WGC to Launch ‘Good Grains For A Good Cause’

September is Whole Grains Month and the Boston-based non-profit Oldways and its Whole Grains Council (WGC) are encouraging people 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 whole grain foods and national recognition. Nominations are accepted on the Whole Grains Council website from Aug. 15 through Sept. 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 WGC 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 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.

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 WGC, an Oldways program, has been working since 2003 to increase consumption of whole grains for better health.