General Mills Donates 1 Million Servings of Whole Grain Cereal, Partners with “The Doctors”’ Dr. Travis Stork to Help Close America’s Whole Grain Gap
Ninety-five Percent of Americans Challenged to Get More Whole Grain in Their Diets
Newswise — MINNEAPOLIS (Feb. 10, 2011) – Surprisingly, less than 5 percent of Americans get the minimum three full daily servings of whole grain (48 grams) recommended by the new U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In fact, the average American gets a little more than half a serving of whole grain daily. As the country’s number one source of whole grain at breakfast, General Mills is helping close the whole grain gap by donating 1 million servings of whole grain cereal and challenging Americans to increase their whole grain consumption.
To kick-start whole grain consumption in 2011 and help Americans get the recommended amount of whole grain, General Mills will donate cereal to families in need.
“Our goal is to ensure more Americans get the recommended amount of whole grain,” said Jeff Harmening, president of General Mills Big G cereal division. General Mills was the first, and remains the only leading cereal company to guarantee whole grain in its entire line of Big G cereals.
Dr. Travis Stork Underscores Importance of Whole GrainGeneral Mills is partnering with Dr. Travis Stork, MD, author and host of Emmy Award winning daytime talk show, “The Doctors,” to help educate Americans on the importance of whole grain and shine a spotlight on the whole grain gap. Over the next few months, Dr. Stork will be speaking out on the importance of whole grain and challenging Americans to ensure they get the recommended amount.
“Whole grain is a key component of a healthy diet, and Americans aren’t getting enough,” said Dr. Stork. “Whole grain can help with diabetes and weight management, as well as reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.”
Whole grain provides vital nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients for a healthy diet. Whole grains are those that contain the complete grain, including the bran, the germ and the endosperm. The health benefits of whole grain come from these three components working together naturally.
Big G and Whole GrainSince 2005, General Mills has been committed to whole grain by guaranteeing every Big G cereal contains at least 8 grams of whole grain per serving, with more than 20 Big G cereals delivering 16 grams or more. Today, Big G cereals are America’s number one source of whole grain at breakfast, providing America with more whole grain at breakfast than any other breakfast food from any other manufacturer. General Mills cereals provide great-tasting nutrition for $.49 a serving (cereal with milk).
“We are committed to continuing our role as a health leader in the whole grain category,” said Harmening. “We look forward to making this donation to help more Americans have access to whole grain.”
General Mills and the CommunityThe whole grain donation helps kick off General Mills’ commitment in 2011 to nourishing communities across the country, and around the world. General Mills is one of the largest corporate givers in the United States. Last year, the company contributed more than $100 million to improve the lives of children and families, alleviate hunger, promote education and provide disaster relief.
General Mills is one of the top contributors of food in the United States. Last year, it donated more than $18 million in products to Feeding America, the country’s largest hunger relief organization whose network consists of more than 200 food banks.
General Mills partners with communities to help children live healthy, active lives. Since 2002, General Mills has invested more than $19.5 million in youth nutrition and fitness programs that worked with more than five million kids. These grants include $10,000 to 50 grassroots organizations every year.
Employees also play a major role in the company’s community efforts. About 80 percent of General Mills employees and retirees volunteer their time, expertise and money in their communities.
For further information on whole grain, visit www.wholegraingap.com or www.wholegrainnation.com. For additional information on General Mills Big G health initiatives, visit www.cerealbenefits.com.
About General MillsOne of the world's leading food companies, General Mills operates in more than 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Progresso, Yoplait, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen, and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills had fiscal 2010 global net sales of US$16 billion, including the company’s $1.2 billion proportionate share of joint venture net sales.
About Big G CerealsGeneral Mills Big G cereals have led many cereal health and nutrition initiatives. In 2005, General Mills guaranteed every Big G cereal contained at least 8 grams of whole grain per serving. Today, Big G cereals, like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Honey Nut Cheerios and Fiber One, comprise America’s number one source of whole grain at breakfast. General Mills currently delivers almost 37.5 million whole grain servings per day with Big G cereals.
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