Captain 5 A Day is a superhero who is featured in an audio program (CD/tape) for children to encourage them to eat fruits and vegetables and to be physically active. His name reminds everyone to eat a total of five servings of fruit and vegetables and to exercise everyday.

Classroom activities packaged in an adventure box demonstrate that learning about new foods can be lots of fun. A parent workbook and video (in both English and Spanish) are included in the program. If you are interested in one of these kits, please contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health by e-mail at Idamaris.Rodriguez@po.state.ct.us or by phone at 860-509-8251.

Captain 5 A Day is a joint project between the Department of Allied Health, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Connecticut, and the Connecticut Department of Public Health with funding from a variety of sources including USDA Food Stamps Nutrition Education.

This nutrition program currently reaches over 35,000 children, parents and teaching staff each year through workshops and training materials. Interactive workshops for teachers and parents are available to show them how to conduct activities with the kids.

The Captain 5 A Day program has been widely tested and used throughout the state in Early Childhood Education Programs.

You can contact Valerie Duffy (UConn) or John Frassinelli (CT DPH) for more information.

You can also reach program staff by calling us at 860.486.4262.