Bill Text: NJ AR188 | 2016-2017 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Urges hospitals to use Jersey Fresh produce.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-11-14 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee [AR188 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2016-AR188-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman ERIC HOUGHTALING
District 11 (Monmouth)
Assemblyman PARKER SPACE
District 24 (Morris, Sussex and Warren)
Assemblyman BOB ANDRZEJCZAK
District 1 (Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland)
Assemblyman RONALD S. DANCER
District 12 (Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean)
SYNOPSIS
Urges hospitals to use Jersey Fresh produce.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution urging hospitals to use Jersey Fresh produce.
Whereas, Many Americans suffer from chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension; and
Whereas, These chronic diseases are strongly related to dietary choices and are preventable through improved nutrition; and
Whereas, Hospitals have seen an increase in patients with these chronic diseases and are in a position to promote improved nutrition through healthy diet options in hospital meals; and
Whereas, Hospitals should incorporate healthy diets options to promote healthy eating practices into their meals to set an example for what a healthy diet looks like; and
Whereas, New Jersey produces more than 100 different kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables; and
Whereas, In 1984, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture created the first in the nation state-sponsored agricultural branding program, Jersey Fresh, in order to distinguish the high quality of New Jersey-produced fruits and vegetables from others in the marketplace; and
Whereas, The logo, Jersey Fresh, indicates that the contents have been inspected and meet standards equal to, or better than, U.S. No. 1 standards; and
Whereas, Jersey Fresh produce is distinctive in quality and freshness because it is grown in New Jersey and harvested at its peak ripened stage; and
Whereas, When produce is picked at its peak of flavor and freshness, more of the very important vitamins and minerals in each type of produce are retained within the commodity; and
Whereas, Fresh fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet because they provide essential nutrients that are linked to the prevention of chronic health problems like obesity and can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, lower the risk of eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect upon blood sugar; and
Whereas, Using Jersey Fresh produce in hospitals may increase awareness of the important role fresh produce plays in promoting good health and of its availability in the State; and
Whereas, Using Jersey Fresh produce in hospital cafeterias and patient meals may contribute to better overall eating habits by patients, workers, visitors, and guests and prevent future disease development; and
Whereas, During a time when obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension are soaring, it is imperative that hospitals in the State, whenever possible, give preference to Jersey Fresh and other agricultural food products and commodities grown or raised in New Jersey when entering into or renewing a contract for the purchase of such goods; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House urges hospitals operating in the State to purchase Jersey Fresh produce for use in hospital cafeterias and patient meals to promote healthy eating habits and prevent future disease development.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the President of the New Jersey Hospital Association, the Commissioner of Health, and the Secretary of Agriculture.
STATEMENT
This resolution urges hospitals in the State to use Jersey Fresh produce in hospital cafeterias and patient meals to encourage healthy eating habits and prevent future disease development.
Many Americans are suffering from chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. These chronic diseases are strongly related to dietary choices and are preventable through improved nutrition and hospitals are in a position to promote improved nutrition through healthy diet options in hospital meals.
Jersey Fresh produce is distinctive in quality and freshness because it is grown in New Jersey and harvested at its peak ripened stage, allowing important vitamins and minerals in each type of produce to remain within the commodity. Fresh fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet because they provide essential nutrients that are linked to the prevention of many chronic health problems. Using Jersey Fresh produce in hospitals may increase awareness of the important role fresh produce plays in promoting good health and of its availability in the State.
