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Contact Info:State of AlaskaWIC Program OfficePhone: 907-465-3100
Fax: 907-465-3416
Email:
wic@alaska.govPO Box 110612
Juneau, AK 99801
Make Every Bite Count!
For a long and healthy life, add fruits and vegetables to meals and snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do fruits and vegetables support health?
- They are a great source of vitamins and minerals that support growth and healing, energy levels, as well as your immune system.
- They contain fiber, which can help your digestive system, support healthy blood sugar levels, and help keep you satisfied until your next meal.
- They can help reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.
- They taste great, and there are so many options for adding them to your meals and snacks!
Learn more about the benefits of fruits and vegetables and how to include them in your daily routine and support your overall health:
It’s hard to get fresh fruits and vegetables in Alaska, so how can I meet my goal to eat more?
- It’s not as difficult as you think! We’re lucky in Alaska, as we have fresh, canned, and frozen options, as well as greens and berries from the land!
- Find fruits and vegetables in the produce section, frozen foods, and in the canned and pantry food aisles. Remember, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables last much longer than fresh.
- Buy in-season produce. They are usually less expensive and are at their peak flavor. If you can’t eat it before it spoils, cut it up and freeze it to enjoy later, like in a breakfast smoothie or in a soup.
- Quality, canned produce are just as nutritious as fresh fruits and veggies, and often cost less. Choose fruit canned in 100% fruit juice and vegetables with “low-sodium” or “no salt added” on the label.
- If you have the freezer space, buy frozen fruits and vegetables without additives. They are as good for you as fresh and may cost less.
How can I help my family eat more fruits and veggies?
Your children learn from watching you! One of the best ways to support your family’s health is to make eating fruits and veggies a part of your daily meal and snack routine.
- Fill half your plate with fruits and veggies at every meal and snack.
- Incorporate fruits and vegies into your meals. Make salad with protein your main dish or add extra veggies to a soup or stew. Serve fruit for dessert!
- Always have fresh fruits and vegetables in easy-to-grab places.
- Cut up fruits and veggies when serving to your children. They are more likely to eat them. Even better, make a healthy dipping sauce.
- When you use the oven to cook your meal, put in a whole potato, sweet potato, or yam at the same time.
- Stock up on frozen and canned fruits & veggies for quick meal prep. Choose canned fruit and vegetables without added sugar, syrup, cream sauces, or other ingredients.
Where can I find more ideas for healthy recipes that include fruits and veggies?
Check out these websites for healthy and delicious recipes for meals and snacks, and print or save your favorites:
Alaska Native recipe books and videos:
Do you have your own favorite recipes for meals and snacks that include fruits and veggies?
Use our recipe template to add your recipe and share with friends and family members:
Gather your own and Alaska Grown
- Alaska's Wild Plants: A Guide to Alaska's Edible Harvest, by Janice J. Schofield – available through several public libraries in the state, and for purchase through online vendors like Amazon.
- Plants that we Eat, by Anore Jones
Worried about eating healthy on a budget?
Check out these resources for meeting your needs while on a budget.
If you need additional tips or are looking to talk to someone about eating healthy on a budget, find a local resource on
the SNAP-Ed Providers webpage.
Every Bite Counts Resources
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