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Government Considers Replacing Food Guide Pyramid
Well-Known Graphic May Get New Look, Catchy Slogan
POSTED: 6:43 am EDT July 13,
2004
WASHINGTON -- America's expanding waistlines may reshape the government's food pyramid.
While 80 percent of the country recognizes the Food Guide Pyramid, two-thirds are overweight. A lot of people don't understand how to use it, officials say, because they're not aware of the 32-page booklet that accompanies the graphic.The Food Guide Pyramid, adopted in 1992, was not designed as a stand-alone educational tool, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.A government spokesman said what's lacking is behavior modification.Now, in conjunction with revisions to their dietary guidelines, the government is trying to remedy the confusion as they develop new guidelines on healthy eating. Officials are looking for a new symbol to replace the Food Guide Pyramid, or at least a catchy slogan that would entice people to look for ways to improve their diets.
Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman said the Agriculture Department is asking for a 45-day public comment period on whether to replace the pyramid or update it."We are seeking public input on how to best present the most current nutritional science in a form that assists the public in personalizing the information so they can make healthier choices," Veneman said. The department says the next food guide graphic, whether it's a pyramid or some other shape, will help people make individual choices and to clarify generalized messages that are sometimes misunderstood. One consumer advocate says any update should advise people to eat more fruits and vegetables and to exercise more.The government's new dietary guidelines are set to be released in early 2005, along with the new pyramid.If you'd like to give the government your input, send your written comments to:
MyPyramid.gov
Diet And Fitness SectionAgriculture Secretary Ann Veneman said the Agriculture Department is asking for a 45-day public comment period on whether to replace the pyramid or update it."We are seeking public input on how to best present the most current nutritional science in a form that assists the public in personalizing the information so they can make healthier choices," Veneman said. The department says the next food guide graphic, whether it's a pyramid or some other shape, will help people make individual choices and to clarify generalized messages that are sometimes misunderstood. One consumer advocate says any update should advise people to eat more fruits and vegetables and to exercise more.The government's new dietary guidelines are set to be released in early 2005, along with the new pyramid.If you'd like to give the government your input, send your written comments to: - Food Guide Pyramid Reassessment Team
USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
3101 Park Center Drive, Room 1034
Alexandria, VA 22302
Previous Stories:
- May 29, 2003: Letter: Food Pyramid Needs Healthy Fats
- February 19, 2003: Classic Food Pyramid May Be Upside Down
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