Cleaning fresh produce(fruits and vegetables)is cruicial to our daily

meals. According to theFDA, approximately 48million individuals are

sickened by foodcontaminated with

harmful germs eachyear!

Fruits &Vegetables

pg1

why eatfruits and

vegetables?pg3

How toproperly wash

and cleanproduce

pg2

WASH OUT FOR GERMS!I N T H I S I S S U E

MARCH 2020Vol. 3 Issue4

Test yourBrain! pg 4

UTRGV STEPS pg1

FRUITS & VEGETABLES

Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before andafter preparing fresh produce.If damage or bruising occurs before eating or handling, cut away thedamaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating.Rinse produce BEFORE you peel it, so dirt and bacteria aren’t transferredfrom the knife onto the fruit or vegetable.Gently rub produce while holding under plain running water. There’s noneed to use soap or a produce wash.Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce, such as melons andcucumbers.Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteriathat may be present.Remove the outermost leaves of a head of lettuce or cabbage.

Choose produce that isn’t bruised or damaged, and make sure that pre-cut items—such as lettuce or watermelon slices in a bag—are either refrigerated oron ice both in the store and at home. Follow these FDA recommendations:

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2.

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HOW TO WASH PRODUCE

UTRGV STEPS pg2

Cleaning Fruits & Vegetables Germs on the peeling or skin of afruit or vegetable can get insidewhen you cut them. Wash them properly.

References:

Treviño, R. P. Vasquez, L. L. (2015). My Family Health and Nutrition Newsletters for Parents of School-Age Children and Teens. 3rd Edition. Social Health &

Research Center. 7 Tips for Cleaning Fruits, Vegetables. (2018, June 10). U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Retrieved March 10, 2020, from

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/7-tips-cleaning-fruits-vegetables

UTRGV STEPS pg3

Fruit andvegetables are anincredible sourceof vitamins and

minerals!

Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which canhelp to maintain a healthy digestive system and prevent constipation and

other digestion problems.

why eat fruits and vegetables?

Sources: Bienestar/NEEMA Child Nutrition & SchoolFood Service Guide. 3rd Edition. Instructor Guide.

Page 14

Be a role modelA Child Nutrition Professional andparents play a big role to the overallhealth of the students as well as theiracademic performance. They can alsoserve as a role model to the children by:

1) Staying informed with national guidelines andschool meal mandates2) Being knowledgeable about the foods andbeverages offered to students3) Finding opportunities to encourage kids to eatmore fruits, vegetables and whole grains4) Adopting a healthy lifestyle5) Participating in school, district and communityhealthy living activity events and challenges

Test your brain with fruits &vegetables!

UTRGV STEPS pg4

Fresh ProduceCrossword

Spinach pepper lettuce pear potato tomato zucchini orange blueberry broccoli strawberry grapes cabbage Fruits and Vegetables mushrooms cornhttp://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/code/BuildDoublePuzzle.asp

To learn more about the Bienestar school health program visit SARCHC website http://www.sahrc.org/

This Newsletter was created incollaboration with UTRGV Spring 2020Exercise Science Students:

Kendrick Anonuevo, Janneli Soto, Jarrad Gasquioine, Christine Mejia,

Erika Hernandez and Andrea Barrera.