Celebrate Whole Grains Month This September By Honoring
Food-Based Charities Across the Nation

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BOSTON, July, 2013 – September is Whole Grains Month and the Boston-based non-profit Oldways and its Whole Grains Council (WGC) are encouraging people everywhere to join the celebration by supporting “Good Grains for a Good Cause.”

Whole grain lovers everywhere can participate by nominating their favorite charities that address food insecurity – a food pantry, soup kitchen, or other organization. At the end of September, one qualifying charity will be randomly selected to win a wealth of delicious whole grain foods and national recognition.  Nominations are accepted on the Whole Grains Council website from August 15 though September 30, 2013.

“Charities throughout the country are doing important work to feed Americans needing support, and during Whole Grains Month, we want to honor these efforts,” said Cynthia Harriman, Director of Food and Nutrition Strategies for the Whole Grains Council and Oldways.  “Good Grains for a Good Cause helps consumers recognize good work in their communities, while bringing the importance of eating nutritious and delicious whole grains top of mind.”

According to 2011 data from Feeding America approximately 50 million Americans experience food insecurity and yet Americans are also grappling with chronic disease and obesity rates that are rising year over year. This initiative puts the spotlight on both crises, according to Harriman.

Many Whole Grains Council members are already working to end hunger by partnering with food banks and even creating their own initiatives.  To underscore the need for this type of work, to build awareness for the charities and to create momentum and inspiration for sharing with others, the WGC has also created the Good Grains for a Good Cause spotlight on the WGC website, highlighting 30 companies that are doing good deeds. Each day in September, another company will be featured along with the work they are doing to help end hunger.

Studies show that eating whole grains lowers the risk of many chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes, with some studies showing reduced risks from as little as one serving daily.  Other benefits include reduced risk of asthma, healthier blood pressure levels, and better weight control.

Whole Grains Month is an annual initiative designed to introduce consumers to the health benefits and great taste of whole grains. In September and all through the year, consumers are encouraged to visit the WGC Web site for recipes, health information, cooking tips and much more.

Everyone is also encouraged to join in the conversation on Twitter. Share your favorite charities that address food insecurity by using the hashtag #WholeGrainsMonth.

Please contact Rachel Greenstein (rachel@oldwayspt.org or 617-896-4888) for more information, including hi-res graphics, interviews with WGC and Oldways program managers, or recipes.

About Oldways and the Whole Grains Council

Oldways 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 more than 8,600 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.

 

 

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