WASHINGTON, DC - The Grocery Manufacturers of America welcomed efforts by Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson and Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman to promote the National Cancer Institute’s '5 A Day' program.

"Secretary Veneman and Secretary Thompson are correct in noting that daily physical activity combined with a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key to prevention of chronic diseases," said GMA President and CEO C. Manly Molpus. "Repeated scientific surveys have shown that eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day has enormous nutritional benefits."

Secretary Thompson and Secretary Veneman were the keynote speakers at the kickoff of this year’s National '5 A Day' Partnership meeting held today in Washington, DC. The partnership meeting agenda focuses on the vision and commitment to the future of the '5 A Day' program for representatives from industry, trade associations, consumer groups, academia and government agencies.

"GMA has been a long-time supporter of the '5 A Day' program because it gives Americans a simple, positive message-eat five or more servings of fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables every day for better health," added Molpus. "The renewed emphasis on this important program is an integral part of a much broader effort to help Americans understand the need to exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet."

Launched by the National Cancer Institute in 1991, the '5 A Day' program is a public-private partnership to promote the consumption of at least five servings of vegetables and fruit per day to reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases, including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and macular degeneration.

GMA is the world's largest association of food, beverage and consumer product companies. With U.S. sales of more than $460 billion, GMA members employ more than 2.5 million workers in all 50 states. The organization applies legal, scientific and political expertise from its member companies to vital food, nutrition and public policy issues affecting the industry. Led by a board of 44 Chief Executive Officers, GMA speaks for food and consumer product manufacturers at the state, federal and international levels on legislative and regulatory issues. The association also leads efforts to increase productivity, efficiency and growth in the food, beverage and consumer products industry.

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