Urban Minority Teens Name Computer-Related Jobs As 3 of Their Top 10 Desired Careers

March 9, 2015

Urban Minority Teens Name Computer-Related Jobs As 3 of Their Top 10 Desired Careers

Survey by Creating IT Futures Foundation Examines Teen Views of Tech Careers

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., March 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In its Survey of Teen Views on Tech Careers, IT Futures Labs, a signature initiative of the Creating IT Futures Foundation, researched how low- to middle-income urban African American and Hispanic teens, as well as parents, regard information technology (IT) jobs, college and future careers.

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Three types of jobs in information technology – software programmer, computer technician and computer design engineer – ranked in the top ten of teens’ career interests from among 60 career categories, from business and law to music and sports. The teens surveyed also believed that with hard work and/or innate talent, they could be successful in IT careers. This new research will help parents and educators understand how to inform and motivate youth to choose a path toward well-paying tech careers.

“Constrained by limited resources, schools and after-school programs in urban areas often focus attention on the kids at risk of dropping out of high school or the high academic achievers who are on a four-year college path. The academically average students are often left to find their own way. Our research study looks at these kids in the middle, whom we know can achieve solid career success in the practical, hands-on world of IT given the right motivation and opportunities,” said Charles Eaton, CEO, Creating IT Futures Foundation. “We found that urban minority teens have a strong affinity for technology and a desire to work directly with technology in a career.”

The surveyed teens were all B and C students in good standing in their junior or senior year of high school. The teens overwhelmingly indicated college was a high priority and that they wanted to feel connected to a career—not just punch a clock. “Having a job I love” was ranked number one by teens in terms of goals to accomplish over the next decade.

Plus, altruistic aspirations such as contributing money or housing to parents or “helping other people” tended to rank just as high as or even higher with the teens than, “having a lot of money,” “owning my own home,” or “moving into a better neighborhood.” Motivational career messaging targeted at urban minority teens may miss this altruism angle.

IT Career Myths
In terms of advice on college and careers, teens reportedly rely on parents 2-to-1 over any other source, according to the survey. But myths about the necessity of four-year degrees and needing to be a whiz in math and science still persist in the minds of teens and parents alike.

“Parents should recognize and capitalize on their strong influence with their teenagers,” said Eric Larson, director, IT Futures Labs, Creating IT Futures Foundation. “Don’t assume that your messages about college and careers are getting through. Parents intentionally need to set aside more time to discuss careers with their kids. They also need to learn more about tech careers and spot the myths that get in the way of their students becoming technologists.”

The Creating IT Futures Foundation, CompTIA and other IT organizations have long maintained that a four-year degree, while potentially beneficial in the long run, is not the only way to get started in an IT career. A student also doesn’t have to be a top achiever in math and science to be successful in IT. Instead, Creating IT Futures recommends that teens and parents explore IT training options at two-year-degree institutions and non-profit training programs as well as on-the-job training opportunities with local employers. Teens also should become familiar with IT certifications offered by CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft and other certifying bodies.

Based on the survey results, Creating IT Futures recommends that educators and school counselors:

Rethink their marketing of tech careers to teens.
Develop and promote hands-on tech programs.
Help parents provide career guidance.
Clarify what IT means so that teens understand the diverse options available in technology.

Methodology
Creating IT Futures conducted qualitative, ethnographic research in 2013 among a limited number of Chicago area teens and parents. That ethnographic research helped inform the questions for a follow-up 2014 quantitative national survey of more than 300 eleventh- and twelfth-graders and an equivalent number of adults who parent at least one eleventh- or twelfth-grader.

The full survey is available at http://www.creatingitfutures.org/download-teen-whitepaper. A PowerPoint summarizing the survey is available at http://www.slideshare.net/comptia/teen-views-on-tech-careers-45240206.

About the Creating IT Futures Foundation
As the philanthropic arm of CompTIA, the Creating IT Futures Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity with the mission of helping populations under-represented in the information technology industry and individuals who are lacking in opportunity to prepare for, secure and be successful in IT careers. IT Futures Labs researches, develops, tests and launches innovative non-profit job training programs tailored for the IT sector. Learn more at CreatingITFutures.org.

Celebrating 9 years of MegaTV hits

March 9, 2015

Celebrating 9 years of MegaTV hits

–MegaTV is catching on with millennial youth in the U.S.
and Puerto Rico with its campaign of “Subele el Volumen a la Mega [Turn Up the Volume on la Mega]” by Jencarlos Canela during the month of celebration

“Subele el volumen a la Mega“, is an exclusive jingle for MegaTV based on the new tune “Bajito” by Jencarlos Canela, featuring KY-Mani Marley and produced by MAFFIO.

MIAMI, March 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — (SBS/MegaTV) — The big day has arrived. MegaTV is celebrating 9 years of history since it became the first TV channel in Miami to broadcast in high definition, in addition to offering its exclusive content nationally via DIRECTV. MegaTV is a dream founded by communications leader Raul Alarcon on March 6, 2006. Since its beginnings, the famed TV station has featured first-class talent that has given its all day after day to the delight of millions of viewers nationwide.

From its earliest days, MegaTV has been unwavering in offering high quality content to its viewers, who honor our diverse programming with their viewing loyalty. MegaTV continues to position itself as the fast-growing young Hispanic network in the United States.

For this occasion, MegaTV has organized a number of events in which it will showcase the new productions that will be premiering in coming months.

“We give you our most sincere thanks for staying with us, and invite you not to miss a single minute of our programming that we have prepared with much love for our faithful audience, and we ask you to keep on giving us the opportunity to make you laugh and cry day in day out,” commented Albert Rodriguez COO of SBS.

Thanks to you, MegaTV is consolidating its position once again as an alternative channel for the millennial in the United States, and it is one of the few that remains unwavering in its commitment to bringing the best to consumers, which has made MEGATV Your Channel! ¡La Mega se Pega! [La Mega is Catching on!]

As part of the celebration, MegaTV, is about to strike again with the release this week of the campaign, “Subele el Volumen a la Mega,” as it says in the new jingle sung by popular young talent Jencarlos Canela. The network’s exclusive jingle has a catchy rhythm, the distinctive signature of all MegaTV campaigns, and can only be seen if you tune into “La Mega.”

This image campaign is yet another score for MegaTV and executive Maria I. Montoya, Vice President for Programming and Creative Services (On Air Promotions), creator of the popular campaign “La Mega se Pega“ “When I heard Jencarlos’ theme song, ‘Bajito,'” she said, “it won me over right away, and I asked for us to create an exclusive version for MegaTV, “Subele el Volumen a La Mega” is an invitation, especially to the millennial generation, to tune into our channel and discover the best option for Hispanic TV in the United States and Puerto Rico.”

The video for the campaign was produced by Montoya’s creative direction and MegaTV‘s On-Air Promotions crew. It projects a youthful image with a style that is both urban and refined at the same time, unmistakable stamp of the screens of “La Mega,” as the network is commonly known.

The tune “Bajito” that animates the campaign was written by Jencarlos Canela, and is her new single, produced by multi-award winning producer Maffio, with the musical collaboration of singer KY-MANI Marley, daughter of the legendary Bob Marley.

MegaTV, the television division of Spanish Broadcasting System Inc. (SBS) (Nasdaq:SBSA) is proud to present this innovative campaign addressed to the millennial generation in the United States during the network’s month of celebration.

“Subele el Volumen a la Mega” is exclusively available via MegaTV: Channel 22 in Miami, Channel 9.2 Orlando, Channel 55 Houston, TX, Channel 33.1 Fresno, Channel 12 Liberty and Channel 20 Choice in Puerto Rico, Channel 169 of DIRECTV in Puerto Rico. Channel 405 of DIRECTV in the main cities of the United States, Channel 25 in Dallas,TX, Verizon Fios, Channel 466 in Tampa, FL, Verizon Fios, Channel 466 in NY, NJ and Greenwich, CT in Verizon Fios, Channel 473 in Los Angeles, CA, and Channel 3008 of AT&T U-verse in the main cities of the United States.

SHARE AND FOLLOW AT HASHTAG: #MEGATV

On Twitter: @megatvlive

Instagram: @megatvlive

On Twitter: @megatvlive

www.mega.tv

www.lamusica.com

iPhone – Download the app Lamusica

Android – Download the app Lamusica

SBS-MEGATV MEDIA AND PRESS CONTACT:

Vladimir Gomez

Big Time Media/SBS-MEGATV

[email protected]

(786) 510-8841

@VladyGomez

@BigTimeMedia

NOTE TO EDITORS: A high-resolution image is available at: http://hispanicprwire.com/en/multimedia/

Any Cup, Any Way, Any Day: 7-Eleven® Launches 7Rewards Loyalty Platform on App

March 9, 2015

DALLAS, March 9, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — 7-Eleven, Inc. wants its customers to drink up … because the more often they do, the more FREE coffee, Big Gulp^®, Slurpee^® and Chillers^® drinks they’ll earn. Just launched on the 7-Eleven^® mobile app is 7Rewards, an expanded customer loyalty platform that rewards customers with a free beverage for every six cups purchased.

