legendary fruit and vegetable icon Jack Forsyth, Glenn Forsyth acted as MC for the launch, recalling years of
growing up in a household where fruit and vegetables reigned supreme.
Jack Forsyth’s children soon learned to appreciate their goodness. “Dad always told us we had to eat everything, even
the apple cores, and we learned to do so…there’s only just so much room for apple cores down the back of the couch!”
ENDS