Bill Text: NJ AR66 | 2022-2023 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Urges nursing homes and other senior living facilities to use Jersey Fresh produce.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-02-07 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee [AR66 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2022-AR66-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman RONALD S. DANCER
District 12 (Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean)
SYNOPSIS
Urges nursing homes and other senior living facilities to use Jersey Fresh produce.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution urging nursing homes and other senior living facilities to use Jersey Fresh produce.
Whereas, For senior citizens a healthy and nutritious diet boosts immunity, mental acuteness, and energy levels, keeps weight in check, and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type-II diabetes, bone loss, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease; and
Whereas, Nutritional needs vary from one person to another, depending on genetics and other health factors, and therefore it is important to have a variety of nutrient-dense foods available for individuals in nursing homes and other senior living facilities; and
Whereas, Fruits and vegetables are considered nutrient-dense foods and New Jersey produces more than 100 different kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables; and
Whereas, In 1984, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) 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 future disease development, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, preventing some types of cancer, and lowering the risk of eye and digestive problems; and
Whereas, Using Jersey Fresh produce in nursing homes and other senior living facilities may increase awareness of the important role fresh produce plays in promoting good health and preventing future disease development; and
Whereas, To improve health outcomes for senior citizens it is imperative that nursing homes and other senior living facilities 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 nursing homes and other senior living facilities operating in the State to purchase Jersey Fresh produce to use in meals for senior citizens.
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 Health Care Association of New Jersey, the Commissioner of Health, and the Secretary of Agriculture.
STATEMENT
This resolution urges nursing homes and other senior living facilities operating in the State to purchase Jersey Fresh produce to use in meals for senior citizens.
For senior citizens a healthy and nutritious diet boosts immunity, mental acuteness, and energy levels, keeps weight in check, and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type-II diabetes, bone loss, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. Nutritional needs vary from one person to another, depending on genetics and other health factors, and therefore it is important to have a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available for individuals in nursing homes and other senior living facilities. Fruits and vegetables are considered nutrient-dense foods and New Jersey produces more than 100 different kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables.
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 prevent future disease development. Using Jersey Fresh produce in nursing homes and other senior living facilities may increase awareness of the important role fresh produce plays in promoting good health and preventing future disease development.
