Desert Sierra Residents and Leaders Take Action to Assure Availability of Nutritious Fruits and Vegetables for Community Residents.

Black History Month Consumer Empowerment Forum for Change Offers Solutions to Address Food Shortages

The California African American 5 a Day Campaign:

WHAT:   As part of the Black History Month Consumer Empowerment Forum
        for Change, a coalition of community partners, including local
        residents, elected officials, faith-based organizations, and
        community-based organizations is convening a Consumer
        Empowerment Forum for Change to highlight the need for and
        improve the availability of nutritious fruits and vegetables
        for African Americans in low-income neighborhoods in
        Riverside. The coalition's commitment to providing more fruits
        and vegetables to low-income families is supported by food
        retailers and community agencies.

WHY:    People are ready to take action for change! According to a
        recent survey conducted by the California African American 5 a
        Day Campaign among 1,460 African American adults in the San
        Diego, Oakland, Fresno, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San
        Bernardino, and Riverside areas, respondents are ready to take
        specific actions to improve the health of their communities.
        The Consumer Empowerment Forum for Change provides an
        opportunity to demonstrate creative ways to help residents in
        low-income neighborhoods get the recommended daily amounts of
        fruits and vegetables and levels of physical activity for good
        health.

WHO:    The California African American 5 a Day Campaign, First 5
        Riverside, Eastern Star - Queen Elizabeth Chapter #8, Blood
        Bank of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, County of
        Riverside - Department of Public Health, Riverside City
        Council, Riverside County Board of Supervisors, Temple
        Community Outreach Center, Faith Temple Church, and Desert
        Sierra Partnership.

WHEN:   Friday, February 16, 2007 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

WHERE:  First 5 Riverside
        2002 Iowa Avenue, Suite 100
        Riverside, CA 92507
        951-248-0014