Introducing “MiPlato” to help the Hispanic Community Make Healthier Food Choices

On Friday, September 30^th, as part of the Obama Administration’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar,Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, and White House Chef Sam Kass were joined by celebrity Hispanic chefs Chef Pepín and Chef Marcela Valladolid to unveil “MiPlato,”an easy to follow diet guide for staying healthy and fit. 

The Administration had recently released their new food icon, MyPlate, to serve as a reminder on how to help Hispanic consumers make healthier food choices. The release of all the MyPlate materials in Spanish will help consumers think about making healthier food choices during meals. The MiPlato and MyPlate icons focus on the importance of a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy. The materials are part of the Administrations’ multi-year effort to raise awareness and educate consumers of every age on the importance of healthier eating and physical activity.

During the event at the White House, White House Chef Sam Kass introduced celebrity chefs who are working with the Administration to get the message out to the Hispanic community about the importance of a good and balanced diet. Chef Pepín reflected on his own experience and how the plate is a symbol much easier to understand than the food pyramid it replaced.

“I have spent all of my life talking to Hispanics in this country about food. I know that MiPlato will be meaningful to change our habits, and for Hispanics to see, in a different way, food and health.”Chef Pepín said.

Chef Marcela Valladolid provided her perspective not just as a chef but as a mother, and spoke of her approach to keep her own son healthy and active.

“It’s my responsibility to make sure my son has the nutrition and exercise he needs to make sure he’s not part of the statistics. I feel honored that the First Lady decided to reach out to our community,to the Hispanic community, directly," Chef Marcela said.

Check out a picture from the event or “MyPlate” and “MiPlato” materials, and make your next meal a MiPlato meal!