The Official Launch of MyPlate in 2011
On June 2, 2011, First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack unveiled MyPlate as the new face of the U.S. government's dietary recommendations. This launch aimed to provide a simpler, more visual guide to help Americans make healthier food choices based on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The icon uses a dinner plate visual to represent food groups and suggested proportions.
Why the Change from MyPyramid to MyPlate?
The transition from MyPyramid (introduced in 2005) to MyPlate was driven by the need for a more user-friendly communication tool. MyPyramid, with its vertical bands and reliance on a website for detailed information, was often seen as complex. MyPlate, in contrast, aimed for immediate understanding by depicting food groups on a familiar plate setting. Key reasons for the change included:
- Simplicity: MyPlate's design is more intuitive and relates directly to mealtime.
- Emphasis on Produce: It highlights filling half the plate with fruits and vegetables.
- Modern Design: It offered a fresh visual approach compared to the pyramid.
- Accessibility: A new website, MyPlate.gov, provided personalized information.
The Evolution of USDA Food Guides
MyPlate is the latest in a series of USDA efforts to guide public nutrition over the past century.
Significant historical guides include:
- Early 1900s: Simple text-based guides.
- 1940s: The Basic Seven during WWII.
- 1950s: The Basic Four.
- 1992: The first Food Guide Pyramid.
- 2005: MyPyramid, featuring vertical stripes.
- 2011: MyPlate, changing the visual metaphor to a plate.
MyPlate vs. MyPyramid: A Comparison Table
| Feature | MyPlate (2011) | MyPyramid (2005) |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Metaphor | A dinner plate with sections for five food groups and a dairy glass. | An abstract pyramid with vertical stripes. |
| Focus | Emphasizes portion distribution on a plate, prioritizing fruits and vegetables. | Required external resources for specific serving details. |
| Clarity | Generally easy to understand at a glance. | Often perceived as confusing. |
| Content | Explicitly shows five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, dairy. | Included oils and physical activity in its representation. |
The Impact of MyPlate
MyPlate has become a widely used tool in nutrition education since its 2011 launch. Its visual simplicity is beneficial for educators and the public. The MyPlate.gov website enhances its utility by offering personalized plans based on individual characteristics. The icon is frequently seen in various settings, reinforcing healthy eating principles. However, some critics argue it oversimplifies dietary complexities, particularly for those with specialized needs. Despite this, MyPlate remains a key tool for promoting better eating habits in the U.S..
Conclusion
To answer the question, the USDA released the MyPlate food guide in June 2011, replacing the more abstract MyPyramid. This was a deliberate effort to create a more intuitive visual guide based on the concept of a dinner plate, emphasizing balanced proportions of food groups. The 2011 launch date is significant as it introduced this now-familiar icon to the public. MyPlate's lasting impact comes from its simplicity and effectiveness as a starting point for promoting healthier eating.
For more details on the history of USDA food guides, you can refer to the article A Brief History of the USDA Food Guides.
