Foundation for Fresh Produce and Diabetes Nutrition Experts Bring More Flavor and Possibility to Diabetes-Friendly Eating

NEWARK, Del. – As part of its commitment to improving global health outcomes through greater fruit and vegetable consumption, The Foundation for Fresh Produce is expanding its nutrition education resources in recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month this November. The effort is designed to provide consumers and health professionals with practical, evidence-based guidance for navigating diabetes-friendly eating.

This summer, The Foundation partnered with the Diabetes Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on a recipe contest that invited registered dietitian nutritionists and diabetes care and education specialists to develop flavorful, approachable dishes for people living with diabetes. Each new recipe, available for free at fruitsandveggies.org, features vegetables and/or fruits and reflects the balance of fiber, protein and other nutrients that can support blood glucose management.

“Nearly one in nine adults worldwide are living with diabetes, and in the United States, diabetes affects nearly 15% of adults,” said Dr. Jelena Gligorijević, Chief Medical Officer for The Foundation for Fresh Produce. “And as prevalence continues to rise, helping people understand how nutritious foods like vegetables and fruits can fit into diabetes-friendly eating patterns is increasingly important.”

Further, as part of diabetes management, the American Diabetes Association recommends filling half of the plate with non-starchy vegetables at each meal to support glycemic control, weight management, and overall metabolic health.

“The challenge therein lies with confusion around what people living with diabetes can eat, when so many doctors might lead with a restriction,” says Gligorijević. “By providing health professionals and consumers with initial scientific evidence and practical resources, like recipes that help patients incorporate fruits and vegetables, we can strive to achieve greater health outcomes overall.”

The collection complements Dr. Gligorijević’s article, “Diabetes, Fruits & Vegetables,”  which explains how produce can fit into diabetes-friendly eating patterns. Together, the article and recipes shift the focus from restriction to possibility, highlighting colorful produce, fiber-rich ingredients and satisfying foods that fit different preferences and routines.

Contest entries were evaluated for nutrition, taste, visual appeal, practicality and their ability to reflect a range of cultures and food traditions. The winning recipes include:

• Shrimp Ceviche
• Chop & Toss Rainbow Salad
• Summer Street Corn Taco Bowls
• Roasted Roots & Barley Harvest Salad

Together, they show just how colorful, flavorful and satisfying diabetes-friendly eating can be.

“Diabetes-friendly eating doesn’t have to be defined by restrictions. These recipes focus on what people can add to their plates, pairing fruits and vegetables with protein, other fiber-rich foods, healthy fats and flavors to create balanced meals that support blood glucose management,” said Emily Holdorf, MS, RDN, Community Manager for The Foundation for Fresh Produce. “Just as importantly, they reflect the different cultures, traditions and routines that shape how people actually eat.”

Helping People Put Nutrition Guidance into Practice

For the fresh produce industry, the collaboration demonstrates the value of pairing nutrition education with practical food inspiration. Consumers may understand that fruits and vegetables support health, but they also need appealing, achievable ideas that reflect their health needs, budgets, preferences and routines.

By bringing together The Foundation’s fruit and vegetable resources with the expertise of diabetes nutrition professionals, the initiative helps turn general recommendations into food people can see themselves preparing and eating.

The resulting recipes are featured in a diabetes-friendly recipe collection on fruitsandveggies.org. Consumers and health professionals can also explore the new “10 Diabetes-Friendly Recipes Packed with Fruits & Veggies” blog post for even more fruit- and vegetable-forward ideas across meals and snacks.

About The Foundation for Fresh Produce

The Foundation for Fresh Produce is growing a healthier world by changing the trajectory of human health. We believe fruits and vegetables are the answer and we must remove barriers that prevent people from eating them.

The Foundation boosts the appeal of fruits and vegetables as an integral part of people’s diets, improves access, nurtures passionate fruit and vegetable professionals, and scales partner programs that strengthen our collective global impact. To join in changing the trajectory of human health, visit freshproduce.com/foundation to learn more and donate. For consumer inspiration and professional nutrition education, go to fruitsandveggies.org.