With a Burst of Flavor & Nutrition, Green Giant® Provides More Than 1 Billion ½-Cup Servings of Vegetables Annually to America’s Table

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It was a bumper crop last year in the Valley of the Jolly Green Giant as one of America’s leading producers of frozen and canned vegetables provided more than 1.4 billion ½-cup servings of tasty, nutritious vegetables. With the new 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans released this week, Green Giant reminds Americans that getting at least 2½ cups of vegetables per day¹ as a step toward better health may be easier than they think.

“Adding more vegetables to your daily diet is do-able when your kitchen is well-stocked with the colorful varieties you and your family love”

“Adding more vegetables to your daily diet is do-able when your kitchen is well-stocked with the colorful varieties you and your family love,” explained Steve Finnie, marketing manager for Green Giant. “Whether you’re looking for canned or frozen options, medleys or sauced sides, single-serve or family-sized packages – Green Giant can be part of the solution to help Americans improve their health by eating more vegetables.”

A 2009 study² indicated then that only 6 percent of Americans got the recommended number of vegetables (a minimum of 2½ to 3 cups) in any given day. With room for improvement, and given the emphasis highlighted in the new guidelines, Green Giant offers these tips as Americans look to add more vegetables to their mealtime mix:

+ Boost Your Nutrient Intake – Vegetables provide nutrients important for good health. Choose an assortment of vegetables in a range of different colors to make sure you are getting a variety of vitamins and minerals daily. The guidelines encourage Americans to make half their plate fruits and vegetables, and then round out with lean protein, low-fat dairy and whole grain.

+ Take Stock In All Kinds – Whether fresh, canned or frozen, have a selection of vegetables within reach. Fresh vegetables work great on-the-go, particularly for midday snacks, salads and bagged lunches. Frozen options are super convenient – and nutritious. Green Giant frozen vegetables are picked at their peak and flash frozen to lock in vitamins and minerals. And, research shows that frozen vegetables are as nutritious as fresh. Canned vegetables also are useful when making soups, casseroles and sides.

+ Help Kids Score Big – Did you know that kids (nine to 18 years old) need at least 2 to 3 cups of vegetables per day?³ If your child is picky when it comes to veggies, try serving their vegetables topped with low-fat cheese or a dab of butter. Or, look for lower-calorie frozen vegetables that include a flavorful sauce.

+ Crunch The Numbers – If you’re an efficiency expert when it comes to stocking your pantry, keeping canned and frozen vegetables on hand is a smart move. They’re available year round, are cost-effective and convenient.

Green Giant began its love affair with veggies over 100 years ago in LeSueur, Minnesota and remains committed to helping cultivate a strong, healthy relationship with Americans and their veggies. Visit www.GreenGiant.com for more information on vegetables, nutrition, recipes and tips.

About General Mills
One of the world's leading food companies, General Mills operates in more than 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios, Yoplait , Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Progresso, Häagen-Dazs, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen, and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills had fiscal 2010 global net sales of US$16 billion, including the company’s $1.2 billion proportionate share of joint venture net sales.

¹ 2010 US Dietary Guidelines, 2½ cups of vegetables per day based on a 2,000 calorie diet
² NPD Group, Nutrient Intake Database; Feb. 2009
³ Report of the DGAC on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010