*EPF405 12/23/2004
Text: Nutrition.gov Features Information on Diet, Nutrition
(Web-based resource includes databases, recipes, interactive tools) (460)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching a new nutrition Web site designed to help people find answers to nutrition- and food-related questions, according to a December 22 USDA press release.

The site -- http://www.nutrition.gov/�� -- is a comprehensive source of information on nutrition and dietary guidance from multiple government agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services.

"Nutrition.gov is a Web-based resource that includes databases, recipes, interactive tools and specialized information for infants and children, adult women and men and seniors,���� said Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman.

A team of registered dietitians and nutrition information specialists at the Food and Nutrition Information Center of USDA����s National Agricultural Library maintains the site.

Text of the USDA press release follows:

(begin text)

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Agricultural Research Service

Press release, December 22, 2003

Nutrition.gov Website Provides Reliable Information on Healthy Eating, Nutrition, Obesity Prevention

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2004--Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman today announced the launch of a new nutrition website designed to help people find answers to nutrition- and food-related questions. The site, http://www.nutrition.gov/, is a comprehensive source of information on nutrition and dietary guidance from multiple government agencies.

"Health solutions begin with the availability of reliable nutrition and physical activity information the public can use to make good health choices and maintain a healthy weight," Veneman said.

"Nutrition.gov is a web-based resource that includes databases, recipes, interactive tools and specialized information for infants and children, adult women and men and seniors."

Nutrition.gov supports the President's HealthierUS Initiative and expands on the nutrition information available on the healthierus.gov website, which also includes information on physical fitness, prevention and making healthy choices.

Nutrition.gov includes information provided by USDA, the Department of Health and Human Services, and others. USDA's National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board recommended in 2003 that USDA develop food- and exercise-based strategies for obesity prevention, and coordinate with other Federal agencies toward a national prevention effort. Nutrition.gov is an important tool in that effort.

The nutrition.gov site is maintained by a team of Registered Dietitians and nutrition information specialists at the Food and Nutrition Information Center of USDA's National Agricultural Library. The team works in cooperation with scientists and professionals at USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Food and Nutrition Service, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and other Federal partners.

The website also links to information on the Food Guide Pyramid, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, dietary supplements, fitness and food safety.

The National Agricultural Library, in Beltsville, Md., is part of the Agricultural Research Service, a USDA scientific research agency.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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