What’s Your Snack IQ? From Organic Valley

Source: LA FARGE, Wis., Sept. 7, PRNewswire

By what age are most American kids hooked on junk food? How can you help reduce unhealthy snacking in your home? You’re tired and hungry after school, so what’s the best snack to grab? Now through the end of September, parents and kids can find out how snack savvy they are by answering these questions and more at http://www.organicvalley.coop/snackquiz.

500 winners will be drawn from all those who take the quiz between now and Sept. 30. Winners will automatically receive a free insulated snack backpack, compliments of Organic Valley Family of Farms.

"Some snacks improve your health and others don’t," said Dr. Alan Greene, M.D., one of the nation’s foremost pediatricians and children’s environmental health advocates and father of four. "Healthy snacking can taste great and satisfy cravings, while giving kids and parents a boost of energy and much- needed nutrients. But many snack choices are full of unhealthy fat, including transfats, salt, calories and artificial ingredients. Instead, look for snacks made from delicious organic whole fruits, veggies, whole grains and low-fat organic dairy choices, which are made without pesticides, hormones or antibiotics."

Dr. Greene and Organic Valley have created a quiz for adults and a quiz for kids, each with 10 thought-provoking, fun questions to help them measure their healthy snacking know-how. One question on the kids’ quiz asks, "It’s after school and you’re feeling tired and hungry. Which of the following snacks will get you back on your feet and help you hold on until suppertime?" And adults are asked questions such as, "On average, how many pounds of sweeteners per person per year do Americans consume?"

After answering all 10 questions, quiz-takers will see the correct answers, along with helpful nutritional facts and advice from Dr. Greene and select snack recipes from Organic Valley, such as Creamy Dreamy Guacamole Dip for vegetables. They’ll also receive a summary of their snack knowledge, based upon how many of their answers are correct.

"Some of my favorite snacks are mixed organic nuts, sliced, crisp organic apples, and organic cheddar cheese, along with a glass of cold and satisfying lowfat, organic milk," said Dr. Greene.

"My kids love to munch on baby organic carrots and cherry tomatoes. There are so many healthy snacks today from which families can choose. The most important thing is to keep on hand a variety of natural, whole food snacks that are delicious, but provide calories for energy and other ingredients needed to stay fit and healthy."

Organic Valley offers a range of healthy organic snack options, ranging from organic 1% lowfat chocolate and regular milk in 11-oz single-serve bottles, to assorted organic cheeses, including Organic Valley Stringles cheese sticks in three delicious varieties: mozzarella, cheddar and co-jack.

About Alan Greene, M.D.
Dr. Alan Greene, a practicing pediatrician, father of four and spokesperson for Organic Valley Family of Farms, has devoted himself to freely giving real answers to parents’ real questions. His answers combine cutting edge science, practical wisdom, warm empathy, and a deep respect for parents, children and the environment. Dr. Greene’s Web site, http://www.drgreene.com/ , was selected in July 2004 by the Wall Street Journal as one of the best health sites. He also is the Pediatric Expert for Yahoo! and for ParentsAction.org. Dr. Greene teaches at the Stanford University School of Medicine, and is an attending pediatrician at Stanford’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. He is a senior fellow at the University of California San Francisco’s Center for the Health Profession and is a board member of the Organic Center for Education and Promotion.

Organic Valley: Farming for Future Generations
Organic Valley is one of America’s leading national organic brands and is the largest independent and farmer-owned organic dairy cooperative in the United States. Organized in 1988, the cooperative represents more than 700 farmers in 22 states. It owes its success to staying independent and true to its mission: keeping small and mid-sized farmers farming.

As stewards of the earth who use nature as their teacher, Organic Valley farmers produce more than 130 delicious organic products. Look for their organic milk, soy, cheese, butter, spreads, creams, eggs, produce, juice and meats in food cooperatives, natural foods stores and supermarkets throughout the country. For further information, contact Organic Valley at 1-888-444-MILK or visit http://www.organicvalley.coop/.

Source: Organic Valley Family of Farms
Contact: Sue McGovern for Organic Valley Family of Farms, 1-781-648-7157, sue@mcgov.com
Web sites: http://www.organicvalley.coop/, http://www.organicvalley.coop/snackquiz
http://www.drgreene.com/