HEALTHY FOOD PROMOTION PLAN
HEALTHY FOOD PROMOTION PLAN
A survey by the Health Systems Research Institute from 2003 to 2009 found that members of the Thai population age 15 and older do not consume sufficient fruits and vegetables to meet minimum criteria set by the World Health Organization (i.e. At least 400 grams, or 5 standard servings, per day) for reducing risks of chronic non-communicable diseases. In 2003, Thai people consumed 3.5 standard servings of fruits and vegetables per day. This figure continually decreased to three standard servings per day in 2008, and increased slightly to 3.1 standard servings per day in 2009.
Economic factors have contributed to this situation, with the reduction of agricultural areas and food insecurity, the expansion of urban societies, and the consumption behavior of populations in all age groups. Particularly vulnerable groups are schoolchildren and teenagers, who exhibit consumption behavior that is not age-appropriate, and who are most likely to be overweight. It is expected that one out of every ten students will be overweight in 2015. Therefore it is important that systematic work implementation be conducted to increase access to safe fruits and vegetables. Environmental factors should also be created to help prevent excess weight among teenagers and students, and to promote healthy consumption behavior.
Focus Areas of Plan
1) Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, reduction of sweet and salty foods, and reduction of high-calorie foods.
2) Promotion of healthy food chains to ensure that consumers can access producers and retailers of safe, organic fruits and vegetables; Encourage consumers to grow their own vegetables for consumption.
3) Management of environmental factors affecting healthy foods in strategic locations, specifically, infant development centers and schools.
4) Promotion of cooperation between producers to create a widespread model of healthy foods channeled to consumers.