BOSTON, July 24, 2017 – September is Whole Grains Month and the Boston-based non-profit Oldways Whole Grains Council (WGC) is encouraging people everywhere to join the celebration by supporting “Good Grains for a Good Cause.”

Whole grain lovers 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 will be accepted on the Whole Grains Council website from August 1 through September 30, 2017.

“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 Kelly Toups, MLA, RD LDN, Director of Nutrition, 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 2015 data from Feeding America, approximately 42 million Americans experience food insecurity — uncertain access to adequate food. Yet Americans also grapple with chronic disease and obesity rates that are rising year over year. This initiative puts the spotlight on both crises, according to Toups.

Studies show that switching to 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 inflammation, healthier blood pressure levels, and better weight control.

5 Ways To Celebrate Whole Grains Month

Aside from nominating a food organization in the Good Grains for a Good Cause campaign, here are five other ways to celebrate this month:

  1. Buy whole grain pizza dough and seasonal vegetables from the supermarket, and have a family pizza party.
  2. Instead of putting croutons on your salad, swap in cooked quinoa, wheat berries, or bulgur.
  3. Use whole wheat flour in your favorite baking recipe, and surprise a neighbor or friend with the result.
  4. Buy one new-to-you whole grain (like freekeh, sorghum, or millet) and try a new recipe with it.
  5. Help organize a whole grain food drive at your workplace, school, or worship center, and bring the donations to a local food bank.

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 website for recipes, health information, cooking tips and much more.

Everyone is also encouraged to join in the conversation on Twitter. Share your favorite charities addressing food insecurity — or information about your own experiences with whole grains — by using the hashtag #WholeGrainsMonth.

Please contact Kyle Potvin (kpotvin@splashllc.com or 603-893-1707) for more information, including hi-res graphics, interviews, or recipes.

About Oldways and the Whole Grains Council

Oldways is a nonprofit food and nutrition education organization, with a mission to inspire healthy eating through cultural food traditions and lifestyles. The Oldways Whole Grains Council (WGC) 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 11,000 products in 55 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.