Best of all, 7Rewards counts every 7-Eleven beverage – hot or cold – served in a 7-Eleven cup toward the seventh free. That means any six cups – any size and any drink – whether it’s a large Chillers Iced Coffee or a small Slurpee drink.

“7-Eleven is a beverage destination for millions of Americans, with over 60 percent of our customers including a beverage with each purchase,” said Laura Gordon, 7-Eleven vice president of marketing and brand innovation. “We know that millennials like to have plenty of choices and, hands down, 7Rewards offers more beverage variety than any other rewards program.”

To participate in the new 7Rewards program, customers must use 7-Eleven’s mobile app, available in the iTunes App Store or Google Play, and register as a member. In anticipation of 7Rewards, 7-Eleven updated its app to move the member’s scannable barcode and digital punch card to the home screen for easier use.

Every time a customer purchases a cup, the cashier will scan the barcode in the app, and a “punch” will automatically appear within the app. Each purchase earns a punch that shows up as a star icon in the app. After receiving six punches, or stars, a “You earned a free cup” notification appears in the app. The punchcard process starts over once the free beverage is redeemed. Links to Facebook and Twitter on the app’s home screen let the user tell their friends about their rewards.

“We have customers who come in every morning, like clockwork, for a fresh-brewed cup of 7-Eleven coffee, while others regularly treat themselves to a Slurpee or Big Gulp drink,” Gordon said. “If you come in every day, scan your 7Rewards app barcode, you can get one free drink a week or even more, and that’s our way of saying ‘thanks’ to our customers and letting them get more of what they want at 7-Eleven.”

Coffee was 7-Eleven stores’ first venture into serve-yourself beverages. The retailer was also the first to introduce self-serve soft drink fountains and is the exclusive retailer of the iconic, thirst-quenching Slurpee beverage.

7 REASONS WHY 7REWARDS IS THE BEST WAY TO EARN FREE DRINKS

Buy 6-Get 7. Only six cups to get one free … not 10, not 12, not 711.
Any cup, any drink. Mix and match your favorite 7-Eleven drinks – all of them. Like Coffee-Slurpee-Big Gulp-Chillers Iced Coffee-Slurpee-Slurpee … 7^th drink FREE! Or Coffee-Coffee-Coffee-Coffee-Coffee-Coffee … 7^th drink FREE!
Any cup, any size. Mix and match cup sizes too, no restrictions. Like Small-Small-Small-Small-Small-Super Big Gulp … 7^th drink FREE!
Every cup counts. Not one per shopping trip or one per day. Coffee in the morning, Big Gulp at lunch, Slurpee after school, a Chiller later on – all count. Buy six cups at once and the next time, it’s free. Heck, bring seven drinks to the register at one time and the seventh one is on the house.
Refills count too. Have a refillable coffee or Slurpee mug? Each refill counts as one punch.
That free drink? Also any cup, any size, any drink. So what if you bought six small Slurpee drinks. That seventh free cup can be an extra-large coffee or the biggest of Big Gulps. And if you have earned a free beverage and check out with both a small cup and a big cup, the free one will be the one with the greatest value.
It’s easy. The 7-Eleven smartphone app does all the work. When the 7-Eleven cashier scans the member’s 7Rewards barcode in the 7-Eleven app for each cup purchased, it tabulates the number of cups toward the free one and notifies when a 7Rewards drink is earned. The number of cups – and 7Rewards – adds up fast.

About 7-Eleven, Inc.
7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses some 10,500 7-Eleven® stores in North America. Globally, there are more than 55,000 7-Eleven stores in 16 countries. During 2013, 7-Eleven stores generated total worldwide sales close to $84.5 billion. 7-Eleven has been honored by a number of companies, organizations and publications. Recent accolades include: Entrepreneur magazine ranked 7-Eleven as #1 on its 2014 Global Franchise Rankings list and #10 on its “Top 10 Franchises” for 2015, #2 on Franchise Times Top 200 Franchise Companies for 2013; and #3 in Forbes magazine’s 2012 Top 20 Franchises to Start list. 7-Eleven is No. 3 on Fast Company magazine’s 2013 list of the “World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Retail,” among the Top Veteran-Friendly Companies for 2013 by U.S. Veterans Magazine and on GI Jobs magazine’s Top 100 Military Friendly Employers for 2014. 7-Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S. and expanding through organic growth, acquisitions and its Business Conversion Program. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.

