It’s time to face the facts- most college students aren’t eating enough fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy diet. Students often pass up that juicy pear or that crunchy apple for the more convenient and available packaged snack off the shelf. While that granola bar may be satisfying, it is only a quick fix. Nothing contains the nutrients to fuel your body quite like a piece of fruit or a vegetable.

 According to the United States Department of Agriculture, men and women ages 19-31 should eat two cups of fruit per day, and two and a half cups of vegetables per day for women, three for men. If you’re having trouble deciphering what exactly a cup is, make a fist with your hand. The fist is approximately one cup.

The USDA also says that diets rich in foods containing fiber, like vegetables and fruits, can reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity and Type 2 diabetes. It can also lessen chances of heart-related diseases.

So while you’re supporting a healthy body, you can also be supporting your community. Fresh fruits and vegetables are readily available all over the New Orleans area at your local farmers markets.

The Holly Grove Market and Farm, located at 8301 Olive St., has an onsite farm and market open every day. In addition to the farm on site, the market gathers the best produce from farms within a 150-mile radius to offer health seekers an abundance of products. Holly Grove Farm mentor farmer Amber Parker, said the market is actually more like a grocery store, with an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs and bread.

Parker believes that eating fresh, local foods is not only beneficial to your community, but also good for your health.

“Eating food that is in season and picked at the perfect time gives you the best possible produce. Because we are experienced farmers, we are in sync with what nature is providing. For example, citrus is in season right now, which aligns perfectly with flu and cold season. Your body needs this Vitamin C,” Parker said.

With farmers markets scattered throughout the city, produce sections in your local grocery stores and even The Orleans Room on campus, you never have an excuse not to get your 2-3 servings of fruits and vegetables.

So, when you’re perusing The OR, grab a bowl and fill it up with some melon and cantaloupe and grab an orange, too. Next, hit the salad bar: fill that bowl up with leafy greens, some tomatoes, peppers, carrots and cucumbers– make it colorful– drizzle a bit of olive oil on top, and prepare to be surprised by the tastiness of something that is good for you, too.

Melanie Potter can be reached at [email protected]