Med Mark — Who Are We?
Oldways develops and carries out education programs and events to help consumers make wise choices about eating, drinking, lifestyle and the traditional pleasures of the table. These programs embrace sound principles of nutrition, sustainable farming, balance, and managing choices. The concept of “eating patterns” lies at the heart of healthy traditional Oldways table. This concept has been a cornerstone of Oldways since the non-profit organization was established in 1990, and is the companion to enjoying the pleasures of the table.
A goal of Oldways has always been to match science and health promoting food – to help consumers find healthy products. We believe the Med Mark will do just that by helping consumers find legitimate Mediterranean foods and drinks when they go shopping.
The Mediterranean Foods Alliance is the third element of a new consumer shopping-assistance program from Oldways. Through the years, our experience has shown that consumers respond to messages that simplify shopping and clear the clutter of competing and often confusing nutritional information. Surveys consistently reveal that shoppers want to purchase healthy foods and drinks for themselves, families and friends, but are often discouraged by having to decide among the 45,000 different products in an average market (Food Marketing Institute, Facts and Figures). The success of this new Oldways program is evidenced by the results of our first two consumer educational efforts.
To help shoppers seeking whole grains, Oldways organized the Whole Grains Council in 2003, and the Whole Grains Stamp, an eye-catching black and gold stamp which has been a boon to consumers in search of healthier grain food options. As of May 1, 2008 the Whole Grain Stamp appears on more than 1,800 different products.
The second Oldways program, the Latino Nutrition Coalition, produces a pocket-sized brochure for Latino shoppers called Camino Magico ("Magic Road"). This bilingual and bicultural supermarket-shopping guide offers healthy choices and healthy eating patterns as they navigate grocery store aisles. It helps Latinos shop and thus eat healthier.