News Room

Food Retailers Join With IFIC and USDA to Release New Food Pyramid Brochure for Consumers

June 12, 2003
WASHINGTON, DC — June 12, 2003 — Helping to educate American consumers about the importance of a balanced diet to a healthy lifestyle, Food Marketing Institute (FMI), the International Food Information Council (IFIC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announce the release of a new brochure: The Food Guide Pyramid…Basic Maintenance For Your Body. This publication, available now, offers a unique approach to maintaining a healthy lifestyle by helping consumers personalize the Food Guide Pyramid to their own specific needs.

“The Food Guide Pyramid brochure offers practical, easy-to-follow guidelines for a healthy diet,” said Wendy Davis, RD, LD, manager, consumer affairs, FMI. “By including real life examples of what consumers eat and addressing important dietary considerations such as portion sizes and the nutrition content of carryout and restaurant meals, the guidelines can help any consumer plan healthier meals for themselves and their families.”

The brochure offers reasonable and manageable actions that any consumer can work into their own daily routine to increase the quality and enjoyment of the foods they are eating and the activities they are performing. A sample menu is also provided, bringing the Food Guide Pyramid recommendations to life.

Davis added, “The most important machine you’ll ever own is your body. Keeping it in great operating condition can be made easier through both diet and exercise.”

Brochures can be purchased ($2.00 each) through the FMI Store at 202-220-0723 or www.fmi.org/pub.

Food Marketing Institute (FMI) conducts programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations on behalf of its nearly 1,250 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI’s U.S. members operate more than 25,000 retail food stores and almost 22,000 pharmacies with a combined annual sales volume of nearly $650 billion.  FMI’s retail membership is composed of large multi-store chains, regional firms and independent operators. Its international membership includes 126 companies from more than 65 countries. FMI’s nearly 330 associate members include the supplier partners of its retail and wholesale members. 

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