For Immediate Release: October 21st, 2015

Contact:
Brenda Fenech-Soler
brenda.fenech-soler@flhealth.gov
Phone:  904-209-3250, Ext. 1004

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL - The Florida Department of Health and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are partnering to offer the Healthy, Fast, “Fresh from Florida” Challenge”, as part of the World Food Championship.  The competition is open to Florida residents. Three finalists will be invited to cook their healthy recipes live at the World Food Championship on Friday, November. 6, 2015, in Kissimmee, for a chance to win $2,500.

“This competition provides a fun way for Floridians to engage in making good dietary decisions, which improves health,” said DOH-St. Johns Director, Dr. Dawn Allicock.  “The healthy food choice really can become the easy choice for all Floridians.”

Floridians 18 and older are invited to submit their healthy recipes online at worldfoodchampionships.com/florida.  All recipe submissions must meet the following requirements:

• Use no salt added or low sodium products;
• Be 500 calories or fewer;
• Include food items of at least three colors;
• Contain at least two “Fresh From Florida” fruits or vegetables;
• Contain one source of protein – plant or animal sources;
• Take no more than five minutes to cook, excluding prep time; and
• Must be original, titled and include a picture.

The three contestants chosen will compete at the live event for the chance to win $2,500, $1,000 or $500.  For more information on the World Food Championship, visit the event webpage

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About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.  Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

About the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps support Florida’s $123 billion agriculture industry.  As part of this effort, the department administers the "Fresh From Florida" program to help Florida producers market their products. For more information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

About Healthiest Weight Florida Healthiest Weight Florida is a public-private collaboration bringing together state agencies, not-for-profit organizations, businesses and entire communities to help Florida's children and adults make consistent, informed choices about healthy eating and active living. To learn more about how to be active and make nutritious food choices, visit www.healthiestweightflorida.com.