Urban Wheat Field Sprouts in Nation's Capital Providing a Farm-to-Fork Experience in the Name of Wheat Nutrition Education

Wheat Foods Council takes America's most-consumed grain from farm, mill, bakery and grocery store to the streets

PARKER, Colo., Sept. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Thursday, September 23, a live wheat field and combine will transform the streets of the Capital into a mini "farm-to-fork" experience to teach people about where their food comes from and to help them  make more informed nutrition choices.  The Wheat Foods Council's two-day Urban Wheat Field event enables people to experience the life cycle of America's most-consumed grain, from the kernel to the store shelf where people are given the choice – whole or enriched grain.  

"With alarming obesity rates and confusing nutrition information, we think it's important to get people thinking about their foods in new, interesting ways," said Judi Adams, R.D. and president of the Wheat Foods Council.  "With the Urban Wheat Field, we're not just telling people that whole and enriched grain foods are good choices, but showing them how the grain gets from point A to B and what nutritional properties make it a healthful choice," said Judi Adams.  

In addition to featuring every stop on the grain chain including the wheat field, mills, ovens and the finished product, the event provides access to grain experts from around the country including farmers, millers, bakers and registered dietitians.  The exhibit, open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. EDT on Thursday and 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday, is located at 3rd Street and Maryland Avenue.  Exhibit components include:  

• Agriculture:  Wheat farmers will take groups through five stages of wheat growth as well as the harvest via a growing wheat field - approximately one quarter acre in size – and will showcase an actual combine.  
• Milling:  Visitors will see how wheat kernels become flour via operating mills and have the opportunity to grind their own flour.
• Baking:  Flour will be transformed into everyone's favorite grain foods in the baking area, where a certified master baker will prepare cupcakes and biscotti, and a mobile baking lab will provide fresh bread and cookies for sampling.
• Nutrition:  Against the backdrop of a mock grocery store aisle, registered dietitians will deliver a lesson in wheat nutrition, reading nutrition facts panels, identifying whole grain foods and determining proper serving sizes.

The United States exports about half of the wheat it produces and is considered the largest wheat-exporting nation in the world providing nourishment to people everywhere.  Producing more than 2.3 billion bushels in 2009, America's wheat producers play a critical role in the economy, the global food supply and the diets of people throughout the world.  

"This is a great opportunity for the wheat industry to enlighten and delight consumers and influencers with our story in a unique, attention-grabbing way," said David Moore.  "We're congregating everything from the farm to the grocery store and placing it in a central location to further the nutrition knowledge of the Washington, DC residents and beyond."

The Urban Wheat Field is a free event for people of all ages.  To learn more, visit www.wheatfoods.org.   For those unable to attend the event, the Wheat Foods Council offers a similar, interactive, farm-to-fork experience at www.HowWheatWorks.com.      

About the Wheat Foods Council

The Wheat Foods Council is a nonprofit organization formed in 1972 to help increase public awareness of grains, complex carbohydrates, and fiber as essential components of a healthful diet. The Council is supported voluntarily by wheat producers, millers, bakers, and related industries.

SOURCE Wheat Foods Council