Fruits and vegetables: Health and nutrition benefits

In 2019, the United Nations declared 2021 as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV2021).The objective of this Webinar  “Fruits and vegetables: Health and nutrition benefits”  is to create awareness of health in general and, in particular, the benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables. Increased consumption and inclusion of fruits and vegetables in our diets contribute to a more diversified and balanced diet, contributing to healthy habits and lifestyles. Fruits and vegetables are highly perishable, and policies to reduce food losses and waste in the sector are need.

The International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (2021) is within the context of the United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016-2025) and the United Nations Decade of Family Farming (2019-2028). These celebrations are linked and provide greater visibility to small-scale producers and at the same time help to raise awareness of food security and nutrition.

When we think of healthy eating, our first thoughts are colorful fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibers, all vital for a healthy human body. Consuming fruits and vegetables are part of a healthy and nutritious diet, and the benefits are enormous.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are beneficial for consumers and promote increased biodiversity, supports environmental sustainability, and improves the livelihoods of farmers and their collaborators who operate along the value chain.

General objective

Raise awareness of the potential contribution of fruits and vegetables to sustainable and healthy diets, taking into account the social (health), economic (agriculture and markets), and environmental dimensions.

Specific objectives

• Raise awareness about the benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables for health and nutrition and direct policies to achieve these benefits.
• Promote healthy, balanced, and diversified diets and lifestyles through the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
• Promote the support of the local economy and family farming through purchasing locally produced fruits and vegetables.
• Encourage the reduction of losses and waste of fruits and vegetables.

Methodology

The webinar: “Fruits and vegetables: Health and nutrition benefits” will be organized through a webinar broadcasted via the FAO You Tube account. Participants will be relevant actors in the LAC region, who will promote the benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables for better health, and at the same time, contribute to a more balanced diet and a healthier lifestyle.

The opening remarks of no more than 5 minutes will be presented by regional authorities of FAO in the LAC region.Subsequently, we will have the Principal Officer of Food Security Policies in FAO, who will make a presentation on the Panorama of the SAN in LAC in the context of Covid-19 and the challenges to have sustainable food environments.

Following the opening remarks, presentations will be made using resources such as power points and short videos. The communications team will also organize this in SLM. In their interventions, exhibitors from participating institutions are encouraged to use key messages highlighting good practices, including fruits and vegetables.