The current eating patterns in the U.S., described in the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines, create several challenges to those interested in developing healthier workforces and communities, overall:
 

·  About three-fourths of the population has an eating pattern that is low in vegetables, fruits, dairy and oils
 

·  Most Americans exceed the recommendations for added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium.
 

·  The eating patterns of many Americans are too high in calories
 

·  The high percentage of the population that is overweight or obese suggests that many in the U.S. overconsume calories. More than two-thirds of all adults and nearly one-third of all children and youth in the U.S. are either overweight or obese
 

·  Making changes to eating patterns can be overwhelming. It is important to emphasize that every food choice is an opportunity to move toward a healthy eating pattern