What is MyPlate and who is behind it?
MyPlate is the current nutrition guide from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), visually depicting a plate setting with five food groups. It was introduced in June 2011 to replace the MyPyramid guide, providing a simpler, more modern representation of healthy eating proportions. The program is overseen by the USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP), which was established to improve the nutrition and well-being of Americans.
The CNPP works to advance and promote dietary guidance for all Americans, conduct research in nutrition, and manage core projects like MyPlate. This federal oversight ensures the information provided is based on scientific evidence and is consistent with the official Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The website, MyPlate.gov, offers a wealth of tools and resources for the public to build healthier eating habits.
Key features of the MyPlate website
The MyPlate website is more than just an image; it is a comprehensive online resource designed to help people make healthy eating choices. The site offers a variety of tools and information that are free and accessible to the public.
- MyPlate Quiz: Users can test their nutrition knowledge and receive personalized results and resources.
- Start Simple with MyPlate App: This app helps users set and track daily food goals, providing a way to build healthy habits over time.
- MyPlate Kitchen: A searchable database featuring budget-friendly, healthy recipes from USDA programs and partners.
- MyPlate Plan: A tool that creates a personalized eating plan based on a user's age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity level.
- Print Materials and Graphics: The website provides downloadable PDFs and high-resolution graphics for educational and promotional use.
MyPlate vs. Non-Government Nutrition Guides
It's important to differentiate MyPlate from the myriad of other nutrition programs and websites available online. The government backing of MyPlate is a key distinction that gives it authority as an official federal resource.
| Feature | MyPlate (Government) | Non-Government Nutrition Guides |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Authority | U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP). | Can be from private companies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or individuals. |
| Basis of Recommendations | Based on the official Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which are created through a robust, scientific review process. | May be based on proprietary research, specific diets (e.g., keto, paleo), or other philosophies not endorsed by the federal government. |
| Motivation | Public health and well-being. The goal is to provide unbiased, evidence-based nutrition education to the public. | Often have commercial motives, such as selling supplements, books, meal plans, or services. |
| URL | Uses a .gov domain (MyPlate.gov), indicating it is an official government website. |
Use .com, .org, .net, or other domains, which do not denote federal authority. |
| Partnerships | Works with vetted "National Strategic Partners" through Memorandums of Understanding, ensuring alignment with MyPlate guidelines. | Partnerships are typically for marketing, promotions, or cross-selling purposes and may not be subject to official review. |
MyPlate's history and evolution
MyPlate wasn't the first nutrition guide from the USDA. Its history demonstrates a progression of government efforts to inform the public about healthy eating.
- Food Guide Pyramid (1992): The original pyramid divided food groups into horizontal sections, with a wider base for foods to eat most often and a narrow top for fats and sweets.
- MyPyramid (2005): An update that used vertical colored bands to represent the different food groups. Its design was more abstract, which made it harder for some to understand.
- MyPlate (2011): A simplified, visual graphic that uses a familiar plate setting to show recommended proportions of food groups. This shift aimed for clearer communication with the public.
This evolution shows the government's commitment to adapting its nutrition messaging to be more accessible and effective over time. MyPlate's design is inherently more intuitive for many people, providing an instant visual cue for a balanced meal.
Is MyPlate a government website? The verdict
So, is MyPlate a government website? Absolutely. The website, MyPlate.gov, is a verifiable part of the U.S. federal government, managed by the USDA's CNPP. The .gov domain, which is restricted to government entities, confirms its official status. The resources and guidance provided are based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, representing the official federal advice on nutrition. This means consumers can trust the information as a reliable, scientifically-backed source for building healthy eating habits, free from commercial influence or bias.
Conclusion: Your trusted source for nutrition
In summary, MyPlate is a government website developed by the USDA to serve as the nation's primary resource for federal nutrition guidance. By visiting MyPlate.gov, consumers have access to a wealth of free, reliable tools and information based on the official Dietary Guidelines for Americans. For anyone seeking to improve their eating habits with credible, evidence-based advice, MyPlate is an authoritative and accessible starting point. This government-backed program provides a clear, visual model for balanced eating and offers practical resources like the MyPlate Kitchen and the Start Simple app to help put those principles into action. By using a government website like MyPlate, you can be confident that the information is from a trusted federal source focused on public health.
