Every five years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) release the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These recommendations are designed to educate consumers and healthcare providers on making healthy eating choices, but the guidelines also inform federal policies on everything from school lunches to chronic disease prevention. Right now, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is finalizing their scientific report full of recommendations on how the agencies should proceed with the guidelines. The committee is recommending a reduction in all meat intake (including beef), and replacing that protein with beans, peas and lentils.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has launched a grassroots letter to Congress urging policymakers to get involved and protect beef’s role on the plate. You can help us all by sending a letter to Congressional leaders by clicking on this link today: LETTER TO CONGRESS: Beef Belongs on the Plate.