About Us

The Whole Grains Council is a nonprofit consumer advocacy group working to increase consumption of whole grains for better health. The WGC's many initiatives

• encourage manufacturers to create delicious whole grain products

• help consumers to find whole grain foods and understand their health benefits

• help the media to write accurate, compelling stories about whole grains

Our Mission and History

In April 2002 a group of concerned millers, manufacturers, scientists and chefs gathered in San Diego at a Whole Grains Summit organized by Oldways Preservation Trust. They decided to band together to promote increased consumption of whole grains, and, jointly with Oldways, developed and are carrying out a campaign to encourage others to join in this important effort.

The first formal meeting of the WGC took place in July of 2003. At this meeting, participants outline goals for the fledgling organization, and decided how the important work of the WGC would be funded. Nine industry members stepped forward as sponsors to achieve the following goals:

• To clarify the definition of “whole grain,” document the health benefits of whole grains, and advocate additional whole-grain health research.

• To educate consumers about the benefits of whole grains

• To help Americans find whole grains, with a packaging symbol, and educate them on cooking whole grains

• To promote whole grains through a positive message about their benefits, rather than by criticizing refined grains.

• To serve as a conduit between science, industry and consumers.

• To help grain-product companies, retailers and restaurants meet the needs of health-conscious consumers with appealing whole grain products.

Our Accomplishments to Date

Since that first meeting, the Whole Grains Council has

• Grown from 9 members to over 170, including many industry leaders. View Member Directory.

• Created an extensive website with information for consumers and the press.

• Achieved scientific consensus on a widely-accepted definition of whole grains.

• Held three major conferences in November 2004, January 2006 and November 2007 to move consumers to greater whole grain consumption.

• Managed a continuing campaign to educate the media and the public about the health benefits and delicious tastes of whole grains. So far, we've participated in over 300 stories in publications from the NY Times to Newsweek, and our work has appeared on Oprah and the Today Show.

• Launched the Whole Grain Stamp, creating a familiar packaging symbol that helps consumers select and buy whole grain products. As of mid-2007, over 1400 products used the Whole Grain Stamp.

Highlights of 2007

In 2007 we are continuing our retail Stamp program, our ongoing media campaign, and other existing WGC programs, while also partnering with Registered Dietitians to educate consumers about whole grains. Other 2007 programs are bringing more whole grains into restaurants and foodservice, including:

• The "Just Ask" Campaign – a grassroots campaign to encourage consumers to ask for whole grains everywhere they go.

• The Whole Grains Challenge – a program of incentives to get restaurants and foodservice operations to serve at least one whole grain option at all times, and to publicize participating restaurants to consumers.

• The "Just Ask For Whole Grains" conference – our next conference, to be held Nov. 5-7 in Kansas City, will focus on whole grains in all the meals Americans eat away from home.

Check this website for more details on all these programs as time moves forward.