The Predecessors to MyPlate: A History of USDA Food Guides
To understand the origins of MyPlate, it is essential to look at the history of USDA food guidance, which dates back to the early 20th century. The department has consistently adapted its advice to reflect the latest nutritional science and societal needs. In 1943, during World War II, the Basic Seven guide was introduced to help with food rationing. This was later simplified to the Basic Four in the 1950s, which focused on nutrient adequacy but lacked guidance on fats, sugars, and calories.
In 1992, the iconic Food Guide Pyramid was introduced, aiming for a total diet approach that included moderation alongside nutrient adequacy. However, it was often criticized for being confusing and hard to interpret. A 2005 update, MyPyramid, attempted to address these issues by using colored vertical bands to represent food groups, but it was abstract and still lacked clarity for many consumers. This continuous evolution demonstrates the government's long-standing effort to provide accessible, actionable dietary advice.
The Launch of MyPlate and Michelle Obama's Pivotal Role
MyPlate was unveiled by the USDA on June 2, 2011, with First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack leading the event. The new icon was designed to be a simpler, more relatable visual cue than its predecessors. Instead of an abstract pyramid, it uses a familiar mealtime symbol—a plate—divided into sections for fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein, with a separate smaller circle for dairy.
While Michelle Obama did not create MyPlate, her involvement was crucial to its visibility and success. She leveraged her national platform as part of her broader 'Let's Move!' initiative, which had a national goal of solving childhood obesity. Her campaign provided momentum and a public-facing voice for the new guide. She spoke at the launch and promoted the initiative through various programs, partnerships, and public appearances, effectively making MyPlate a central and widely recognized symbol of the 'Let's Move!' message. For instance, the 'Let's Move! Salad Bars to Schools' initiative and partnerships with food companies like Goya Foods directly incorporated MyPlate messaging.
The Simplicity and Impact of the MyPlate Message
The MyPlate icon's core message is simple and actionable, a significant improvement over previous guides. Its visual simplicity immediately conveys key dietary principles:
- Make half your plate fruits and vegetables: Emphasizes nutrient-dense foods.
- Make half your grains whole grains: Promotes better carbohydrate choices.
- Vary your protein routine: Encourages a mix of protein sources.
- Move to low-fat or fat-free dairy: Highlights healthier dairy options.
The USDA also launched the ChooseMyPlate.gov website (now MyPlate.gov) to provide extensive resources, recipes, and educational materials to accompany the icon, ensuring it was more than just a picture. The website caters to diverse audiences, from preschoolers to professionals, making the information widely accessible.
Comparison: MyPlate vs. Its Predecessors
| Feature | Food Guide Pyramid (1992) | MyPyramid (2005) | MyPlate (2011) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Design | Horizontal levels in a pyramid shape. | Vertical colored stripes, abstract. | A simple, relatable place setting. |
| Key Message | Recommended servings from five food groups. | Personalization and variety, represented by stripe widths. | Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. |
| Ease of Use | Often criticized as confusing and misleading. | Required visiting a website to understand portion guidelines. | Highly intuitive and easy to understand at a glance. |
| Portion Emphasis | Portions illustrated by pyramid size. | Portion amounts tied to color-coded bands and an online calculator. | Visual representation of plate portion sizes. |
| Focus on Exercise | Included, but not as central. | Featured a figure climbing steps to represent physical activity. | Explicitly separated exercise guidance from the food icon, though it remained part of USDA recommendations. |
The Legacy and Ongoing Use of the MyPlate Guide
MyPlate has proven to be a more durable and effective educational tool than its predecessors due to its straightforward design and memorable message. While its launch was controversial for some, particularly with critics debating government intervention in dietary choices, its visual simplicity and alignment with broader public health initiatives helped it gain widespread acceptance. The continued evolution of the platform on MyPlate.gov ensures the information remains current and relevant for today's health-conscious consumers. The icon serves as a foundation for nutrition education in schools, community programs, and federal health initiatives, extending its impact far beyond the Obama administration. The enduring legacy of MyPlate is a testament to the power of a clear and simple message in promoting better nutrition. For more information and resources on how to implement the MyPlate recommendations in your daily life, visit the official MyPlate.gov website.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the simple answer to 'Did Michelle Obama create MyPlate?' is no—that credit belongs to the USDA. However, dismissing her role would be a disservice to the successful promotion of the icon. Michelle Obama's dedicated advocacy through the 'Let's Move!' initiative provided MyPlate with a national platform, widespread recognition, and a clear purpose in the fight against childhood obesity. The collaboration between the USDA's technical expertise and the First Lady's public health leadership resulted in a more accessible and effective dietary guide for millions of Americans, demonstrating how coordinated efforts can drive meaningful public health change.
A Quick Look at MyPlate's Five Food Groups
- Fruits: All fresh, canned, frozen, or dried fruit or fruit juice. Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
- Vegetables: All fresh, canned, frozen, or dried vegetables or vegetable juice. Emphasize a variety of colors.
- Grains: Any food made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley, or another cereal grain. Make half your grains whole grains.
- Protein: Meat, poultry, seafood, beans and peas, eggs, processed soy products, nuts, and seeds. Vary your protein routine.
- Dairy: All fluid milk products and foods made from milk, such as yogurt and cheese. The icon shows a glass of milk to the side.
