Since its inception in 2004, the Grain Foods Foundation (GFF) has become a trusted advocate for all grain foods. GFF has established itself as a science-based source of grains nutrition information, in part to building a respected arsenal of published and peer-reviewed nutrition research, as well as investing in successful partnerships with a diversity of experts in the field of nutritional science. GFF’s work to make the science around grain food nutrition accessible is a core objective, endeavoring to give Americans permission to enjoy grain-based products and feel confident in that choice. By choosing grains, individuals are feeding their families the foods that serve as vehicles for even greater nutrition, especially when paired with other nutrient-dense foods.
With the “Better Together” campaign, GFF will deliver simple ways Americans can easily adopt both whole and enriched grain food products healthfully into their diets—maximizing flavor, variety and nutrition opportunities. “Better Together” inspires grains, as well as whole-plate combinations, that include carbohydrates, dietary fiber, several B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid), and minerals (iron, magnesium, and selenium).
Using the motif of mixing and matching, the campaign offers a website, digital assets, as well as social media messaging to spread the good news about combining whole and enriched grain foods as well as the nutrient bounty that comes from combining grain foods with other nutritious players on the plate. A few mix and match scenarios in the enriched and whole grains category include:
- A fun “checkerboard” sandwich made with half enriched white bread and half whole wheat bread layered with your favorite meat and veggies
- Combine half white pasta with half whole-wheat pasta together with your favorite sauce
- Cook half white rice and half brown rice and pair with your favorite veggies
- Mix a “serious” whole-grain cereal with a “fun” enriched grain cereal topped with milk and fruit. Here are a few of our go-to combinations.
Additionally, GFF will be partnering with other nutrition advocacy and education groups to release nutrition tips and recipe swaps to advance the idea that variety provides optimum nutrition.
“GFF wants to lead the way in sharing the message that increasing whole grain consumption does not demand diminishing enriched grain consumption. In fact, in recognizing the nutrient contributions of both categories of grain foods, and then pairing them, consumers will be receiving the best in nutrition from our category,” said Erin Ball, GFF’s acting executive director. “And to take it a step further, teaming grain foods with vegetables, fruits, low-fat protein, and dairy creates nutrient dense and often cost-conscious super meals. The opportunities are endless.”
Those interested in more information about the Foundation, research findings, and the “Better Together” campaign can visit www.GrainFoodsFoundation.org. Further reading and announcements regarding the campaign will be posted to the website and GFF’s social media accounts throughout 2022.
