OTTAWA - The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) met with Parliamentarians on Tuesday with one goal at mind—increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in Canada. 

Host of Chef Michael’s Kitchen, Chef Abroad, and Chef at Home on Food Network Canada, Chef Smith has devoted his life to helping Canadians create a healthy food lifestyle that includes lots of daily fruits and vegetables, and will be doing a cooking demonstration at the event to promote the CPMA’s Half Your Plate message.

“We all know how important it is to eat lots of fruits and vegetables every single day but not all of us know how. That’s where I come in,” explains Smith in a statement. “It’s my mission to remind everyone how simple healthy cooking is, that it’s not expensive, difficult, or time consuming. We’re all in this together and together we can help every family improve their health, every day.”

Launched in January 2015 by the CPMA and health partners the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Public Health Association, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Half Your Plate program emphasizes how fun, practical, and easy it is to prepare a wide variety of fruits and vegetables for every eating occasion imaginable.

“Evidence shows that a balanced diet filled with fruits and vegetables is a cornerstone of good health, yet 60% of Canadians over the age of 12 do not eat the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day,” adds Ron Lemaire, CPMA’s President. “We need to show Canadians how easy it is to prepare fresh, healthy meals at home, and our Half Your Plate Ambassador Chef Michael Smith’s message is intended to inspire change.”

Eating more fruits and vegetables is one of the easiest steps towards big improvements in overall health and preventing chronic illness, according to Ian Culbert, Executive Director, Canadian Public Health Association.

He says, “Filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal is easier than you may think. We’re proud to partner with the CPMA in helping Canadians live healthier lives.”

Canadia Minister of Agriculture Lawrence MacAulay, also weighed in on the work CPMA has been doing in the country.

“The CPMA continues to do a great job of growing our fruit and vegetable business across Canada,” he says. “I’m proud to see such a thriving industry supplying Canadians with healthy food throughout the year.”

For more information on CPMA’s Half Your Plate Campaign, visit www.halfyourplate.ca.

Canadian Produce Marketing Association