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Brown Rice is in...the new USDA Women Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC)

Posted on: Thursday, 1 October 2009, 07:15 CDT

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The updated Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program (WIC), serving more than nine million at-risk, low- to moderate-income families will as of today include brown rice as one of the program's key whole grain offerings. Brown rice is the perfect addition because it is both economical and a nutritional powerhouse.

At about 10 cents per serving, it will help to keep the WIC Food Packages cost-neutral and, because brown rice is a 100% whole grain that provides minerals, fiber and vitamins, it helps WIC participants meet nutrition recommendations from the National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine for USDA's first overhaul of the WIC program in thirty years. To date, ninety-five percent of states have chosen to include brown rice in their food packages.

"Including brown rice in the new WIC package choices makes perfect sense nutritionally and economically. Brown rice is high in nutrition and low in cost, making it one of the most economical healthy foods in the supermarket," says Alice Lenihan, RD, MPH, LDN, Director of Nutrition Services Branch NC Division of Public Health Department of Health and Human Services. "Additionally, with rice, a small amount will make a satisfying meal! A pound of uncooked brown rice makes over two pounds of cooked rice -- about 16 half-cup cooked servings."

"We congratulate USDA and state WIC officials on today's milestone launch of the revised WIC program. The U.S. rice industry has supported this initiative and is especially pleased that whole grain brown rice is included in this important public health nutrition program," said Betsy Ward, president and CEO of the USA Rice Federation.

U.S.-grown rice provides health benefits. Research shows that rice eaters have better quality diets, consume less sugar and saturated fat, and have a lower risk of high blood pressure and obesity, and may be less likely to develop heart disease and type II diabetes. Whole grain brown rice is a nutrient-rich complex carbohydrate that can help individuals maintain an active lifestyle and healthy weight. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends a healthy, balanced diet with 45-65 percent of calories from nutritious carbohydrates, like whole grains or enriched grains. Brown rice is a 100 percent whole grain food that is nutrient-dense and low-calorie. Rice contains no fat, trans fat, sodium or cholesterol and is naturally gluten-free.

"Rice makes it easy to make a healthy meal because it goes great with plenty of healthy options such as vegetables, lean meats, seafood, or beans," explains Lenihan. "Plus it can be used in a variety of dishes to fit regional or cultural preferences."

The new USDA WIC rule allows one pound of brown rice per month for women and two pounds for children. Whole grain brown rice with no added fat, oil, sugar or sodium -- in regular, instant or quick-cooking forms -- qualifies for the program. U.S.-grown rice is widely available in grocery stores in package sizes that meet WIC requirements (14 oz, 16 oz, 28 oz, 32 oz, or as determined by state package allowance).

USA Rice Federation offers Healthy Rice Bowls for WIC. Brown rice can also be mixed with enriched white rice to provide more folic acid which is important to women of child-bearing age to help prevent birth defects.

USDA's WIC Program is a 100% federally-funded, state-administered Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for at-risk low-income women and young children up to age five. Nationally, the program provides healthy food and nutrition education to nine million WIC recipients each month.

For recipes and nutrition information on brown rice, visit www.usarice.com.

About the USA Rice Federation

The USA Rice Federation is the advocate for all segments of the U.S. rice industry, conducting programs to build awareness and usage of U.S.-grown rice. U.S. farmers produce an abundance of short, medium and long grain rice, as well as specialty rices including jasmine, basmati, Arborio, red aromatic and black japonica, among others. Farmers in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Missouri grow some 19 billion pounds of rice each year.

CONTACT:

SOURCE USA Rice Federation

Source: PR Newswire

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