This Spring the Whole Grain Academy is in Session

Biodiversity in the Mediterranean Diet: Exploring the Impact of Naturally Gluten-Free Whole Grains (Wednesday, April 30th at 10:00am ET)

Gluten-free whole grains have a rich history in the Mediterranean Diet, and research confirms strong and consistent evidence for their potential health benefits, especially in lowering the risk of inflammation, obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and dyslipidaemia. This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on naturally gluten-free whole grains and their nutritional and technological properties, as well as how their health impact influences consumer preferences. Currently these grains represent an important source of essential nutrients, a perfect combination of tradition and innovation, taste and well-being, and colors and flavors that reflect the richness of the Mediterranean diet. 

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Cooking Demo: Whole Grains at Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Wednesday, April 30th at 12:00pm ET)

If you want to eat more healthfully, one of the most simple changes to make is choosing whole grains. If you have ever wanted to try to get more grains but just didn’t know how to start, or were afraid it might not be fun, this class is for you. Learn some easy, entry-level whole grain dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Chef Robin Asbell has been an advocate for whole grains for many years, and has plenty of whole grain tips and tricks to share, as well as strategies for whole grain swaps for every occasion. The menu will include: Sweet Breakfast “Tabouli”, White Whole Wheat Pear Scones, Creamy Spinach Soup with Millet, and Salmon-Wild Rice Cakes.

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RECIPES

Leveraging Whole Grains to Reduce Healthcare Spending (Wednesday, April 30th at 2:00pm ET)

Nutrition is a key element of preventive healthcare. But when it comes to make dietary changes, how can the public health community quantify which food swaps will give people the biggest bang for their buck? This session will highlight health economics research on whole grains and public health as well as the latest nutrition research on whole grains. The session will also highlight why investing in food systems that prioritize whole grains is a wise investment in the face of climate and agricultural uncertainty. 

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Understanding Whole Grain Food Processing and the Limitations of the Nova Classification System (Wednesday, April 30th at 5:00pm ET)

In this session, nutrition researcher Elissa Price will delve into the processing of whole-grain products, including its role in increasing the availability of mainstream options like breads and ready-to-eat cereals, and related implications for nutrition and health. The Nova classification system has gained popularity for its simplicity in categorizing foods by their level of processing, however, has also been criticized for oversimplifying the nuances of food science and nutrition. The talk will discuss the shortcomings of Nova, including its potential to confuse consumers and mislead policymakers, and highlight alternative approaches that offer a more comprehensive view of food processing and its health effects. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of how to evaluate whole-grain food choices that consider all aspects of nutrition including processing, nutrients, access, and beyond.

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This April, as part of our Whole Grain Academy, we’re running a special social media challenge for WGC members. We’re asking members to make short recipe videos for social media featuring your Stamped products. Do you have a popular WG noodle recipe? How about overnight oats? Perhaps your ready-to-eat cereal works great in a trail mix, or you have the perfect dip recipe to accompany your whole grain crackers? Maybe your brown rice works great in a pilaf! No matter the product, we want to learn how they can be used.

Between April 1-30, members can post recipe videos on social media, tagging us @wholegrains_council with the hashtag #WholeGrainAcademy. We’ll reshare and will compile the recipe videos together in a special blog post. 

We’ll choose one participating member at random to win a $525 credit towards your next WGC renewal. 

Stay tuned for more information! 

• Whole Grain Trivia Contest Kit - This FREE kit comes with downloadable questions and answers, so that you can host your own trivia contest or populate a “spin-the-wheel” quiz
• Guess the Grains Quiz - If you have internet access at your event, have visitors take our 10-question “Guess the Grains” Quiz. This is also a great tool if you have tablets (such as an iPad) at your booth/event.
• Whole Grain Personality Quiz — Ever wonder who you’d be if you were reborn as a whole grain? Take our super serious, highly scientific quiz and find out! 
• Grain Brain? Test Your Nutrition Knowledge Quiz - Do you know exactly why whole grains are so healthy, or how they stack up against different food groups? Test your knowledge with our 10-question quiz!
• Whole Grain Word Search — Print copies of this word search to pass out at your  event. Puzzle and answer key both included. 
• Whole Grain Crossword — Pass out copies of this fun crossword so that visitors to your event have something to take home with them. Puzzle and answer key both included. 

• Browse our FREE Handouts - From the truth about grain-free and gluten-free diets, to the sustainability benefits of whole grains, to easy whole grain recipes, we have a handout suited for any audience.
• Get whole grain posters, buttons, & stickers - We offer buttons, stickers and posters at cost to commercial ventures – and free to nonprofits and educational groups.