The fourth annual Whole Grain Sampling Day was a success! 

We want to thank everyone who took the opportunity to help spread the word about nutritious and delicious whole grains. We had an extensive list of partners participating this year, including a few select locations right here in Boston, where the Whole Grains Council staff was able to get in on the action.

One of the best things about Whole Grain Sampling Day is the fact that our partners are all given the opportunity to plan their own activities and promotions, stimulating creativity and originality. We had partners sharing whole grains across the globe, like Google who was serving whole grain recipes in their cafes around the world. Locally, we worked with Google’s Kendall Square office in Cambridge. Our team was able to help spread the word about whole grain goodness by handing out samples of whole grain snacks, as well as conveying information on the health benefits of whole grain foods, and why they’re an important part of every meal.

On the other side of town, we had team members working with the Sargent Choice Nutrition Center at Boston University.  Our WGC team was able to educate students on the benefits of whole grains, as well as how and where to find whole grains on campus and in the supermarket. Passersby were also offered tasty samples, including an in-house made Sargent Choice wheatberry salad that students could find on campus in their residential dining halls.

Right in the heart of Boston, our team had a special surprise for Subway customers who opted to try their sandwich on Subway’s 9-Grain Whole Wheat Bread. On top of learning about the health benefits of whole grains and where to find them on the Subway menu, those who chose whole grains on Whole Grain Sampling Day were surprised with a gift card for their next visit.

In addition to the exciting happenings in Boston, there were numerous companies partaking coast to coast. Joining us on the East Coast were select ShopRite locations, the University of Florida Family Nutrition Program in Gainesville, Sweet Sassy Molassy Bakeshop in Atlanta, and Washington Pediatrics in North Carolina, among many others.  On the West Coast, California State University Los Angeles, La Brea Bakery, and Rubio’s were a handful of our partners planning activities, like whole grain discounts and menu specials. Covering our whole grain promotions across the heartland were select Hy-Vee and Earth Fare Market locations, the Chadwick R-1 School District in Montana, the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska, and Martin’s Supermarkets in Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan to name a few.  Even internationally, Merchant Gourmet in the UK and Atlantic Superstore in Canada hosted WGSD events to encourage consumers to try more whole grains.

Our many partners educated patrons on the health benefits of whole grains, held whole grain cooking demonstrations, and offered samples and discounts to help people discover the wonderful world of whole grains everywhere.

If you participated in Whole Grain Sampling Day, tag us (@whole_grains_council) in your Instagram photos, or use the hashtag #samplewholegrains. We’d love to see how you celebrated!

(Harley)