Food guidelines were established by the government as far back as 1916. A lot has changed and developed since the time. The most recent update came in 2011 when the food guide pyramid became a plate. The plate serves as a visual representation of what foods we should be consuming and in what amounts. It is clear and easy to see that fruits and vegetables should make up the majority of our diet. Take a look at the linked article that outlines the USDA's food guidelines through the years.