WASHINGTON — More than 2,000 organizations have joined the Nutrition Communicators Network, which launched June 2 coincident with the unveiling of the MyPlate food icon and is comprised of organizations actively committed to promoting healthy eating in accordance with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as symbolized by MyPlate. Partners include public and private businesses as well as non-profit organizations that represent a diverse cross-section of stakeholders and partners.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the business community and organizations to get involved in a partnership that promotes healthy eating for our nation,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “By joining this effort, organizations send the message that they are ready to help all Americans lead healthier lives and to reverse childhood obesity. This broad-based support is a testament to the appeal of the new MyPlate food icon and the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and affirmation of what we know — that a healthy nation starts with healthy people.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, the new Nutrition Communicators Network eclipsed the former C.N.P.P. MyPyramid Alliance that was comprised of approximately 250 organizations. Two categories of partnerships are now available: Community Partners and National Strategic Partners. Both partnership categories are committed to promoting and extending the nutrition messages and “how-tos” that support the MyPlate icon, based on the recommendations found in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The C.N.P.P. said community partners are typically smaller, local or regional, public and private businesses and non-profit organizations that represent a diverse cross-section of the public, including schools and school systems, hospitals, community nutrition programs, churches, libraries, dietitians, athletic centers, extension agencies, and Head Start programs. National strategic partners, meanwhile, are large corporate and non-profit organizations. Among them are Weight Watchers, the American Dietetic Association, the American Society for Nutrition, Produce for Better Health Foundation, the Food Marketing Institute, and the Institute of Food Technologists. For a complete list of current partners visit www.choosemyplate.gov/Partnerships/index.aspx.