Since the project started two years ago, the number of community gardens has grown from two to 56, and citizens are eating more fresh vegetables. No more puny babies. Infants born to teen-age mothers have a lower chance of survival because of low birth weights. A Georgia Extension educational program in one county taught pregnant teens about prenatal nutrition. Only 2 percent of participants' babies were born with low weight compared to 9.8 percent for the state.
Positive benefits save money.
In 1999, the results of two significant cost-benefit studies were released. Food companies and policymakers need detailed information on what, when and how much people eat to help them make decisions on labeling, marketing and recipe analysis. Michigan State researchers have created a national clearinghouse that contains free information about the dietary intake of hundreds of thousands of people. Policymakers and researchers at universities and small food companies find the one-stop data shop invaluable in their food and nutrition studies. More fruits, less fried food.