Adding Pears to MyPlate

Adding Pears to MyPlate

Adding Pears to MyPlate. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Fruit Grower Report.
Pear season, like most others, is running a bit behind this year but according to Cristie Mather, Director of Communications for Pear Bureau Northwest they have now partnered with the USDA which should help promote pears.
MATHER: The MyPlate icon replaces the USDA’s food pyramid as an easy to understand visual to help American’s make healthy choices come mealtime and they’re based on the 2010 dietary guidelines for American’s. Last week (we) found out that we have been chosen to be a National Strategic Partner with the USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
She says they have a nutrition communicators network.
MATHER: Basically what it is, is a concerted effort of partners to speak consistently about the MyPlate messaging, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines and just sort of create a grass roots effort to really communicate what these guidelines are and really help American’s make those smart eating choices.
So where do pears fit in?
MATHER: As representing the pear growers of Oregon and Washington, the 1600 growers that we represent, it’s the right thing to do for consumers but it’s also the right thing to do for our growers because we work hard to increase the consumption of fresh all year round and by synching up with this effort we’re able to secure a place for pears on more American’s plates.
More tomorrow.
That’s today’s Fruit Grower Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.  

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