The conference will feature cutting-edge information, expert speakers and whole grain food items.

More than 1,500 whole grain products debuted last year, almost twice the number of new products as the previous year. In addition, more than 1,400 products now feature the Whole Grain Stamp, with General Mills’ 80 plus Big G cereals as the latest addition to the list, WGC officials reported.

A major focus of the conference will be the surprising increase of whole grains in meals eaten outside the home. Whole grains are available at several restaurant chains, including  McDonald’s, Olive Garden and Ruby Tuesday. The conference is ideal for those interested in learning the latest health benefits of whole grains, understanding what motivates consumers’ food choices and networking with leading industry, health and government experts.

For more information, visit www.wholegrainscouncil.org/conference07.
The WGC also recently selected winners for each of the 10 categories of the Whole Grains Challenge, honoring September as Whole Grains Month. Virginia Tech Dining Services D2, Blacksburg, Va., was the grand national winner for running “Whole Grain Boot Camp†in June and July. The school offered 24 daily whole grains choices and promoted the event with posters, a raffle and feedback cards.

“Virginia Tech went all-out,†said K. Dun Gifford, president, Oldways, the parent organization of the Whole Grains Council. “Student demand extended its original one-month program to two months, and most of the 30 new recipes and 25 new ingredients will stay on the menu this fall.†