California Latino 5 a Day Campaign Holds Public Policy Forum to Take Action to Reverse Latino Health Epidemic in San Diego.

Community Leaders, Public Health Advocates and Elected Officials
             to Determine Local Solutions to Ensure Access
              to Fresh, Affordable Fruits and Vegetables

      Event Kicks off Second Annual Latino Health Awareness Month


WHAT:   In response to the health crisis facing Latinos in California,
        members of the California Latino 5 a Day Campaign in San Diego
        will be joined by: Juan Vargas, Assemblymember of the 79th
        District; Sue Foerster, chief of the Cancer Prevention and
        Nutrition Section of the Department of Health Services;
        Roberto Salazar, administrator for the USDA Food and Nutrition
        Service; Ron Roberts, Supervisor of San Diego County; and
        Leonard J. Vasquez, Mayor of Calipatria, among others, for
        "Voices for Change," a policy forum to determine steps that
        can be implemented locally to promote healthy eating and
        provide access to fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables. The
        policy forum is being held as part of San Diego's Latino
        Health Awareness Month commemoration.

WHY:    Latinos make up 32 percent of California's population. Yet, 43
        percent of adults are classified as overweight, and 25 percent
        are obese. Overweight contributes to heart disease, cancer,
        stroke, and type 2 diabetes, which are among the top five
        causes of death among Latinos in California. Research shows
        that eating 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables can
        help reduce the risk of serious health problems and chronic
        diseases, including heart disease, hypertension, stroke, type
        2 diabetes, obesity and certain types of cancer. However,
        fresh fruits and vegetables are often more expensive and
        harder to find in rural communities and in the inner cities
        making it difficult for California's Latino community to get
        the recommended 5 to 9 servings per day.

WHO:    -- Roberto Salazar, administrator for the USDA Food
            and Nutrition Service
        -- Juan Vargas, Assemblymember of the 79th District
        -- Sue Foerster, chief of the Cancer Prevention and Nutrition
            Section of the Department of Health Services
        -- Ron Roberts, Supervisor of San Diego County
        -- Leonard J. Vasquez, Mayor of Calipatria
        -- Dr. Laura Clapper, regional medical director
            of Health Net Insurance
        -- Melinda Tanasefcu, Rosa Parks Elementary School
            Cesar Chavez service group
        -- Bob Harrington, Specialty Produce
        -- Blanca Melendrez and Julie Sammons of California 5 a Day

WHEN:   Friday, June 18, 2004, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
        (Policy makers speaking from 10:00 to noon)

WHERE:  Salvation Army Kroc Center, Multipurpose Room
         and Performing Arts Center
        6845 University Avenue
        San Diego, CA

VISUALS:
        -- Community leaders, elected officials, public health
            advocates discussing health epidemic and access issues
        -- Interviews with community organizations that serve
            the Latino community

TO ATTEND:
        To attend the event or for more information, please contact
        Katie Bogue at 619-379-0651.