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Virtual “Whole Grain Toast” to Take Place at Noon EST on April 3, 2013
BOSTON, March 2013 – If you or your family aren’t convinced about the great taste of healthy whole grains, pledge to try a new grain like farro or millet or even more familiar choices like brown rice or oatmeal on Whole Grain Sampling Day taking place Wednesday, April 3, 2013. On that day, look for sampling opportunities at local supermarkets, restaurants, schools, corporate cafeterias and more as participating companies provide incentives to try whole grains, including free tastes, coupons, and whole grain gifts with purchase.
Organized annually by Boston-based non-profit Oldways and its Whole Grains Council (WGC), Sampling Day celebrations encourage millions of Americans to taste a whole lot of delicious, healthy whole grains. Now, in its second year, the program will be marked by a virtual “Whole Grain Toast” where folks across the nation and worldwide can take to the Internet to celebrate together. The toast will take place at noon EST; shout out your favorite grain, snap a shot enjoying a whole grain treat and encourage others to join in the fun. For those participating on Twitter use the hashtag #SampleWholeGrains
“Watching the joyful surprise on people’s faces after even a single bite of whole grains made our first ever National Whole Grain Sampling Day a success,” said Cynthia Harriman, Director of Food and Nutrition Strategies for the Whole Grains Council and Oldways. “The enthusiasm was contagious as amphibious Duck Boats delivered whole grains throughout the city of Boston, a flash mob dedicated to whole grain awareness danced and passed out samples in Minneapolis, and many other events took place. For our 2013 celebration, there will be plenty of whole grain treats to go around whether you are in Scranton or Scandinavia.”
Studies show that switching to whole grains lowers the risk of many chronic diseases. While benefits are most pronounced for those consuming at least 3 servings daily, some studies show reduced risks from as little as one serving daily – so every whole grain in the diet helps.
Already, several major partners have committed to participate in Whole Grain Sampling Day 2013. They include:
- Burger King, with its line of whole grain wraps and Quaker 100% whole grain oatmeal
- McDonald’s, with 100% whole grain oatmeal and whole grain buns on some sandwiches
- Compass, with a wide range of whole grains in schools, workplace cafeterias and healthcare
These companies join past partners including Arby’s, several supermarket chains, Indian Harvest, Cooking Light magazine and scores of others. Interested in joining in this year’s Sampling Day? Learn more at: http://wholegrainscouncil.org/get-involved/whole-grain-sampling-day
Everyone is encouraged to join in the whole grain conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #SampleWholeGrains.
Please contact Rachel Greenstein (rachel @ oldwayspt.org or 617-896-4888) for more information, including hi-res graphics of the Whole Grain Sampling Day logo or for interviews with WGC and Oldways program managers.
About Oldways and the Whole Grains Council
Oldways (www.oldwayspt.org) is a nonprofit food and nutrition education organization, with a mission to guide people to good health through heritage, using practical and positive programs grounded in science and tradition. The Whole Grains Council (WGC), an Oldways program, has been working since 2003 to increase consumption of whole grains for better health, and in 2005 introduced the Whole Grain Stamp, now used on 8,000 products in 41 countries. The WGC’s many initiatives help consumers to find whole grain foods and understand their health benefits; help manufacturers and restaurants to create delicious whole grain foods; and help the media to write accurate, compelling stories about whole grains. You can learn more about both at http://www.oldwayspt.org and http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org.