How many of you know that today, June 16, is officially Fresh Veggies Day nationwide?

It’s not a surprise if many of you are not aware of such a recognized holiday. We only have a few more days until summer officially kicks off (per the summer solstice) and the spotlight shifts to the fresh fruits of the season. However, today is a good time to assess the importance of quality vegetables in our diets since summer also ushers in a rich of abundance of veggies that make their yearly debut in summertime.

Through our health and wellness programs here at Project Access we help to ensure our Residents are aware of the benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and have easy access to such dietary stables. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), individuals should eat at a minimum of 400 grams of vegetables and fruit each day (this doesn’t include excessively starchy veggies like potatoes).

Some of our more self-reliant and industrious Residents (with obvious green thumbs) plant communal veggie gardens in many of our Project Access communities across the country. These gardens showcase some of the healthiest veggies on the planet (as cited by the World Health Organization):

  • Spinach. This easily recognized green superfood is packed with nutrients. One cup of raw, fresh spinach provides more than half of the daily allowance of Vitamin A, and 100% of the daily requirement for Vitamin K. It’s also high in beta carotene and lutein, which are super useful antioxidants. 
  • Carrots. With more than 400% of the daily allowance of Vitamin A, carrots are far at the top of the list, health-wise. Plus, they’re easy to grow, simple to store, and last a long time. There are even some studies that show people who eat carrots regularly may reduce their risk of cancer! 
  • Broccoli. Fresh, dark greens are so healthy for the human body, and broccoli is no exception. It’s filled with Vitamin K, Vitamin C, manganese, folic acid, and potassium. 

If you would like to learn more about how fresh fruits and vegetables can contribute to your quality of life, like they do for many Project Access Residents, please visit this site presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture: https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/vegetables