NYC Campaign Urges Snackers To Reach For More Fruits, Veggies

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New York City's Health Department is urging snackers to reach for a carrot, not a candy bar.

A city ad campaign announced Tuesday will remind New Yorkers to pack fruits and vegetables "instead of less healthy options."

The campaign called "Take Me With You" will appear at bus stops, check-cashing centers and other locations around the city.

Assistant Commissioner of New York City Health Department, Christine Curtis, told 1010 WINS research shows New Yorkers aren't eating the recommended level of fruits and vegetables. Curtis said the new campaign is about making it easy to grab fresh fruits and vegetables.

Curtis said they sat down with focus groups and talked about how they could incorporate more healthy foods into their diet, whether through cooking or snacking.

"We knew that New Yorkers were looking for more ways to eat fruits and vegetables and we found that this message, 'take me with you,' was really a catchy way to remind people that you need to incorporate a banana or an apple into their diet," Curtis said.

Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett says incorporating more fruits and vegetables into New Yorkers' diets can help prevent chronic disease such as heart disease.

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