POLICY
There are many ways to make an impact on drinking water policy. See below for current action opportunities from the National Drinking Water Alliance (NDWA).
PUT WATER ON MYPLATE!
Water in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
The MyPlate graphic—which replaced the “Food Pyramid” in 2005—is the go-to tool for nutrition education in the U.S. Most people don’t read the Dietary Guidelines, but they do see MyPlate. The graphic reminds us that a healthy diet consists of a variety of foods from key food groups. But one very important element is missing, WATER!
Too many children–and adults–routinely drink sugar-sweetened beverages and research shows many school-age children are under-hydrated, making it harder for their minds and bodies to work well. Substituting water for sugary drinks is a smart choice to help keep weight under control and prevent chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. (Click here to learn more about why water is important for health.)
To promote drinking water for healthy hydration, NDWA is leading an ongoing national campaign to urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to:
1. Put clear and actionable advice about drinking water in the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines
2. Add a symbol for water to the MyPlate graphic
For more information, take a look at NDWA’s comments submitted during the development process for the 2020-2025 and 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans:
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January 15, 2020 | National Drinking Water Alliance and collaborating organizations and individuals' comments to the DGAC. Recommends adding a symbol for water on MyPlate and making clear recommendations for drinking water as the beverage of choice.
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August 12, 2020 | National Drinking Water Alliance and collaborating organizations and individuals' comments to USDA and HHS. Recommends that the guidelines and all educational materials for the guidelines provide clear, actionable advice to the American public to drink water in lieu of sugar-sweetened beverages.
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October 7, 2024 | National Drinking Water Alliance with collaborating organizations submitted comments to the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on: (1) including recommendations in the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report about the importance of promoting and enabling consumption of plain water as a critical part of the strategy to reduce consumption of sugary drinks, and (2) adding a symbol for drinking water to the MyPlate graphic.
Participate in the Process: 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), updated every five years, is the cornerstone of federal nutrition policy, including federal food programs and government procurement policies, and nutrition education activities ranging from SNAP-Ed to childcare settings.
Updating the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is a multi-step, multi-year process with opportunities for the public to be involved at different stages.
Your valuable input can help guide federal policymakers towards an improved DGA. Here are steps in the process. Make an impact by:
☑ Providing input as USDA and HHS seek to identify the scientific questions to be addressed by a Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
• Public comment on the scientific questions was accepted from April 15-May 16, 2022
☑ Nominating qualified individuals to serve when USDA and HHS appoint the advisory committee
• Nominations for the DGAC were open for 30 days from June 15-July 15, 2022
☑ Providing public comment during specified comment periods during the review of the evidence by the Advisory Committee
• The Committee will review evidence starting in early 2023 until late 2024
• They will meet approximately five times
• All Committee meetings will be open to the public
☐ NOW! Providing public comment on the Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee before USDA and HHS develop their final 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines
• The Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, along with public and agency comments, will help inform USDA and HHS’ development of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a foundational document for the nation’s health.
☐ Exploring and using resources for consumer-facing education once the agencies implement the new Dietary Guidelines
TAKE ACTION!
Click here for our webpage on how to Submit a Comment to USDA.
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Learn how to write an effective comment
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Stay tuned for comment submission opportunities!
Check the Dietary Guidelines for Americans webpage, Work Under Way, to stay up-to-date with the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines process.
Download and then post or share "Put Water on MyPlate" campaign artwork:
Water in Dietary Guidance Graphics
ALL TAKE ACTION OPPORTUNITIES
30 Day Water Challenge:
Make Every Sip Count!
Summer Splash:
CACFP Take Action Challenge
Put Water in Your School Wellness Policy!