The beginning of September hails the start of fall, the return to school, and the quest for pumpkin-spice-flavored everything. It also kicks off our favorite month of the year: Whole Grains Month. Back by popular demand, we’re hosting a new iteration of last year’s Grainies Awards and it all starts today. Join us as we launch our very special whole grain contest once again.

Unlike other awards shows where your role is very likely one of spectator, the Grainies offer you the chance to actively participate, and perhaps even win some great prizes and accolades for your efforts. Each week in September, we’ll post new ways you can enter our competition. Participants will be asked to do things like make a whole grain dinner or treat to share with a neighbor or friend, celebrate Taco Tuesday using whole grain tortillas, or donate whole grain product to a local food bank or pantry. To follow along, check out our Whole Grains Month page!

Each entry you earn by completing a whole grain challenge will increase your chance of being selected to win various prizes throughout the month, including whole grain products and swag donated by our Whole Grains Council member companies. At the end of September, we will pick six Grand Prize winners who will each receive a $100 check in addition to other whole grain goodies. Prize items include:

• Rice cookers
• Bags of flour
• Breads
• Breakfast cereals
• Intact grains, including quinoa, emmer, einkorn, and specialty rices
• Branded hats, masks, notebooks, tote bags, aprons, and water bottles

As if the health benefits and great taste of whole grains weren’t reward enough, we’re pulling out all the stops to make this month’s event something extra special. We can’t wait to see your contest entries and to cheer you on as you discover new and wonderful ways to celebrate and enjoy whole grains. Let the games begin! (Caroline)