5 A DAY is based on advice from the World Health Organization, which recommends eating a minimum of 400g of fruit and vegetables a day to lower the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

The Food Chain North East is committed to ensuring local residents have access to fresh, affordable produce. Shopping the food coop way makes it really simple to achieve your 5 A DAY.

As well as being great for health and waistline buying your weekly fruit and vegetables through a food coop is fantastic for your budget. If you think an average apple or banana costs less than 25p, it’s a lot cheaper than snacking on crisps and chocolate and it will give you less calories and more nourishment.

As a rule of thumb the following provides one portion of your 5 A DAY:

These days, "modern life" can mean that we're a lot less active. With so many opportunities to watch TV or play computer games, and with so much convenience and fast food available, we don't move 9 out of 10 of our kids today could grow up with dangerous amounts of fat in their bodies. This can cause life-threatening diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. By the time we reach middle age, the majority of us could do with losing at least a bit of weight. Being overweight isn't just about the way we look. It can lead to more aches and pains, problems sleeping and people report a loss of energy and confidence. It also increases our chances of getting heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

But it doesn't have to be this way. Middle age comes to everyone - "middle aged spread" doesn't have to.

So why not make a change for life?

Why not try some of delicious recipe ideas.

Or to find out more on 5 A DAY visit www.5aday.nhs.uk

If you have a recipe idea or would like to find out more information on community, workplace or trade wholesale please email info@foodchain-ne.org or call us on 0191 482 6820 or 0191 482 6818.