September is Whole Grains Month. As you know if you visit this website regularly, we love whole grains all twelve months of the year, yet every September we boost that love up another notch to draw extra attention to whole grains. Here’s our handy FAQ guide to Whole Grains Month, so you can celebrate along with us:

Q. Why is Whole Grains Month in September?

Although the new year technically begins in January, September often seems more like the time when all of us (in the Northern Hemisphere anyway) think about starting new routines and habits. Summer, with its “everything goes” vacation mentality, is fading away, and we’re all heading back to school or work with new energy. It’s the perfect time to try some new whole grain recipes or foods.

Q. Will there be contests? Can I win something?

My, you cut right to the chase, don’t you? We are indeed having a Giveaway, but rather than giving the prize to any one individual, we’re awarding our jackpot to a worthy charity. Check out our Good Grains for a Good Cause giveaway, and nominate your favorite food bank, food pantry, soup kitchen, or other food-insecurity charity. At the end of September, we’ll pick one charity to win more than 50 cases of whole grain foods.

Q. Got anything fun I can share on Facebook or Twitter?

Everyone loves quizzes. Test your knowledge with our Guess the Grains quiz, then share the link with your friends on social media. Are you a Whole Grain Master or Whole Grain Enthusiast – or are you a Whole Grain Beginner or just Getting Grainy? Try our quiz, then brush up by browsing the WGC website and try again!

Q. I’m a teacher. How can I bring Whole Grains Month into my classroom?

I don’t know what level you’re teaching, but luckily we have something for everyone. Pick from colorful handouts and infographics like the ones below; check out our collection of whole grain lesson plans; or you could even get your little ones singing with our Whole Grain Train Song.

Q. Any final suggestions for how I can personally celebrate Whole Grains Month in September?

• Try a grain you’ve never eaten. There’s more to whole grains than the more familiar whole wheat, brown rice and oats. Check out our list of grains, then order something new by mail-order if you can’t find it in your local supermarket. 
• Experiment with a new recipe. We have hundreds of whole grain recipes on our website. Many of them are recipes that Whole Grains Council staff members cook at home – so we know they’re delicious and easy. On the Search Recipes page, click on Other Options on the lower left side of the page, then select Staff Favorites to find our top choices.
• Bone up on the health benefits of whole grains. Curious about the links between brown rice and diabetes? Want to know how whole grains can support brain health? Interested in the benefits of sprouted grains? Our health studies database is searchable by grain or by disease/condition – or any combination of the two.
• Share your love of whole grains. Bake a batch of whole grain cookies, and knock on your new neighbor’s door. Or take a whole grain salad to the PTA potluck. The best way to spread the word about whole grains is to help someone else discover the great taste of whole grains.

Tell us how you’re celebrating Whole Grains Month. Use the #WholeGrainsMonth hashtag and tag the Oldways Whole Grains Council on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. If you’re enjoying products with the Whole Grain Stamp, share your photos and tag them with #showustheStamp!  (Cynthia)