Assessing the reach of MyPlate using national health and nutrition examination survey data / Angie Tagtow, Ramkripa Raghavan

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) serve as a basis for developing federal nutrition education materials for the public. Since 1980, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and US Department of Health and Human Services have jointly issued the guidelines targeting healthy Americans aged 2 years and older to promote health and reduce the risk of major chronic diseases. Over the years, the USDA has adapted communication initiatives using iconic representation of the guidelines such as the Basic 4, Food Guide Pyramid, and MyPyramid. In 2011, the current food guide, MyPlate, was unveiled; MyPlate was conceived as an uncomplicated visual cue that prompts consumers to use food groups as a guide to build healthy plates at meal time. Thanks to support from registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and nutrition educators across a variety of settings, the popularity and public awareness of MyPlate among consumers as well as health professionals has continuously grown.

Nutrition.