An Apple a Day Will Actually Keep the Doctor Away, According to Thomas Hoey

    PHILADELPHIA, PA, August 08, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Thomas Hoey, owner and manager of Long Island Banana, knows of the many health benefits that come with bananas and other fruits. But a majority of the population is still unaware of how much good produce can do for their bodies. Many ailments can be treated and prevented simply by ingesting more fruits and vegetables. That is why some cities are taking a stand and helping people gain access to these super foods.

A recent article in ABC News has unveiled New York City's newest plan to promote fruit and vegetable consumption. Lincoln Medical Center and Harlem Hospital have joined an organization called the Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program. These two medical facilities, whose focus is on low-income families that cannot afford healthcare, will help the less fortunate eat healthier.

The hospitals will start providing families with "health bucks" as part of a prescription. These coupons will equal one dollar a day per member of the prescribed family. For example, each week, a family of four will have 28 dollars to spend at the local produce market.

Other cities, such as Boston, have shown major success utilizing the Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program. Experts state that it encouraged families to eat healthier and to make more clinical appointments. Children especially were starting to introduce more healthy foods into their diets.

This program is part of a larger movement called Wholesome Wave, who has promoted healthier eating for the past several years. This organization reported that there was a 93 percent increase in health food consumption in 2012 alone. Approximately 38 percent of children participants had reduced their body mass index as well. Many other health benefits will come from this program including decreased risk of heart disease and cancer.

"Not enough people are eating healthy," states Thomas Hoey. "I think one of the main reasons for this is because they can't afford it. It's a shame that some fast food restaurants charge more for a salad than a hamburger. Businesses need to do their part in helping America get back on the right track. We need to encourage healthier eating and better nutrition. People need to buy and eat more fruit and vegetables!"

The United States Department of Agriculture has recommended that the average person should consume two and a half cups of vegetables and two cups of fruit per day. This should cost roughly two dollars at the local grocery market. Consumers are advised to buy their produce frozen, in season, and in bulk to get the best deals and freshest foods.

New York City will hopefully establish the Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program soon. Thomas Hoey is just one of many people who are enthusiastic to see an increase in vegetable and fruit sales.

ABOUT:

Thomas Hoey is the owner of Long Island Banana in Linbrook, New York. His company employs many and distributes fresh bananas along the east coast of the United States. Hoey has served with the Agricultural Community in Washington D.C. and on the board of the Franklin Hospital. A strong believer in moral and good faith, Hoey is an avid philanthropist. He assists with many charitable organizations such as the House of Hope in Valley Stream, Little Sister's of the Poor, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He is also an active donor for the Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in NYC and the Knights of Pythias Diabetes Research Association.

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