People in Casey and Greater Dandenong, Victoria, are being asked to take a healthier approach to their diets in 2015.
The Heart Foundation issued the plea, following a study which revealed below average figures (less than five per cent in both cities) of people consuming enough fresh food.
Foundation spokesperson Kellie-Ann Jolly urged residents to establish a new eating regime that included more vegetables and fruit.
She said eating a minimum of two servings of fruit and five of vegetables each day contributed to good health, and also provided some protection from heart disease.
Antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and fibre represented a magic combination, the director of cardiovascular health said.
Jolly said the extent of the problem was revealed by the state government in Victorian Heart Maps released in 2013.
Ratios were given to each area, with those above one considered worse than average and those below deemed better than average.
Bottom place in the study went to Greater Dandenong, while Casey came a close second with 1.42.
Brochure printers for food outlets in the city centre have displayed a wide array of fresh vegetables and fruit currently available.
Alexander Produce’s Alex Alexopoulos said it would be easy for people in the area to access fresh fruit and vegetables that were both economical and easy to prepare.
