The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) applauds the new “Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005.” But, as good as the new guidelines are, they will do little to improve the public's health without vigorous efforts to improve nutrition policy and the food environment. Please urge your Senators and Representative to cosponsor legislation to support Americans’ efforts to eat well and watch their weight, such as requiring calorie labeling in chain restaurants and limiting junk food in schools.

Once you send your letter to Congress, please consider writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper in response to articles that might appear regarding the “Dietary Guidelines.” Please let us know if you get published and where.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I urge you to help Americans meet the new recommendations set by the "Dietary Guidelines for Americans" by supporting policies requiring calorie labeling in chain restaurants and limiting junk food in schools.

The guidelines provide strong recommendations for consuming fewer calories, less saturated and trans fat and sodium and more whole grains. And they recommend eating nine servings a day--about four-and-a-half cups--of fruits and vegetables, up from five servings. But as good as the "Dietary Guidelines" is, it will do little to improve the public's health without vigorous efforts to improve nutrition policy and the food environment.

Since the guidelines apply to the federal school lunch and breakfast programs, schools will need to offer less-salty foods and more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. However, foods sold out of vending machines, school snack lines, and other venues outside the school meals programs do not have to meet the "Dietary Guidelines." Too many of those foods and beverages are high in fat, salt, and sugars. I urge you to cosponsor legislation that will set nutrition standards for all foods and beverages offered on school campuses throughout the day.

The "Guidelines" also provides strong advice for Americans to limit their intake of calories, saturated and trans fats and sodium. But most Americans cannot determine how many calories or saturated and trans fats or sodium are in restaurant foods because nutrition information is rarely accessible at the point of purchase. I urge you to cosponsor legislation that would require fast-food and other chain restaurants to list calorie counts on menu boards and calories, saturated plus trans fat, and sodium on printed menus.

The "Guidelines" provides science-based advice for people about good dietary habits that promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases. I urge you to support Americans' efforts to follow that advice. Please let me know if you will cosponsor these two important health bills.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
January 13, 2005