By Adam Zaremski

The Dietetics and Nutrition Department organized a walk around Buffalo State College on Oct. 4 to promote the new food guide pyramid and collect food items for the Food Bank. 

The 1.3 mile walk had seven destination points where people were informed about a specific part of the pyramid and recommended servings for a nutritious dietary plan.  After the walk, the department had a healthy cooking display by the Tops Cooking School.

The new food pyramid, called My Pyramid, was established by the United States Department of Agriculture to promote better eating habits for Americans.  The newest feature is the inclusion of daily exercise, something the previous pyramid did not include.              

The new pyramid is meant to be more individualized, according to the USDA Web site, by allowing people to go online and enter specifics such as age and physical activity.  The Web site will display suggested calorie intake and types of food that should be consumed.

Kelly Cardamone, a coordinated dietetics program major, said having it mainly based online is a problem because only those who are motivated or have Internet access will be able to use the new pyramid. 

“It’s sad, but people who really need this information and would benefit from it can’t get computer access; but it is the best way to find out individual facts,” Cardamone said.

New research about the determined calorie amount necessary for people was a big reason for changing the pyramid style, said Cara Boshart, who is also a dietetics major.  The new pyramid also eliminated the term “servings” and focuses specifically on cups and ounces.

The department will be hosting a chili lunch at 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 3, in Caudell Hall.Adam Zaremski can be contacted at: sligum13@netscape.net