International Whole Grain Day
The Whole Grain Initiative launched the first International Whole Grain Day on 19 November in an effort to encourage whole grain consumption across Member States.
More specifically, International Whole Grain Day aims to draw consumer attention to the positive impact of whole grain on nutrition, wellbeing, and sustainability. In doing so, The Whole Grain Initiative is calling on EU Member States to prioritise whole grain in their national dietary guidelines.
“The benefits of whole grain are well documented but, sadly, people still aren’t getting enough in their daily diets. This isn’t a problem we can solve on our own,” said originator of the Whole Grain Initiative, Michaela Pichler.
“We need to combine forces and help people to make whole grain a part of their lives. The Whole Grain Initiative is a chance for us to work with international stakeholders and explore ways how policy makers can start taking whole grain seriously. We’re excited to stimulate a conversation at EU policy level, and act as an incubator for exchanging whole grain good practices, knowledge and global initiatives to mobilise a whole grain movement.”
According to Pichler, there are a ‘number of things’ that can be done to increase whole grain in our diets. The first priority needed, she is, is education. “We need to help consumers understand the benefits of whole grain, where they can find it, and easy and quick ways to add it to their diet.”
Image: ©GettyImages/marilyna