TORONTO, ON (September 22, 2009) – Country Harvest whole grain breads are going pink, in partnership with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, to raise awareness and help find a cure. Country Harvest whole grain breads and bagels will donate ten cents from every product sold during the month of October to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation for a total donation of up to $50,000.

In addition to supporting breast cancer research, Canadian women can go a step further to help reduce their risk of developing breast cancer, by choosing whole grain foods like Country Harvest, as part of a healthy diet. It’s called “eating pink” and it means choosing foods that help reduce breast cancer risk and help support breast cancer research. According to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, a balanced diet that is high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and low in fat and sugar helps to maintain a healthy body weight, which is linked to lower risk for breast cancer.

“A healthy and balanced diet is always the first step to good health, so why not buy foods that taste delicious, help reduce your risk of developing cancer and help give back to your community,” says professional home economist, Mairlyn Smith. “This October, I’ll be scanning grocery store aisles for nutritious pink products like Country Harvest whole grain breads to do just that!”

For a powerful cancer-fighting punch, experts suggest combining four or more proven cancer reducers in one meal. The combination of foods is more powerful than single ingredients.

Mairlyn Smith shares the following suggestions to keep your diet pink year-round:

• Prepare grab-and-go healthy snacks. Use Tupperware containers and baggies to pair healthy carbohydrates and proteins like nuts and sliced fruit, carrots and hummus or mini whole grain sandwiches with peanut butter. Pack milk to add healthy fluids to your diet.
• Create a menu of meals for the week modeled on Canada’s Food Guide of recommended servings for all ages. Try including a french toast made with whole wheat bread and homemade blueberry sauce for a healthy breakfast, or a protein-packed sandwich made with homemade hummus, leafy greens and tomato on whole grain bread.
• Combine four or more cancer-reducing ingredients in one meal by keeping a list of foods with proven cancer-reducing components on the fridge. Berries, intensely coloured fruits and vegetables and whole grains are favourites.
• Purchase products with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation pink ribbon this fall to give back to your community, or volunteer with community events like the “Run for the Cure ” – which Country Harvest proudly supports.

For more great recipes, cancer-fighting tips and facts about healthy eating visit www.countryharvest.com.