Whereas, Heart disease and cancer are the top two leading causes of death in Michigan, resulting in more than 45,000 deaths in 2005; and,

Whereas, An estimated 26 percent of Michigan adults are now obese, and as obesity increases the risks for long-term health problems such as osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke and cancer have significantly higher annual medical expenditures than those classified as having a "healthy" weight; and,

Whereas, According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, people who consume generous amounts of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet are likely to have lower risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer; and,

Whereas, Eating fruits and vegetables instead of high-fat foods can also help with weight control; and,

Whereas, Employee health and economic health go hand-in-hand, and employers can take proactive measures such as offering reasonably-priced healthy food options in vending machines, cafeterias and during meetings; and,

Whereas, Employees can make a difference by taking fruits and veggies to work everyday, a simple step that, with a little planning and creativity, can become an easy habit to maintain; and,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 20, 2007, as Take Fruit & Veggies to Work Day in Michigan.  I encourage all citizens to join me in commemorating this important observance and reduce their risk for disease by making healthy eating choices every day.