BRENTWOOD, MO. - The Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) has launched its second annual National Fruits and Veggies Month (NFVM) campaign, a month-long celebration of fruits and vegetables. With nine out of 10 American not eating enough fruits and vegetables, the month serves as a catalyst to reach consumers across the United States with fruit and vegetable inspiration. 

This year’s theme for the celebration is Have a Plant Nation, which will highlight how fruit- and veggie-filled meals can inspire greater family connections, celebrate the diverse ways we uniquely enjoy foods across the nation, improve public health, and elevate how food industry stakeholders and influencers have come together to advocate for more fruits and veggies. 

"The physical and mental effects of Americans' chronically low fruit and vegetable consumption have been further illuminated during this pandemic,” said Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, president and chief executive officer of PBH. “PBH's dynamic new campaign, Have A Plant Nation, is rallying all Americans to eat and enjoy more plant-packed meals – in every color, shape and form – by recognizing the power of plants to support health; boost mood; and foster the connections that many currently crave." 

The month-long party will highlight four key themes that will be woven into PBH's digital ecosystem – including its Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn channels, as well as on www.fruitsandveggies.org, starting on Aug. 31. PBH will use the hashtags #haveaplantchat, #NFVM2020, #familymealsmovement, #haveaplantpledge, #haveaplantwithdairy and #unitedontheplate throughout the month. 

The produce foundation will also partner with a network of more than 20 influencers – the Fruit and Vegetable Ambassadors in Action (FVAA) – to spread the Have A Plant across the country through social media takeovers, original video content and creative infographics and resources, on their platforms and on PBH's social channels. 

Here's a preview of the key themes and activities consumers can engage with on PBH's social channels throughout September: 

  • Have A Plant Tweet Chat with The Lunchbox Dad, Beau Coffron: Engage with PBH followers through a fun tweet chat that highlights the importance of family meals, along with fun tips and tricks to enjoy more plant-packed foods each and every day to fuel health and happiness. Join on Twitter, Sept. 1st, at 3 p.m. EST @fruits_veggies.  

  • Connect Over Fruit and Veggie-Filled Family Meals: Through a partnership with the FMI Foundation's Family Meals Movement, PBH will help showcase how families can connect through mealtime.  

  • Celebrate Plants in Every Color, Shape and Form:  Different fruits, veggies and plant-filled dishes can evoke special memories, speak to unique backgrounds, and bring out favorite hometown flavors. Let's celebrate personal faves – and inspire friends to Have A Plant and try new forms and flavors too. 

  • Improve Health and Well-being with Fruits & Veggies: Whether canned, dried, fresh, frozen or 100% juice, all fruits and veggies play a role in improving health and happiness. NFVM is the perfect time to rally the nation around the mind and body benefits from nature's original plant foods.  

  • Better Together: Pair Produce for Happier, Healthier Lives: Fruit and veggie advocates – from produce industry stakeholders as well as foodservice establishments and retailers to health professionals, chefs and lifestyle bloggers – are championing ways to combine fruits and veggies with other nutritious foods for happier, healthier lives. PBH will introduce new guests at the table and showcase how balanced, wholesome meals – featuring produce with other nutrient-rich foods like beef, dairy and whole grains – come together to fuel health and happiness.