“Make half your grains whole” –it’s a simple message but a more challenging habit to incorporate in our diet every day without the knowledge of whole grains and their value in our diet.  But according to The Whole Grain Council we are making progress.  In a 2015 survey conducted by the Council, nearly two-thirds (64%) of Americans have increased whole grain consumption “some” or “a lot” in the last ?ve years.  Almost one-third of respondents (31%) say they nearly always choose whole grains. Five years ago, only 4% would have said this.   Another third (32%) choose whole grains about half the time. Combined with the “nearly always” group, this makes 63% making half or more of their grains whole, in line with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Given these noted improvements, there is still room for progress as the next generation of young people make their way toward adulthood.  Thus the nutrition lesson “Whole Grains for Health” delivered to 589 school-aged youth through a 4-H club program delivered in February and early March that taught the contrast between whole grains and refined grains; the diversity of grains from which to choose; and the nutritional benefits of whole grains in the diet.  

In a pre-survey of program participants, most (91%) recognized the grain group in their daily diet, noting that cereal and bread were the main grain group items they consumed. Approximately fifty-two percent could name or recognize different types of whole grains they consume such as wheat, oats, corn, and rice.  Less than forty-four percent could name the nutritional value of whole grains in the diet such as dietary fiber, the B vitamins, iron, etc.

After presenting the program, participants engaged in a “quiz-bowl-game” to determine what they learned.   Most correctly could identify whole grain sources versus refined grain sources; relate the need to increase whole grains in their diet; and demonstrate the best way to differentiate between whole grains versus refined grains by reading nutrition facts label.  As a result over ninety-two percent of the participants demonstrated an increased knowledge and awareness of the topics covered.