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Nominate your Community NOW for a Chance to Win a $25,000 Grant

March 9, 2015

Nominate your Community NOW for a Chance to Win a $25,000 Grant

State Farm Neighborhood Assist® Program Supports your Important Hometown Cause

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., March 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Nominations are now being accepted for a contest that gives communities across the United States a chance to win big. State Farm Neighborhood Assist will award 40 communities a $25,000 grant that they will use to help make their hometowns a better place to live. Anyone in the United States can submit a cause now through March 29, 2015. Ultimately, the public will vote to decide which causes receive the grants. For more information on State Farm Neighborhood Assist or to submit a cause, get the free Facebook app at www.statefarm.com/neighborhoodassist.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7417331-state-farm-neighborhood-assist/

Foto – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150305/179946
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20120803/MM51963LOGO

Key Dates for State Farm Neighborhood Assist:

March 9 – March 29 Submit causes, exclusively through Facebook
March 30 – May 13 YAB identifies top 200 finalists
May 14 – June 3 Vote for causes, exclusively through Facebook
June 16 State Farm announces winners

Returning for its fourth year, State Farm Neighborhood Assist asks individuals to identify causes that would help make their communities safer, stronger and better-educated. Up to 4,000 causes will be able to submit an entry. The State Farm Youth Advisory Board (YAB) will then narrow down the field, using a scoring rubric to identify the top 200 submissions. The public will then have a chance to vote up to 10 times a day on Facebook from May 14 – June 3 for their favorite causes. The 40 causes that receive the most votes will win a $25,000 grant. The nominations and votes will be accepted exclusively through a free Facebook app.

“People are looking for ways to help their communities,” said Kellie Clapper, State Farm Assistant Vice President. “Neighborhood Assist empowers individuals to identify problems in their communities and provides the needed funding to help create a positive impact.”

In the past three years State Farm Neighborhood Assist has given $3 million in grants to support 120 causes. Last year, communities of all sizes rallied their friends and neighbors to support their cause and generated almost 3 million votes. Top vote getters last year ranged from Camp Journey who provides free camp to kids with cancer, to Yummy Bags that helps feed school kids and improve literacy.

“The State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant has been phenomenal. It has allowed us to increase the number of students we can serve food and provide books for our after school-tutoring program. We have been able to increase the number of students we serve from the 15 original, we are now up to 60,” said Pat Mick, Co-Founder of Yummy Bags, a 2014 grant recipient nonprofit that provides weekend meals to school kids. “I don’t have to see the children receive the bags, I don’t even know who the children are. It’s going to make a difference in the life of a child, that’s all I need.”

About State Farm®:
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 18,000 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve over 82 million policies and accounts – nearly 80 million auto, home, life, health and commercial policies, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 41 on the 2014 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.

About the Youth Advisory Board
The Youth Advisory Board is comprised of 30 students, ages 17-20, from across the United States who serve a two-year term. Their directive is to implement a $5 million-a-year signature service-learning initiative to address issues important to youth and communities. The Board is completely autonomous and youth-driven, and funds projects focused on issues selected by the board that impact youth. It consists of a diverse group of full-time students at high schools and universities. Each member commits about 15 hours a month to the Board and participates in three face-to-face meetings per calendar year. The Board will fund the 40 grants awarded through the State Farm Neighborhood Assist program with a portion of its $5 million funding in 2014. For more information on the Youth Advisory Board, visit www.statefarmyab.com.

(Español) Celebrando su noveno aniversario de éxitos MegaTV

March 6, 2015

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Back to Kama: Rael supports ‘Right to Return’ for those of African descent

March 6, 2015

Back to Kama: Rael supports ‘Right to Return’ for those of African descent

LAS VEGAS, March 6, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Several years ago, Rael, spiritual leader of the International Raelian Movement (IRM), inspired the movement “Back to Kama” (the original name for Africa used by its indigenous people) to encourage well-educated, successful and affluent people of all races and religions – especially descendants of slaves – to migrate to Kama and relocate their businesses and operations there, along with transferring knowledge and wealth accumulated in the West.

