WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23: OATMEAL MONTH

Profile America — Wednesday, January 23rd.  Many sumptuous foods get their day, or month, in the sun by way of some commemoration.  But January celebrates a very basic, traditional dish.   This is Oatmeal Month, recognizing the long-term favorite for its up-to-date health characteristics — low fat, no sodium, and the ability to help lower the risk of heart disease.  Oatmeal also fits today's time pressures, since a bowl can be made in seconds in the microwave.   And, of course, oatmeal cookies are among the nation's favorites.  Oatmeal and other cereal uses of oats are a substantial part of America's breakfast food production, with annual sales of $10 billion and employing about 12,000 people.  You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

Sources:  2007 Economic Census, NAICS 311230

Profile America is produced by the Center for New Media and Promotions of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button). 

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau