Be Inspired By Winning Entries

Remember, we consider two main factors in choosing our annual Whole Grains Challenge winners. They include

  1. the variety of whole grain foods you serve
  2. the creativity of your whole grain promotions and educational programs
Read below for a sampling of programs and foods that have wowed us in past years, and click here to “meet” the winners of the 2009 Whole Grains Challenge.

Fair Hill Inn (2008, Fine Dining) made sure that during the contest month every item on their three menus – even dessert – featured a whole grain. They also promoted whole grains on their website and in several direct marketing efforts to their mailing list.

PF Chang’s China Bistro (2007, Family / Casual) served 10,000,000 pounds of brown rice the year they won. In fact, 45% of their customers order brown rice instead of white.

Canyon Ranch (2009, Lodging / Catering) has long emphasized nutritional intelligence and engaged eating.  Each menu option is a balanced plate of vegetables, protein, healthy fats, and of course, whole grains.  Guests receive full nutrition information packets detailing Canyon Ranch’s nutrition philosophy, priming them for delectable whole grain options at every meal.

Newtown CT Schools (2008, K-12 schools) incorporated a special whole grains relay race into their school’s field day, and sampled new whole grain foods to students.

Virginia Tech Dining Services (2007, University / Grand winner) ran a “Whole Grain Boot Camp” for two months, with more than two dozen daily whole grains choices, special table cards and posters promoting whole grains, and a bicycle raffled off to one of the many students who submitted whole grain comment cards.

Cafe Target (2009, Workplace) served up massive bowls of whole grains at the salad bar, special Target Wellness Wednesday menus, and created table tents and full-page signs touting the full flavor of whole grains. In addition to their Food For Your Well Being week-long healthy food promotion featuring whole grains in September for Whole Grains Month, Bon Appetit’s management of Café Target included a month-long whole grains theme (also in September) and October menu specials.