“The Back to Kama movement is gaining momentum now,” Rael said in a statement released today by the IRM. “However, interested candidates are facing an obstacle that tempers their enthusiasm.”

Describing the obstacle as one that is “of an administrative nature and easy to overcome,” Rael went on to compare the current situation with the one that existed right when the nation of Israel was first created. He pointed out that the Israeli government immediately established ‘The Right to Return,” whereby any Jew, no matter where he or she lived at the time, could immediately receive an Israeli passport and the right to live in Israel.

“The same Right to Return should be instituted by the West African states from which most ancestors of African-Americans came, as well ancestors of those now living in the Caribbean islands and South America,” Rael explained. “African states cannot afford to slow the return [of those with African ancestry] for administrative reasons. Their return, with their wealth and knowledge, is real manna, and it also renders justice for the [enslaved] ancestors.”

In today’s statement, Rael asked all Raelians in Kama to launch a broad campaign that will pressure that continent’s governments to immediately adopt right-of-return laws for all descendants of American and Caribbean slaves.

“It would be justice if those who have accumulated wealth and knowledge in countries that enslaved their ancestors to leave these countries and benefit the countries that were forcibly deprived of this invaluable human capital,” Rael said. “They should even request that the [formerly] enslaving countries issue huge monetary compensation to help them return to Africa.”

(Español) Al llegar el horario de verano, cambie las baterías de las alarmas detectoras de humo y monóxido de carbono

March 6, 2015

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Air Europa Enters into an agreement with Seaborne

March 5, 2015

Air Europa Enters into an agreement with Seaborne

The codeshare alliance provides daily flights between Madrid and San Juan by passing through Las Americas Airport in Santo Domingo.

MADRID and SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, March 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Air Europa continues its expansion throughout the Caribbean by connecting its daily flight between Spain and the Dominican Republic with its neighbor, Puerto Rico. The Globalia Group Airline and Seaborne, a Puerto Rican airline, have reached a codeshare agreement to cover the route Santo Domingo – San Juan, Puerto Rico, which will allow for daily flights to and from the islands and, as a result, the connection of both capitals with the Adolfo Suarez Airport in Madrid-Barajas.

This will permit Air Europa passengers to fly to Puerto Rico every day, by making a short stop in Las Americas Airport in Santo Domingo. This route will be added to the two direct flights that Air Europa has been operating between Spain and Puerto Rico since June 2014.

“This agreement represents a step forward in our mission to be the go-to airline in flying to and from Europe, America and the Caribbean,”declared Air Europa’s President, Juan Jose Hidalgo.“And I’m sure that with Seaborne we have found a great partner, due to their impeccable trajectory and incredible punctuality index of over 98%.”

Seaborne is a company with over 20 years of experience in the Caribbean and an excellent security and operational performance history. For the Santo Domingo – San Juan route, it has an available fleet of 8 Saab 340B, Swedish-made aircraft that can carry 34 passengers.

“Seaborne is honored to be selected by Air Europa to provide this service,” said Gary Foss, President and Chief Executive Officer of Seaborne. “It is a vote of confidence in our team of outstanding professionals that has brought service to 16 airports across the Caribbean. We want to especially thank the Tourism Company of Puerto Rico for their steadfast support of Seaborne”, he said”.

Ingrid Rivera Rocafort, Executive Director of the Tourism Company of Puerto Rico, explains: “Efforts to continue positioning Puerto Rico as the main axis of Caribbean air access and increase flight options for our visitors continue to pay fruit. The alliance between airlines Air Europa and Seaborne, respectively leaders in Europe and the Caribbean, not only open new markets for Puerto Rico. They are also an integral part of our campaign to promote the island as a five-star destination and simplify the travel planning process for potential travelers to Puerto Rico. “

The codeshare agreement between Air Europa and Seaborne will take effect March 29.

DollarDays Doubles Donations to 10 Percent

March 5, 2015

DollarDays Doubles Donations to 10 Percent

Socially conscious wholesaler donates 10 percent of all orders to charities and $5,000 to shelters

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — DollarDays, the premier online wholesaler and closeout company focused on helping small businesses and nonprofits by offering a selection of over 300,000 wholesale products, is expanding its giving efforts this month. The wholesaler is known for donating five percent of every purchase to charities and nonprofits. In an unprecedented move, DollarDays is doubling all donations to 10 percent during March.

