U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack came to West Sacramento on Monday with an important message: Eat your fruits and vegetables.

Vilsack said his message went beyond kicking off a national information campaign for "MyPlate," the U.S. Department of Agriculture's recently adopted nutrition guide/template. He said it was important to strong rural communities, general public health, jobs, the economy and even national security.

"America's abundant and nutritious food supply is one of the most affordable in the world, and increasing our consumption of fruits and vegetables will go a long way toward reversing overweight and obesity, not only for children but for all Americans."

Vilsack spent his afternoon touring the 26,000-square-foot Farm Fresh to You facility on Seaport Boulevard. The family-owned organic produce home delivery service serves more than 40,000 customers monthly.

Vilsack, who was joined by Farm Fresh owners, regional public officials and various agricultural officials, said California was the perfect place to roll out the MyPlate campaign, given the state's role as the nation's leading fruit and vegetable producer and home to hundreds of thousands of agricultural jobs.

He said boosting production and distribution of fruits and vegetables could produce even more jobs in-state and elsewhere, thereby helping the U.S. economy.

How does healthier food help national security?

Vilsack noted that USDA studies show a relatively small percentage of 19- to 24-year-olds physically fit enough for military service.

MyPlate gets its name from the USDA icon showing a dinner plate divided into four food groups – fruits, vegetables, proteins and grains – plus a glass depicting dairy.

In June, MyPlate replaced the long-standing USDA MyPyramid as the primary nutrition guide symbol. Part one of the MyPlate information blitz urges consumers to "make half their plate fruits and vegetables."

To help get the word out, Vilsack announced a "MyPlate Fruits and Veggies Video Challenge," encouraging videos from groups and individuals. Videos can be songs, skits or how-to videos.

The secretary said $9,000 in prize money will be awarded to videos judged the best and featuring tips for kids and tips for eating at home or away from home. Winners will be announced Dec. 14.

Vilsack also announced that 4,000 U.S. organizations had joined the MyPlate Nutrition Communicators Network, plus more than 50 national strategic partners, including the National Restaurant Association, GE, Del Monte Foods and Kellogg's.

MyPlate also urges consumers to switch to low-fat or fat-free milk, vary protein selections, control portion sizes and reduce sugar and sodium intake. It also touts water in favor of sugary drinks.

The USDA's MyPlate information campaign is scheduled to run through 2013.

More information on MyPlate and the video competition can be found at www.choosemyplate.gov.

Earlier in the day, Vilsack visited the Port of West Sacramento and talked up the Obama administration's proposed American Jobs Act.

Vilsack's remarks coincided with Obama's California visit, also aimed at raising public support for the jobs bill introduced in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month.

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