Dear Parents,

The age-old question of how to encourage children to eat right still challenges parents today. Busy schedules make it difficult for parents to plan nutritious meals or even eat together as a family. Glitzy advertisements aimed at children often promote foods that aren't very nutritious or contain "empty calories."

Even though we live in a land of plenty, many of our children don't have healthy diets. A growing number of today's children suffer from obesity and other diet-related health problems. These problems likely will worsen as they become adults. That's why it is so important to instill good eating habits in children today so they can live full, active, and healthy lives in the future.

Toward this end, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services created the Fresh-2-U program to promote positive eating habits among Florida's children. Fresh-2-U encourages young people to eat at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day.

As a parent, you are the single most important source of information for your child. They listen and learn from you. Fresh-2-U promotes interaction between parents and children to help develop healthy eating habits. It's simple, educational, and fun! Fresh-2-U encourages your child to try at least 20 different Florida fruits and vegetables at home over the course of the school year. Trying new foods in a fun, family setting is a great way for children to discover that they're good!

Fresh-2-U challenges your child to explore and try new things. It features an old-fashioned Report Card to track your child's progress, and instills a sense of pride and accomplishment. Most importantly, it is something that you and your child can do together.

Please read this material with your child and participate in Fresh-2-U. With a little guidance from you, your child can have fun while developing healthy eating habits. Remember, what your child learns now can last a lifetime!

Sincerely, Charles H. Bronson Commissioner of Agriculture