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Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with MiPlato

Posted by Kevin Concannon, Under Secretary, USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services in Food and Nutrition
Sep 25, 2013
The 10 Tips Nutrition Education Series is available in English and Spanish.
The 10 Tips Nutrition Education Series is available in English and Spanish.

Para la versión en español de este blog, por favor visite: http://blogs.usda.gov/2013/09/25/celebre-el-mes-nacional-de-la-herencia-hispana-con-miplato

National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15th to October 15th, pays tribute to the history, culture and traditions of Americans with Hispanic ancestry.

To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and increase awareness about MiPlato – the Spanish complement to MyPlate – the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion is launching new resources for Spanish-speaking audiences.  Visit ChooseMyPlate.gov and click on En Español to find the latest addition to the 10 Tips Nutrition Education Series, Disfrute Comidas de Varias Culturas (Enjoy Food from Many Cultures).  The new tip sheet celebrates ways to prepare healthier foods to meet diverse ethnic and cultural preferences.

Educators and health professionals can integrate the En Español section of ChooseMyPlate.gov into program and education efforts.  The new Spanish-language resources include general information about weight management and counting calories to help adults think about their food and beverages choices.  New recipes are also available in Spanish and English to help families prepare healthier meals.

Kids can have fun with activity sheets and coloring pages that promote healthy eating at school and at home. Teachers and parents can invite young people to become MyPlate Champions by sharing the MyPlate Champions Pledge in Spanish.

This launch coincides with the anniversary of MiPlato.  Two years ago Secretary Vilsack, U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, and White House Chef Sam Kass unveiled MiPlato to reach Spanish-speaking audiences in the United States.  MiPlato serves as a simple reminder for Americans to make healthier choices at each meal. This icon emphasizes the five food groups and is supported by actionable consumer messages based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, including ‘Haga que la mitad de su plato contenga frutas y vegetales’ ('Make half your plate fruits and vegetables’).

The Food and Nutrition Service also offers a variety of nutrition education resources in Spanish through the WIC Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Team Nutrition.  Materials include tips for pregnant and breastfeeding women, older adults, and parents.  Service providers are encouraged to share the materials with Spanish-speaking families and communities to promote healthier lifestyles. Follow us on Twitter @MyPlate and on Facebook to find daily tips in Spanish and English.  Nutrition information is also available through FNS’s Spanish twitter handle, @USDANutrición.

In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month and MiPlato’s 2nd Anniversary, help spread the message of healthy eating… en Español!

Translation: What’s On Your Plate? The 2nd Anniversary of MiPlato coincides with National Hispanic Heritage Month. Professionals and educators are encouraged to use the MiPlato resources to help more Americans build healthier plates.
Translation: What’s On Your Plate? The 2nd Anniversary of MiPlato coincides with National Hispanic Heritage Month. Professionals and educators are encouraged to use the MiPlato resources to help more Americans build healthier plates.
Category/Topic: Food and Nutrition