New 'Go Fish!' program brings health benefits of fish to
Americans' doorsteps
The Seafood Industry Teams
up With Meals on Wheels Association of America to Encourage
its Nationwide Network to Meet the Recommended Weekly
Servings of Seafood
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/
-- The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) and Meals On
Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) today launched a joint
effort to promote the health benefits associated with
including fish in a healthy, balanced diet.
The "Go Fish!" program
theme is modeled after the popular card game and will
provide thousands of MOWAA members, volunteers, clients,
donors and staff a different "playing card" each week that
will include recipe and meal preparation ideas, health and
nutrition information and facts about fish. The first card,
the King of Hearts, is available upon request.
"We know that many health
benefits are derived when seafood consumption is increased
and are pleased with the opportunity to share this
information with our members because of our partnership with
NFI," said Enid Borden, CEO of MOWAA. "It is our desire to
promote better nutrition for seniors we serve and encourage
them through our programs to put more fish in their diets."
NFI President John
Connelly said, "Though seafood consumption is on the rise,
Americans still only eat less than half the recommended
servings of fish per week. Our partnership with Meals on
Wheels will help the seafood community reach a broad group
of Americans who need accurate information about why fish is
healthy as well as techniques to handle and prepare these
meals."
As detailed in the 2005
Dietary Guidelines for Americans and new food guide pyramid,
the federal government recommends at least two servings of
fish or seafood per week. The guidelines specifically
mention the tremendous health benefits of fish and shellfish
-- such as omega-3 fatty acids -- that can "reduce the risk
of mortality from cardiovascular disease."
Studies also show that
fish is "brain food." Research published in the Archives of
Neurology conducted by the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging
found dietary intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids and
weekly consumption of fish may reduce the risk of
Alzheimer's disease. Numerous studies show that omega- 3s
also protect against coronary heart disease and stroke and
aid in the neurological development of unborn babies.
NFI is the leading trade
association for the fish and seafood industry whose members
represent a variety of businesses ranging from the water to
the table. For more information visit our website at
http://www.aboutseafood.com/.
Meals On Wheels
Association of America (MOWAA) is the oldest and largest
organization in the United States representing those who
provide meal services to people in need. MOWAA works toward
the social, physical, nutritional, and economic betterment
of vulnerable Americans so that "no senior goes hungry."(R)
For more information visit
http://www.mowaa.org/.