Durham Innovative Nutrition Education

01/22/2026

We have not used the Food Pyramid as an educational tool or healthy eating visual since 2011. Scroll back in time to see the history of USDA Food Guides. The food guides have changed over time to reflect the recommended dietary guidelines.

Introduced in 2011, MyPlate, was the first guide to help the public visualize a balanced meal. MyPlate emphasizes variety and proportion on the plate, while including foods from each food group.
🍽️A plate visual works for most people because it is SIMPLE and relatable. We can look to it to plan our plates (or bowls) over the course of the day, or over the week. MyPlate is easy to use, customizable, based on science and consumer feedback, and is an overall great tool.

The newest version of the pyramid (reverse pyramid?) is confusing and lacks clear guidance.
The reverse pyramid graphic contradicts many sections of the written Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs). For example:
🧈A large amount of food images shown are high saturated fat sources. The DGAs still recommend saturated fat intake should not exceed 10% of daily calories.

📢Stay tuned - we will continue to break down our thoughts on the DGAs and the new pyramid in the coming weeks!

🍽️If you find the plate visual helpful, look to these resources that are still available:
myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplate

Harvard School of Public Health’s Healthy Eating Plate
🌐nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/healthy-eating-plate/

Canadian Food Guide
🌐food-guide.canada.ca/en/

Tufts University: MyPlate for Older Adults
🌐hnrca.tufts.edu/resources/my-plate-older-adults

Individuals with specific medical needs can also look up tailored plate methods visuals, such as:
💙American Diabetes Association: The Diabetes Plate method
💛American Institute for Cancer Research: the New American Plate
❤️American Heart Association supporting Plate Method

Reference for Food Guide timeline:
https://myplate-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/2024-05/A-Brief-History-of-the-USDA-Food-Guides.pdf

01/16/2026

The 2025-2030 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) was released January 7th.

As registered dietitians we are committed to following evidence-based guidelines. While many recommendations align with longstanding nutrition recommendations, there are also some contradictions and other areas that we feel could use further clarification and guidance.

In the days and weeks to come, we hope to be diving deeper into more specific topics related to the DGAs.
For trusted nutrition information please visit: https://www.eatright.org/

✔️

12/05/2025

DINE leads afterschool programs. This one took place at RN Harris and was lead by DINE dietitian, Kim Barrier. There was apple trivia, a movement activity in the gym, and students got to make their own apple parfaits!

11/25/2025

DINE is a team of registered dietitians and nutrition professionals who champion better food access and enjoyable eating. We seek to enhance the health and well-being of Durham residents by:
Providing trustworthy nutrition education through positive experiences with food; and
Working with the community to make healthy choices more accessible where people live, learn and play.

11/21/2025

One of the best ways to teach children about healthy eating is to getting them involved in preparing food together. There are tasks that kids of all ages can help with in the kitchen!

11/05/2025

DINE dietitians, Adante Hart and Jessica Davidson at Durham Public Schools Acceler8 Career Fair on 10/21.
Not pictured here but also in attendance was DCo clinical dietitian, Becky, who represented the clinical side of community nutrition.

💡Students tested their food and nutrition knowledge with the trivia wheel for the chance to win prizes.
🍳They practiced culinary skills at our table like how flip food in a pan with Adante. 🍿Students could sample DINE's [Build Your Own] Trail Mix and Apple Cinnamon Infused Water.

Acceler8 is a career exploration day for all eighth-grade DPS students. This event connects students directly with local industries and career professionals and allows them to explore future career opportunities in Durham.

We sure hope we sparked some interest in a path of community nutrition. 😎🥦🍎

11/04/2025

11/04/2025

11/03/2025

DINE dietitian-nutritionist, Jessica Davidson, on Halloween teaching our "Healthy Habits" lesson to 2nd graders. 🎃🍊DINE is DEDICATED to creating positive learning environments around food and nutrition.

DINE serves the Durham elementary and middle school community through:
🍳interactive nutrition classes
👩🏾‍🍳cooking-based nutrition lessons
🫶school wellness programs
🍎afterschool programs
🥦and more!

Nutrition is an important piece to health education. Nutrition education and activities in school can give children the tools they need to feel confident in choosing healthy foods and beverages now and in their futures!

Read more about why nutrition education from professionals can make a difference: www.cdc.gov/school-nutrition/education

10/31/2025

10/20/2025

Wednesday!
Annual North Carolina Crunch October 22nd at Noon
Everyone is encouraged to crunch on some local produce!

You can sign-up at
growing-minds.org/north-carolina-crunch
to receive a free guide with NC Crunch tips and resources.
Share about your on social media. Tag and

Participants of all ages are invited to crunch along in their schools, child care centers, offices, farmers markets and restaurants with a number of seasonal goods, including apples, collards, beets, kale, lettuce, bok choy, cabbage, herbs, mustard greens and mushrooms.

10/14/2025

Healthy & delicious school meals fuel students so they are ready for learning.
Breakfast and lunch are FREE for all DPS students. No application is needed!
🌿Vegetarian options
📍Local ingredients
🍽Grab N Go meal options
🫶Second breakfast available when late to school

Check out the school nutrition website for updates, current menus, and more info.
https://www.dpsnc.net/o/dps/page/menus

Happy National School Lunch Week!

Las comidas escolares saludables y deliciosas proporcionan energía a los niños para que estén listos a aprender.
Las comidas en las escuelas son gratis para TODOS los estudiantes de las Escuelas Publicas de Durham. No necesita aplicar!
🌿Opciones vegetarianas.
📍Ingredientes locales.
🍽Opciones de comida para llevar.
🫶Segundo desayuno disponible cuando se llega tarde a la escuela.
Visite el sitio web de nutrición escolar para obtener actualizaciones, menús y más información.
https://www.dpsnc.net/o/dps/page/menus