Del Monte Harvest Selections Meals Offer Convenient, Delicious and Nutritious Lunchtime Choices to Help Fuel America's Workforce

01/08/08 Del Monte Foods continues to make it easier for Americans to get more vegetables into their diet by offering a convenient and great-tasting product line that is making lunch one of the most nutritious and easiest meals of the day. Del Monte Foods introduces Del Monte Harvest Selections wholesome microwaveable meals that are packed with a full cup of vegetables per meal, meeting 40% of the USDA MyPyramid recommendations for vegetables. Plus, since these great shelf-stable meals are never frozen, they are ready in only 90 seconds, helping enable consumers to balance eating well with other workday priorities.

“Del Monte is committed to nourishing families and enriching lives every day and we know that busy consumers are continuing to look for delicious and convenient options when it comes to getting more vegetables into their diet,” said Rodolfo Spielmann, Vice President Marketing, Del Monte Foods. “Del Monte Harvest Selections meals come in six varieties and are perfect for anyone looking for a quick and healthy meal solution. This single-serve, shelf-stable meal is packed with 40% of the USDA MyPyramid recommendations for vegetables — making it one of the most healthful microwaveable options available in the grocery store. Importantly, you don’t have to freeze it — simply keep it in your pantry or desk until you are ready to eat.”

Del Monte Harvest Selections meals come in six varieties, including Beef Stew, Italian Style Pasta Bake, Chicken Cacciatore and Homestyle Chili with Beans, and two vegetarian options, including Spinach and Cheese Ravioli and Santa-Fe Style Rice and Beans. The microwaveable meals are shelf-stable, with no refrigerator or freezer required, and microwave in only 90 seconds, which is about 1/3 the time needed for a frozen meal, and without the mess or time involved in meal preparation. Del Monte Harvest Selections meals can be found in the center-store aisles of major retailers around the country.

Power-Up Your Lunch with More Vegetables

Research continues to support the health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. While the United States Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services recommends consuming two and 1/2 cups of vegetables each day, studies indicate that most Americans eat less than half the recommended daily amount. Additionally, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help to lower the risk for certain diseases and illnesses, and help to keep the body strong.

“As a registered dietitian, it is always exciting to see products such as Del Monte Harvest Selections that make it easier than ever to eat more vegetables as part of a balanced diet,” said Laura Molseed Ali, Registered Dietitian, Del Monte Foods. “Del Monte Harvest Selections offer a smart and delicious mealtime option for those who are looking to power-up their lunch, dinner or even their afternoon snack with vegetables that are rich in fiber and vitamins. Products like Del Monte Harvest Selections are especially great to have at the office – stock a variety of shelf-stable meals in the drawer and a vegetable-rich meal can be heated and enjoyed within minutes.”

Del Monte Supports the USDA’s MyPyramid Corporate Challenge

Del Monte Foods is proud to be participating in the USDA’s MyPyramid Corporate Challenge as a Charter member and looks forward to helping to educate consumers about following the MyPyramid recommendations. Each Del Monte Harvest Selections product will have the graphic image of MyPyramid and indicate the percentage of various food groups the meal provides – consumers will be able to tell how much of the MyPyramid recommendations the product contributes in a glance.