WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 10, 2024 – As MyPlate National Strategic Partners, the Grain Foods Foundation, Hass Avocado Board, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation and National Wheat Foundation are excited to introduce a new resource aimed at helping individuals build healthier and more nutritious sandwiches.
Every day, nearly half of all Americans enjoy a sandwich – and most people are not meeting recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 1 The new “Build a Better Sandwich” resource features practical tips to help bridge this gap, with realistic and inspiring ideas for enjoying a variety of grains, lean proteins and fiber-filled fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy in better-built sandwiches.
“Consumers need convenient, affordable, nutrient-rich solutions for feeding themselves and their families,” said Grain Foods Foundation Executive Director Erin Ball. “Most people love sandwiches, and there are unlimited combinations based on personal preferences. Better-built options are an ideal way to meet nutrition recommendations, particularly early in the new year, when people are making choices to reverse some of the excesses of the holiday season. A better-built sandwich is, not only delicious, but a logical vehicle for much needed nutrients (e.g., vitamins, minerals, and fiber) without too much sodium and saturated fats.”
“Sandwiches can be a healthy and delicious part of a balanced diet, bringing together all food groups in an easy and affordable package,” said NASDA Foundation Senior Director Chris Jones. “We know many Americans enjoy sandwiches every day – making them one way to help empower people to make healthy choices that align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).” MyPlate was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion as a visual reminder to encourage people to make healthy choices within and among all five food groups. The MyPlate National Strategic Partner Program was created to engage national organizations such as healthcare corporations, media outlets, grocery retailers, health professional associations, restaurant chains, and food manufacturers, who can help disseminate DGA recommendations and MyPlate resources, to ultimately reach more people with messages to encourage healthy eating.
To download the “Build a Better Sandwich” resource and other materials created by MyPlate National Strategic Partners, please visit https://www.myplate.gov/partner-resources.
- Sebastian et al. Sandwich consumption by adults in the U.S.: What We Eat in America, NHANES 2009-2012. Food Surveys Research Group Dietary Data Brief No. 14. Dec 2015. ↩︎
