Photos by Mark SimonsWhile visitors to the 2012 Indiana State Fair could feast on a variety of fried foods — from chicken sandwiches wrapped in donut goo to the renowned frosting filled and fried spongy treats — there were some healthy alternatives. Purdue Extension representatives from the College of Health and Human Sciences put on the "MyPlate and Beyond" exhibit in the DuPont Food Pavilion in August. The interactive exhibit illustrated the U.S. Department of Agriculture's tool that emphasizes the five food groups that are part of a healthy diet: fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy.
That's Connie Weaver (at left, in black), head and Distinguished Professor of Nutrition Science, no doubt emphasizing the benefits of calcium. Fairgoers who completed a scavenger hunt of questions while visiting the exhibit received a Purdue Extension cup and a coupon for a free glass of milk at the Dairy Bar.
"Visitors learned how easy it is to shop for food, grow their own, plan meals and eat together," says Lisa Graves, Extension specialist in nutrition science. "From child to adult, the exhibit featured tips and ideas for everyone to build a healthy plate."
The exhibit was created by the Purdue Agricultural Communication Exhibit Design Center and specialists and faculty in the Department of Nutrition Science. The American Dairy Association and Indiana's Dairy Farm Families provided funding.
Photo Gallery (click to enlarge)
