s families spend more time at home, Americans are finding comfort in a surprising source: bread. In fact, a 20-year trend of declining grain food consumption has been reversed.
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demand items. However, manufacturers are working closely with retailers to make sure that out-of-stocks are short lived. Consumers will be able to buy their favorite grain-food products and eat them, too."
A national study by the Grain Food Foundation suggests that the turnaround is more than a one-time sales blip due to pantry loading. In reality, consumers count bread among their top comfort foods. The study revealed one-third of Americans named pasta and bread as foods that are comforting during a stressful time.
To learn more about the role of grain foods in a healthful diet, visit GrainFoodsFoundation.org.
In addition to the comforting flavor, this trend provides valuable nutritional benefits. As a part of many healthy eating plans, bread and pasta are nutritionist approved and provide nutrients needed for healthy aging such as B vitamins, magnesium, selenium, iron, folate and fiber. "For years, we've been telling consumers that grain foods are the foods we love that love us back," said Christine Cochran, executive director of the Grain Foods Foundation. "The stress has given us permission to enjoy bread and pasta again, but unlike most comfort foods, consumers recognize that grains have nutritional value." The highest-ranking comfort foods were ice cream; baked goods like cakes, cookies and pastries; salty snacks; candy; and fast food. However, when asked to identify comfort foods with nutritional advantages, consumers identified bread and pasta as the top two. Beyond identifying comfort foods and their nutritional value, consumers also expressed worry that bread is in short supply right now. "We can all rest assured that there is enough supply of grain food products in this country," Cochran said. "Shoppers may be experiencing some sporadic unavailability of certain high-
Avocado Veggie Sandwich Recipe courtesy of the Grain Foods Foundation Prep time: 10 minutes Servings: 2
• 1/2 ripe avocado, peeled • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice • 1/8 teaspoon salt • 4 slices bread • 4 slices tomato • 8 slices cucumber • 12 slices sweet bell pepper • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar • 2 lettuce leaves In small bowl, combine avocado, lemon juice and salt. Spread mixture evenly over two bread slices. Place tomatoes, cucumber and peppers on covered surface. Drizzle with vinegar. Layer lettuce, tomato, cucumbers and peppers evenly between slices of bread, creating two sandwiches
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