DollarDays.com gives 10% Back to Non-profits nominated by you during March.

Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150305/179902

DollarDays’ social mission to help communities is a core component of the company’s identity. The wholesaler is a national supplier to charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army, American Humane Association and Kiwanis International. DollarDays also hosts monthly Facebook contests to gift $5,000 in merchandise to a wide range of worthy causes.

The socially conscious spirit of the company is underscored by its commitment to nonprofits catering to causes such as education, children, animal welfare and homelessness. Nearly half of the company’s customers are comprised of public schools and other nonprofits. Shelters often turn to DollarDays, which is the country’s largest online wholesaler, for wholesale supplies. In an effort to give back to those customers, DollarDays’ Facebook contest this month is focused on shelters.

“It’s been a particularly difficult winter throughout the country. Shelters are struggling to keep the less fortunate clothed and fed,” said DollarDays founder and CEO, Marc Joseph. “By donating $5,000 to 18 shelters this month and increasing our donations to 10 percent on every order, we hope to alleviate the additional hardships faced recently and provide shelters with support they might not otherwise receive.”

For more information about the DollarDays give back program, please visit dollardays.com.

About DollarDays International, Inc.

DollarDays International is a virtual warehouse headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. It offers small businesses and nonprofits deals on more than 300,000 products. Since 2001, DollarDays has supplied bulk wholesale products at discounted rates and rock-bottom pricing on closeout items. In 2006, DollarDays made its debut at number 158 on Inc. Magazine’s 500 List of Fastest-Growing Private Companies. DollarDays’ prices are among the lowest available to small businesses, schools and nonprofits. Visit us at dollardays.com, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

“Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle” during National Nutrition Month®: Watch Your Calories When Eating Out

March 5, 2015

“Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle” during National Nutrition Month®: Watch Your Calories When Eating Out

SILVER SPRING, Md., March 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/– March is National Nutrition Month — a great time to commit to a healthy eating plan by making informed food choices and consuming fewer calories, especially when eating out. Adopting these strategies are particularly important because in today’s busy world, Americans are eating and drinking about one-third of their calories away from home.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090824/FDALOGO

To help consumers know the calories in foods when eating out, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new regulations requiring that calorie information be provided on restaurant menus, menu boards, and vending machines. The deadline is not yet here, but calorie labeling has already begun to appear. So, start using this “new tool” to make your diet a healthy one!

Learn more about the regulations and download a consumer fact sheet (in English and Spanish) at: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/LabelingNutrition/UCM434004.pdf
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/LabelingNutrition/UCM436568.pdf

Why Calories Matter

Consuming too many calories can contribute to a variety of health issues, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. To manage your weight, it’s important to balance the number of calories you consume with the number of calories your body uses (“burns”). With calorie information becoming available at restaurants and on vending machines, you’ll now be able to compare these foods and beverages and choose healthier options.

Calories “In Context”

To help put calorie listings in the context of a total daily diet, restaurants will also include this statement on menus and menu boards: “2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice, but calorie needs vary.” Your calorie needs may be higher or lower and will depend on your age, gender, and physical activity level. Determine your calorie needs at www.choosemyplate.gov.

In addition, when you’re comparing and choosing individual menu and vending machine items, follow this simple tip:

100 calories per serving is MODERATE
400 calories per serving is HIGH

Where You’ll See It

Look for calorie information on:

Meals or snacks from sit-down and fast-food restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, ice cream stores, drive-through windows, movie theatres, amusement parks, and take-out/delivery foods
Foods, such as sandwiches, ordered from a menu or menu board at a grocery/convenience store or delicatessen
“Self-serve” foods from a salad or hot-food bar at a restaurant or grocery store
Alcoholic drinks/cocktails when they are listed on menus
Foods sold in vending machines

Restaurants are also required to provide written nutrition information on menu items, including total fat, calories from fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, sugars, and protein. So, when eating out, don’t hesitate to ask for more nutrition information!

Timing of the New Calorie Regulations

The regulation requiring calorie information on menus and menu boards in chain restaurants (and other places selling restaurant-type food) and on certain vending machines was issued on December 1, 2014. Restaurants will have one year and vending machine operators have two years from that date to comply.

Contact: Media: 1-301-796-4540 Consumers: 1-888-SAFEFOOD (toll free)

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