DD webinar bundles are now here! No matter your area of interest or specialty, we have webinars for you - with insights from seasoned professionals from the DD community. See below for more information on which webinars are included in this bundle package. 

*CEU applications are currently pending.

Webinar 1: The Effectiveness of Food Policy Councils in the Urban Food Systems of Major US Cities + Q&A

By Camille Range MPH, RDN - Sponsored by No Kid Hungry

The United States food system is composed of a diversity of key stakeholders and impacts various sectors, including health, economics, and the environment. Historically, federal food and nutrition policy and programs are spearheaded by the United States Department of Agriculture, subsequent state offices and leadership positions. This is also evident by the inclusion of both the needs of the consumer, producers and special populations participating in the food system through the United States Farm Bill. While food and nutrition policies are traditionally associated with rural areas and agricultural policies, recent events and population demands highlight the importance of strong, regional food systems and more inclusive policies to promote health equity at the local level. Furthermore, recent events and research demonstrate the integration of food in policies impacting the social determinants of health, including housing, income, transportation, healthcare, education, and environmental factors. Given the rich history and current landscape, how do food and nutrition policies and leaders embody inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility to future solutions to improve their urban food system and community’s health? The proposed session includes original research of major cities, their current structures, and activities resulting in an assessment and recommendations for the respective food policy councils and municipal institutions. Participants will learn about 1) the major institutions, policies, programs, and funding pathways supporting urban producers, consumers and food systems in the United States; 2) themes in leadership & governance, key stakeholder engagement and activities to advance diversity and inclusion in local food system conducted by food policy councils in major cities in the United States; and 3) recommendations for increased engagement and advocacy at city-level to promote food justice and equity.

Webinar 2: Food Insecurity: Careers & Cultural Considerations

By Miriam Manboard, Sarah Crulcich, MPH, RD, LD, Winona Bynum, RDN, PMP

The pandemic showed that no matter where you work as an RD, you may find that part of your work includes supporting clients, patients, and students who are food insecure. As with all other areas of practice, cultural awareness and cultural sensitivity are critical when working with food insecurity communities.

Join us for a panel discussion with three DD community members: Miram Manboard, Sarah Crulcich, MPH, RD, LD and Winona Bynum, RDN, PMP. These professionals are working hard to provide support to diverse communities who are or may be at risk of becoming food insecure.

We will first discuss how their career pathways led them to work in food insecurity. We will then dive into an enlightening and honest discussion of why culture needs to always be a consideration when developing programming for food banks or other donation partners. We will discuss how college pantries are so important to supporting students and their families. Our panelists will also explore why food banking is a short-term solution, and what RDs can do to support more sustainable solutions for food-insecure communities. This interactive panel will allow attendees plenty of time to ask questions of our panelists.

Webinar 3: Food Prescription Programs in Action - Exploring Grady Hospital's Food as Medicine Program + Q&A

By Dhana Blissett, RD, LD

The purpose of this session is to inspire the Diversify Dietetics community to consider creating similar programming and to provide the basic fundamentals to get started. In response to the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in the predominantly African-American community, Grady hospital officially opened the doors to its Food as Medicine (FAM) program in August 2020. The FAM program is a partnership between Grady hospital, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and Open Hand Atlanta. Its aim is to provide reliable access to nutritious plant-based foods to aid in the prevention, management, and treatment of chronic diseases. Program participants who screen positive for food insecurity, with an A1c of 9% or a blood pressure of 140/90, meet enrollment criteria.

In addition to receiving nutritious foods from our Food Pharmacy, patients participate in cooking classes in our state-of-the-art Teaching Kitchen, where they learn how to use culinary medicine to help them manage their diet-related condition.

Webinar 4: Elevating and Integrating Cultural Foods in Schools & Community Programs: The Role of Nutrition Professionals at Every Level

By Frances Montoya; Jonathan Albert, MS, RD; Ale Penaloza, MS, RD; Tambra Ray Stevenson

This is a recording of a panel of exceptional nutrition professionals on how to respectfully, effectively, and sustainably elevate and integrate cultural foods into communities and schools. This webinar will provide considerations on an individual, community, and policy level!

Our speakers include:

• Frances Montoya - Director of Food Services at Vaughn Next Century Learning Center (Moderator)

• Jonathan Albert - Registered Dietitian, Seattle Indian Health Board (Panelist)

•  Ale Peñaloza - School Nutrition Leadership Manager (Panelist)

• Tambra Ray Stevenson - Founder/CEO WANDA: Women Advancing Nutrition, Dietetics, and Agriculture (Panelist)

Webinar 5: The Implications of the Food as Medicine Retail Nutrition Framework for Communities of Color + Q&A

By Fiona B. Lewis DrPH, RDN, LDN

This presentation is intended to highlight the Academy’s findings on Food as Medicine (FAM) retail programs, the implications, and opportunities for communities of color, including dietetic students, dietetic interns, and dietitians of color. The presentation will highlight AND’s definition of food as medicine, key takeaways from the white paper and report, existing innovative food as medicine retail models, recommendations for evaluation and case study.

Webinar 6: Moving From Climate Anxiety to Climate Action... One Bite at a Time + Q&A

By Melanie Hall, MS, RD, Andrew Pershing, PhD, Bernadette Woods Blacky, BS, Certified Meteorologist

Climate anxiety is real, and felt the most by communities of color. Seventy percent of Hispanic Americans and almost sixty percent of Black Americans report feeling concerned or alarmed about climate change while forty-five percent of young people report their negative feelings about climate change impacting their daily lives. In addition to its impact on mental wellness, climate change is already significant enough to take a physical toll on those with pre-existing conditions and make protective actions like physical activity and access to healthy food more difficult.

In this session, participants will learn climate change basics and how to guide their patients/clients from climate change anxiety to feeling empowered to take culturally appropriate actions that improve their resilience, ensure access to food during climate emergencies, and ultimately help curb climate change through simple actions.