Hackensack Meridian Health wants Perth Amboy residents to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. The idea is to help improve local health by improving diet, which can address the root cause of many health problems. They found that Perth Amboy has disproportionately high rates of obesity and other health factors impacted by food, like diabetes, hypertension and congestive heart failure. A change in diet, like eating more fruits and vegetables, can help you lose weight and have a positive impact on health.

For Perth Amboy recipients of New Jersey’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Hackensack Meridian Fresh Match Initiative makes money available to purchase more fresh produce to improve diet and health.

“I am proud Hackensack Meridian Health is leading the way in addressing social determinants, like the ability to afford fresh fruits and vegetables, which play a large role in a person’s health,” said Robert Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “The Fresh Match Initiative allows us to to treat not just a person’s disease, but the underlying root causes for disease, building healthier communities.”

The most recent government recommendations are to fill half your plate with vegetables and fruits, a quarter of your plate with protein, and the last quarter with grains. The healthy eating plate is a great guide and motivator about what shopping and meal decisions you need to make to eat more fruits and vegetables.

Here’s to your good health and happiness in 2024 from Perth Amboy Now! The New Year is a great time to make changes and make a commitment to improving your health!