Do I have to get 5 servings of each fruits and vegetables or a total of 5 servings combined?

You only need a total of 5 servings combined between fruits and vegetables, e.g. 2 fruits and 3 vegetables, or 3 fruits and 2 vegetables, etc.

Do I have to get 5 servings everyday or can I get 7 one day and 3 the next?

A minimum of 5 servings per day is recommended, but most people of all ages need 7-9 servings every day to maintain optimum health.  If you are low one day it is ok to eat more the next to make up for it. Your goal is to get at least 100 servings in 20 days.

How do I know what is a serving?

Some general guidelines are: 1 serving = ¼ cup dried fruit, ½ cup fresh fruit, or raw chopped or cooked vegetables, ¾ cup (6 ounces) juice,  or a medium size piece of fresh fruit (about the size of a tennis ball). Visit MyPyramid.gov and click on “Inside the Pyramid” for more information. View Food Gallery for pictures of serving sizes or look at “What counts as a cup?” for charts listing serving sizes for most fruits and vegetables.

* ½ cup of fruits and vegetables is about the size of ½ a baseball

Do only fresh fruits/vegetables count?

No, you may count fresh, frozen, canned, dried or juices.

What if I don’t eat a variety of colors? Can that still count?

The log sheet will help you determine if you are getting a variety of colors. Eating a variety will better support your health, but you can still count all the servings that you eat.

How do I keep track of servings day to day?

Print off LOG FORM (pdf) and record number of fruits and veggies daily.

What if I get sick during the program? Can I still participate?

Yes, even if you miss a couple of days you can participate.