When: September
What: During September, kids return to school and sandwiches start making their grand reappearance in lunchboxes. Slathered with peanut butter and jelly, or turkey and mayo, thick slices of bread get mushed together and put in little baggies for lunchtime. This September, encourage kids and adults alike to make a healthy lunch choice and go whole wheat during Whole Grains Month.
Background: According to the Whole Grains Council, eating whole grains can reduce the risk of stroke, diabetes and heart disease. Integrating whole grains into your diet is not incredibly challenging when you can just replace white bread with wheat, or change out your standard pasta for whole grain. Reading labels to see what ingredients are in certain foods is a step in the right direction as you become more aware of whole grains.
Story Pitch: A wide array of groups and organizations can help to promote whole grain consumption. Dieticians can discuss the assorted health benefits of whole grains with their clients. Pediatricians and doctors may also promote around this event by stressing the importance of whole grains in the diet, especially starting at a young age. Meanwhile, bakeries, grocers and restaurants may want to note the importance of whole grains and run promotional campaigns around healthy, whole grain food products.
Story Hook: According to the Whole Grains Council, whole grains can include beneficial elements such as protein, fiber, iron, and B vitamins. Consider the following when you make your pitch:
- What are some ways that a person can integrate whole grains into their diet?
- What buzzwords should one look for on food labels to signal whole grains?
- How can parents of young children encourage whole grain consumption?
- How can whole grains be used at home, in cooking and baking?
Tips: A dietician who can discuss the benefits of whole grains would make a good source. In addition, a family who is health-conscious and has integrated whole grain foods into their everyday eating habits would also be a good contact.
Resources:
Grains for Health Foundation
(952) 500-9012
www.grainsforhealth.org
Nutrition.gov
nginbox(at)ars.usda.gov
www.nutrition.gov
Team Nutrition
(703) 305-1624
www.teamnutrition.usda.gov
Whole Grains Council
(617) 421-5500
www.wholegrainscouncil.com
–Researched, compiled & written by Kimberly Cooper
Event Dates from CHASE’S Calendar of Events
