Midwest Dairy collaborated with Dairy Max, United Dairy of Michigan, American Dairy Association, Indiana, and the National Dairy Council to host “A Taste of Tradition,” an event to build trust in dairy among over 40 diverse and influential thought leaders.
Every year, thousands of dietitians across the U.S. attend the annual Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) to earn continuing education credits and stay informed about the newest research and food innovations. This year’s conference was hosted in Minneapolis in early October.
Building trust with health and wellness thought leaders who make dietary recommendations for families is important, as they play a key role in educating consumers about the importance of dairy’s sustainable nutrition. On average, dairy is consumed less in diverse populations, which may be attributed to factors such as limited awareness of dairy’s nutritional benefits, cultural cuisine that excludes dairy, and a higher prevalence of lactose intolerance. To address these challenges, attendees invited to the FNCE included influential thought leader members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics member interest groups: Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition (LAHIDAN), National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics and Nutrition (NOBIDAN) and Diversify Dietetics.
Attendees first heard from nationally recognized bilingual and multicultural dietitian Marina Chaparro, RD, CDE, MPH, who spoke about the importance of dairy in Hispanic populations as a celebration of the culture and for key nutrients during the first 1,000 days of life. Following Marina, attendees enjoyed a meal celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, which included the opportunity to make their own handmade tortillas. Next, Gayle Shipp, PhD, RDN, CLS, a community-based researcher and Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, spoke about health disparities that uniquely impact African Americans and how dairy is a critical source of nutrition throughout various life-stages, including the first 1,000 days of life.
To conclude the evening’s presentations, dairy farmer Margaret Johnson shared her experience as a farmer and Certified Crop Advisor. She also explained how her family celebrates Hispanic traditions with her farm staff, who are of Mexican heritage. Additionally, Margaret highlighted their commitment to caring for their animals and the planet through several sustainable farming practices. Throughout the year, we have been asking thought leader audiences to evaluate the dairy industry’s performance regarding environmental responsibility. Our research indicates that consumers are concerned about environmental sustainability, and thought leaders play a significant role in shaping consumer opinions. In a pre-event survey, only 55 percent of attendees rated the dairy industry positively. However, post-event feedback demonstrated a remarkable 38 percent increase in positive ratings, with 93 percent of attendees viewing dairy positively.