Commissaries showcase fruits, veggies for 'Little Heroes' in April Published March 31, 2014 By Sallie Cauthers Defense Commissary Agency FORT LEE, Va. -- To honor military children, commissaries have fun ways for parents and their "little heroes" to learn about the nutritious value of fruits and vegetables. During April, the Month of the Military Child, commissary produce departments are inviting installation child development centers to take tours highlighting the health benefits of fruits and vegetables. Commissary store managers can also conduct this presentation at the child development center. "This is our fourth year doing these tours, and I am amazed at the incredible passion our commissary personnel have for these 'little heroes,' " said Bridget Bennett, DeCA's produce category manager. "Our goal in April is that every store will offer a store tour or presentation at the child development center. We may even have local installation dieticians available to enhance the education about the benefits of consuming fresh fruits and vegetables." The tours incorporate the "5-2-1-0" message: Eat five fruits and vegetables every day, limit TV/video/computer time to two hours or less each day, get one hour of physical activity daily and zero drinks with sugar. "Consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables, and getting plenty of physical activity can go a long way toward helping prevent childhood obesity," Bennett said. "There's a Fruit & Veggie Eater Meter that's a great tool to track fruit and vegetable consumption for a full week." Tour participants may sample some unique fruits and vegetables, and receive new healthful recipes. For more information, go to: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org. Commissary customers can check their local commissary to find out more about fresh produce samples, coupons, giveaways and goodie bags for children participating in the fruits and veggies events.