UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa -- University Health Services is launching a new campaign to encourage University Park students to fill half of their plates with fruits and vegetables to meet the daily-recommended intake.
To participate in the campaign, University Park students can snap a photo of their meal that’s half fruits and vegetables, and upload it to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #PSUplate.
UHS will then monitor the submissions and pick random winners each week to receive prizes. The contest will run from Sept. 16 until Oct. 11 with a winner being drawn each week. Complete contest rules can be found at http://healthypennstate.psu.edu.
Recent data suggested that Penn State students were not meeting the daily-recommended intake for fruits and vegetables, which spurred the idea for the campaign. Specifically, 37 percent of University Park students reported that they ate three or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day, according to the Penn State’s National College Health Assessment data collected in spring 2013.
The assessment, by the American College Health Association, is a nationally recognized research survey that collects data about students’ health habits, behaviors and perceptions.
“This data concerned us, as multiple studies have shown that diets rich in fruits and vegetables can help to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing certain chronic diseases later in life,” said Linda LaSalle, associate director, Health Promotion and Wellness.
Combined with the contest, the #PSUplate contest also includes an educational component. The week of Sept. 23, HealthWorks peer educators will host events in Findlay and Pollock dining commons to introduce students to healthy eating. In addition to this in-person education, the Healthy Penn State social media platforms also will share healthy eating tips with students and upcoming healthy menu items in the dining commons.
The PSUplate campaign was created by Health Promotion and Wellness in University Health Services in collaboration with Campus Dining.
Contact Jill Nadorlik, UHS marketing manager, for more information about the campaign by email at jen5005@psu.edu or by phone at 814-865-7921.