Useful criticism of the plate from retail analysts:
Hartman
Boy, this issue goes to show the power of the lobbyists and experts that surround the beltway. Over the years, the food pyramid has changed dramatically, and remains a political football to kick back and forth. The first pyramid was adopted in 1992, changed in 2005 and now reports are that the new version will be a plate showing how much of each food group an adult person should eat for healthy weight.
Here are some examples of past pyramids:
Last summer, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), in collaboration with the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), released the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at Farmers Markets: A How-To-Handbook. The handbook assists farmers’ market operators and direct marketing farmers in determining the steps necessary to become authorized to participate in SNAP and, subsequently, the steps related to managing participation. It includes tips and guidelines on how to make the program work successfully for vendors and customers. The handbook also features a list of resources, a glossary of important terms, and several case studies from farmers markets that have successfully implemented EBT technology. AMS’s USDA Farmers’ Market Directory is available online to locate farmers’ markets that accept nutrition assistance program benefits.
Helping Farmers Markets Grow 