Obesity in Kern County has risen 26% between 2011 and 2016. To help promote a healthier lifestyle and awareness about the importance of eating better, the Kern County Public Health Services Department is hosting the Fruit and Vegetable Festival Friday.
The festival will be in the Walmart Neighborhood Mart on North Chester in Oildale Friday, May 4th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Community member can expect to learn about how small changes like incorporating more colorful fruits and vegetables into meals and snacks can help them eat better and improve their health.
The proportion of adults who are obese in Kern County is 58% higher than the state average and we are ranked 2nd worst in the state for adults with obesity. As of 2016, 43% of all Kern County adults are obese and 31% of all Kern County adults are overweight. This means 3 out of 4 adults in our community are overweight or obese. With a little over 600,000 adults in Kern County, that's 450,000 people living with a higher risk of poor health outcomes.
There will be samples of nutritious and delicious recipes, free cooking tips and recipes along with tips for planning meals and how to keep produce fresh. In addition, raffles and fun activities for families and kids will be offered to showcase ways to eat better and play better every day. Many community vendors will be on site, including Omni Family Health to provide health screenings at the event.
