UC nutrition educators reach 32,000 in one fell swoop

Nutrition information was extended to more than 30,000 Shasta County residents today in a prominent Redding Record Searchlight food story with information sourced entirely from UC Cooperative Extension educators.

Shasta County food stamp nutrition educator Lori Coker and nutrition, family and consumer sciences advisor Concepcion Mendoza explained in the 850-word article how to add whole grains to one's diet and why it is important.

"You have to read the labels," Coker told freelance writer Debra Moore. The story included a side bar suggesting readers look for products with the first ingredient listed as "whole grain," "whole wheat," "100% whole grain," "100% whole kernel" or "100% percent whole wheat."

Eating whole grains, the educators said, has health and weight control benefits.

"Eating whole grains reduces the risk of heart and other diseases," Coker was quoted. "It also aids digestion and gives you more sustained energy. It eliminates the crash and burn."

"If you eat the appropriate amount of carbs, you won't gain weight," Mendoza was quoted.

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