General Mills Teams With TV Doctor to Close Whole Grain Gap

MINNEAPOLIS -- General Mills Inc. is donating one million servings of whole grain cereal to needy families. The move is part of the company's efforts with Dr. Travis Stork, known to television audiences as co-host of "The Doctors", to get more Americans to eat the daily recommended amount of whole grain.

According to a General Mills release, less than 5 percent of Americans get the minimum three full daily servings of whole grain as recommended by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. "Our goal is to ensure more Americans get the recommended amount of whole grain," said Jeff Harmening, president of General Mills Big G cereal division.

For his part, Stork will speak out on the importance of whole grain and challenge Americans to ensure they get the recommended amount. "Whole grain is a key component of a healthy diet and Americans aren't getting enough," he said. "Whole grain can help with diabetes and weight management, as well as reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers."

Whole grain has been a priority of General Mills since 2005 when the company began guaranteeing every Big G cereal would contain at least eight grams of whole grain per serving, with more than 20 Big G cereals delivering 16 grams or more. "We are committed to continuing our role as a health leader in the whole grain category," Harmening said. "We look forward to making this donation to help more Americans have access to whole grain."