Hispanic Children at Greater Risk of Obesity (press release)

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The National Academy of Sciences Institutes of Medicine has confirmed childhood obesity in the United States has officially become an epidemic -and it is most prevalent among Hispanic children. More than 21 percent of Hispanic children are considered overweight due a to lack of healthy eating practices and regular physical activity - both of which are easily remedied if parents, schools and the community take the initiative to make health a top priority.

President Bush, school districts and companies like Gardenburger are dedicating major resources to curb childhood obesity. President Bush is spending $36 million on a USD A initiative to encourage healthy eating among children. Likewise, many school districts are making changes to their school lunch menus to feature more healthful options. And Gardenburger is stepping up to the plate and bringing their famous, healthy and tasty soy-based veggie burger to the New York City school system.

"More than 75% of children ages 6-11 do not eat the minimum of three servings of vegetables or two servings of fruit daily," said Shirley A. Nelson, MPH, RD. "By replacing a hamburger with a veggie burger, eating carrot sticks instead of chips, or eating a piece of fruit instead of juice, children and families can easily improve their diets, and thus their overall health. Most importantly, by doing this, families will be taking a major step in curbing childhood obesity."

Healthy Food:

Easy for Parents, A Soon-to-be Favorite for Kids

Parents view fast food as an easy way to feed their families. But the truth is that providing kids with a healthy diet can be just as easy - and taste just as good. Children need whole grains, fresh fruits and fresh vegetables. They need a source of calcium for their growing bones. They need healthy sources of protein, either from fish, poultry, eggs, and meat, or from plant sources like soy. These foods give children the vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients they need to build high-quality bodies.

More so than ever before, companies like Gardenburger are making it even easier for parents to give their children healthy food that they will enjoy eating. Gardenburger, a pioneer in healthful eating, offers an entire line of 100% natural, great tasting, nutritious and timesaving options, ranging from burgers to chicken patties to complete meals.

Gardenburger Recommends the Following Healthy Eating Tips for Kids and Their Parents

o Breakfast is a very important meal of the day. Start the day off right by giving your child cereal with low-fat milk, fruit or yogurt, toast or bread. Other healthy and great tasting alternatives are soymilk or a breakfast burrito made with Gardenburger's Meatless Breakfast Sausage.

o Eat fruits and vegetables at each meal and for tasty snacks! We should all try to eat 5 servings a day. Try going "meatless" once or twice a week and replace meat with vegetarian options. Swap out a hamburger for one of Gardenburger's grain-based veggie burgers, and you are getting the added benefits of soy protein, whole grains, and veggies all in one delicious patty!

o Too much saturated fat is not good for your child's health. Eating too many of those tasty, fatty foods (such as butter, fried meats and pastries) might not always be good. Kids will love to bite into Gardenburger's Riblets. They are packed with all the flavor of real ribs, but without all the saturated fat.

o Eat regularly and choose a variety of snacks. Between meals, there will be many times when your child will be hungry, especially if he/she is physically active. Snacks should fill the gap, but should not be eaten in place of meals. Make sure to choose healthy snacks, such as low-fat cheese with whole-wheat crackers, fresh fruit, or sticks of vegetables. Gardenburger also offers perfect snacking options like Buffalo Wings - kids love them and they don't even know they're good for them!

About Gardenburger

Gardenburger pioneered the meatless food category 20 years ago with the invention of the original veggie burger created by health food guru Paul Wenner. The company's balanced approach to healthful living has led them to be the only national company in the meatless category to use only 100% natural ingredients in all of their products. Gardenburger's meatless menu includes more than 20 items, ranging from burgers, appetizers, meatless specialties, and a first in the meatless category - protein-based meatless frozen entrees.

Gardenburger's retail customers include more than 30,000 grocery, natural food and club stores. Its meatless products are also distributed to more than 35,000 foodservice outlets throughout the United States and Canada. Based in Irvine, Calif, the company employs approximately 185 people, www.gardenburger.com.

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