"Dietary Guidelines for Americans," released in 2005, emphasizes the importance of eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

Mid-Land Meals, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization that helps senior citizens toward meeting this goal everyday.

According to Mid-Land Meals, there is mounting evidence that show people who eat lots of fruit and vegetables are less likely to develop chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and some cancers.

"Five-a-day" should be achievable by eating one or two portions with each meal in a variety and an occasional fruit snack.

Select daily intake of fruits and vegetables by choosing at least one serving of vitamin A and vitamin C enriched fruits or vegetables, a high-fiber fruit or vegetable, and several servings of cruciferous (mustard family) vegetables weekly.

Mid-Land Meals also provides meals to homebound individuals, child daycares and school programs in 47 Indiana counties. Local sites include; Burlington Nutrition Site (765) 566-2192, Camden Nutrition Site (574) 686-2785, Delphi Senior Center (765) 564-6466 and Flora Senior Center (765) 967-3400.