New 'Go Fish!' program brings health benefits of fish to Americans' doorsteps

The Seafood Industry Teams up With Meals on Wheels Association of America to Encourage its Nationwide Network to Meet the Recommended Weekly Servings of Seafood

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) and Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) today launched a joint effort to promote the health benefits associated with including fish in a healthy, balanced diet.

The "Go Fish!" program theme is modeled after the popular card game and will provide thousands of MOWAA members, volunteers, clients, donors and staff a different "playing card" each week that will include recipe and meal preparation ideas, health and nutrition information and facts about fish. The first card, the King of Hearts, is available upon request.

"We know that many health benefits are derived when seafood consumption is increased and are pleased with the opportunity to share this information with our members because of our partnership with NFI," said Enid Borden, CEO of MOWAA. "It is our desire to promote better nutrition for seniors we serve and encourage them through our programs to put more fish in their diets."

NFI President John Connelly said, "Though seafood consumption is on the rise, Americans still only eat less than half the recommended servings of fish per week. Our partnership with Meals on Wheels will help the seafood community reach a broad group of Americans who need accurate information about why fish is healthy as well as techniques to handle and prepare these meals."

As detailed in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and new food guide pyramid, the federal government recommends at least two servings of fish or seafood per week. The guidelines specifically mention the tremendous health benefits of fish and shellfish -- such as omega-3 fatty acids -- that can "reduce the risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease."

Studies also show that fish is "brain food." Research published in the Archives of Neurology conducted by the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging found dietary intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids and weekly consumption of fish may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Numerous studies show that omega- 3s also protect against coronary heart disease and stroke and aid in the neurological development of unborn babies.

NFI is the leading trade association for the fish and seafood industry whose members represent a variety of businesses ranging from the water to the table. For more information visit our website at http://www.aboutseafood.com/.

Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is the oldest and largest organization in the United States representing those who provide meal services to people in need. MOWAA works toward the social, physical, nutritional, and economic betterment of vulnerable Americans so that "no senior goes hungry."(R) For more information visit http://www.mowaa.org/.