The United States Department of Agriculture: The Author Behind MyPlate
When faced with the question of who is the author of MyPlate.gov group of answer choices, the definitive answer is the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Specifically, the creation and ongoing promotion of MyPlate falls under the purview of the USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP). This agency is tasked with improving the nutrition and well-being of Americans by providing science-based dietary guidance. MyPlate was designed to serve as a simple, visual representation of the USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans, making healthy eating recommendations more accessible and understandable to the public.
The USDA did not create MyPlate in a vacuum. The agency collaborates with a wide array of partners, including other federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies, to help disseminate its healthy eating messages. For instance, MyPlate's success relies on collaborative efforts with partners like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and various national organizations that help amplify MyPlate messages to diverse audiences. These partnerships are critical for extending the reach of MyPlate beyond the official website and into communities across the country. Recipes featured on MyPlate Kitchen, for example, are often developed and vetted in collaboration with MyPlate National Strategic Partners.
The Evolution from Food Pyramid to MyPlate
MyPlate wasn't the first dietary guide from the USDA. It succeeded the well-known Food Pyramid, which itself evolved over decades. The Food Pyramid, while an iconic image, was criticized for being confusing and difficult to interpret correctly. Its final iteration, MyPyramid, introduced in 2005, was a more abstract design that also proved challenging for many consumers to grasp. Recognizing the need for a clearer, more practical model, the USDA launched MyPlate in 2011. This new visual—a simple place setting—immediately resonated with people by showing proportional food groups on a familiar, real-world object. The message was clear: make half your plate fruits and vegetables, and balance your other food groups.
The launch of MyPlate was not just a redesign; it represented a fundamental shift in how the government communicated nutrition information. Instead of a complex, tiered pyramid, the plate model offered an intuitive and actionable guide for everyday meals. This change was endorsed by many health and nutrition advocates, including then-First Lady Michelle Obama, who emphasized its simplicity and power as a tool for families.
Comparison of Past USDA Food Guides
| Feature | Original Food Pyramid (1992) | MyPyramid (2005) | MyPlate (2011) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Aid | Triangle with tiers of food groups. | Abstract pyramid with vertical stripes. | Simple place setting with a plate and glass. |
| Key Message | Eat more from the bottom, less from the top. | Emphasized personalization, but less intuitive. | Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. |
| Ease of Use | Considered complex by many consumers. | Highly abstract and confusing for the average person. | Clear, simple, and instantly recognizable. |
| Focus | Daily servings per food group. | Personalized dietary recommendations based on age, sex, and activity. | Proportional representation of food groups at each meal. |
| Physical Activity | Not explicitly shown. | Represented by a person climbing the pyramid. | Not shown, but healthy eating is part of a healthy lifestyle. |
The Role of the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP)
The USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) is the engine behind MyPlate. Established in 1994, the CNPP is responsible for developing and promoting science-based dietary guidance that supports the health and well-being of all Americans. The CNPP's responsibilities include:
- Conducting dietary guidance research to inform policy.
- Developing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Managing and promoting the MyPlate visual and website.
- Creating educational materials and toolkits for professionals and the public.
- Overseeing the MyPlate Kitchen initiative, which provides healthy, budget-friendly recipes.
The CNPP ensures that MyPlate and its related resources remain aligned with the latest scientific evidence and the most current Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The agency's commitment to partnership also ensures that MyPlate reaches a wide and diverse audience, from community groups to large national organizations.
Practical Applications of MyPlate
MyPlate is more than just a picture; it's a powerful framework for making healthier food choices. Here are some key ways individuals can use MyPlate:
- Plate Proportions: Consciously fill half your plate with a variety of fruits and vegetables at every meal.
- Whole Grains: Aim to make at least half of your grain intake whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and oats.
- Lean Protein: Vary your protein sources, including lean meats, poultry, seafood, beans, and eggs.
- Low-Fat Dairy: Opt for low-fat or fat-free dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, or fortified soy alternatives.
- Portion Control: Use the visual guide to help manage portion sizes without needing to count calories meticulously.
- Educational Tool: Parents can use MyPlate to teach children about balanced meals in a fun, easy-to-understand way.
Conclusion
The author of MyPlate.gov group of answer choices is unequivocally the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), with the specific work carried out by its Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP). Launched in 2011 to replace the complex Food Pyramid, MyPlate provides a simple, intuitive visual guide for healthy eating. The USDA's role is not just to create the icon but to continually provide science-based resources, educational materials, and partnerships to help Americans improve their nutritional health. By leveraging the power of federal agencies and strategic alliances, MyPlate remains a vital tool for promoting public well-being and a better understanding of balanced nutrition.
Visit MyPlate.gov for official resources and information.
Official USDA Food Guides Throughout History
- 1916: Food for Young Children and How to Plan Meals
- 1940s: The Basic Seven
- 1956: The Basic Four
- 1970s: Hassle-Free Daily Food Guide
- 1992: Food Guide Pyramid
- 2005: MyPyramid
- 2011: MyPlate
This progression showcases the government's long-standing effort to provide nutritional guidance, with MyPlate being the culmination of decades of research and refinement in public health communication.
