Background:
In 2006 and inter-institutional and inter-sectorial team was created to promote and consolidate the Five a Day Strategy. In 2007 decree number 34030 S-MAG-MEIC-MEP was signed to create the Costa Rica Five a Day Network (“Red 5 al Día Costa Rica”).
Description:
The Five a Day Network is a domestic collaborative organization and an inter-institutional and inter-sectorial mechanism, promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables to contribute to the population´s integral health and the socioeconomic growth of small and medium-sized businesses producing goods for the domestic and exports market. It is coordinated by the Health Ministry and is integrated by and Inter-Sectorial Committee. In 2009, the Five a Day Multimedia Campaign and Strategy were launched supported by the Ministers of Health, Education, Agriculture and Livestock, as well as the IICA and HO/WHO Representatives.
A Fair on Food and Nutrition Safety took place in the Culture Center [“Centro de la Cultura”], where decree No. 38217 S-MAG-MEP was signed to establish the Fruit and Vegetable National Day. From 2014 a mass media advertising campaign has been launched by the name of “Look for Life” [“Ponele a la Vida”] to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity among teenagers.
Results:
The 2008-2009 National Nutrition Survey indicates that the total per capita consumption of fruits and vegetables is 225.82 g. Although advertising and information campaigns have been launched to promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables, the goal to eat 400 g/ per capita daily, as indicated by the World Health Organization, has not been reached yet.
Contact:
Cecilia Gamboa C. Coordinator of 5 a Day Network