Nicole Flynn – Food & Nutrition Magazine

Incorporating Food Literacy into the Dietetic Internship and Practice

Nicole Flynn — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 11:00:43 +0000

Defining career goals is a rite of passage for dietetic interns. While I knew what I wanted to do as a registered dietitian nutritionist, I had a hard time putting together a simple explanation of my aspirations. Eventually, I came across food literacy in the setting of community-based nutrition interventions as a consistent description. It still requires a little background information to explain, but food literacy lends itself well to the dietetics experience.

Food literacy is more than nutrition, health and sustainable foods systems.

Food literacy is a broad term that encompasses many areas of dietetics. Specifically, it recognizes the impact of food choices on health, the environment and the economy. The Food Literacy Center explains how every bite of food tells a story beyond the nutrition facts, such as the fuel consumed to transport it or the sustainability of farm worker wages. In practice, food literacy is a piece of the sustainable food systems puzzle. Dietetic interns and RDNs play a role in food literacy, as we know a great deal about food and can share our knowledge with those we engage with.

Examples of food literacy applications:

In general, food literacy-specific programs and interventions provide healthy cooking classes for kids and adults, paired with hands-on activities to address the environment and economy. Community and school gardens are another way food literacy is applied as a program. Other examples include:

• Knowing how to prepare kohlrabi.

• Using vegetable scraps to make stock.

• Starting an herb garden.

• Shopping at a farmers market or purchasing a community supported agriculture, or CSA, share and getting to know the farmer.

• Modifying a recipe to make a healthier alternative.

• Sampling unique fruits and vegetables.

• Understanding the role of GMOs and organics in the food system.

The relationship between food literacy, local food and food security.

While it may be an uncomfortable topic to discuss, food insecurity could be a part your clients’ or patients’ lives. Providing resources to help them access affordable local food is an important aspect of food literacy. Examples of a dietitian’s role in food literacy and security include creating a relationship with customers at a food pantry or developing a program specific to low-income neighborhoods. There are also some food assistance programs designed to be applied at farmers markets, where local produce is the star of the show. One program, for instance, offers customers the opportunity to double their spending money for fruits and vegetables when using their federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dollars.

Applying food literacy to the dietetic internship.

As a dietetic intern, knowing the seasonal produce, farmers markets and local food assistance programs is a great way to support a preceptor in a variety of settings, while also promoting food literacy. Especially in large cities, there may be resources that your preceptor has not discovered. Backing them up with some local knowledge is a simple way to individualize patient or client care. By keeping food literacy at the heart of the dietetic internship, interns may be able to connect with patients, clients, communities and preceptors on a more meaningful level. Healthy food choices extend beyond nutrition labels, and it is within our scope of practice to share the full story about what we eat with those we interact with.

Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo with Fettuccine Recipe

Nicole Flynn — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 11:00:08 +0000

Make the most out of the trendy winter squash with this lightened up fettuccine Alfredo packed with nutrients. This dish can also be made vegan by swapping out the milk, cheese and butter for plant-based alternatives. If using a whole squash, reserve the seeds and roast them for a protein and iron-rich snack.

Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo with Fettuccine Recipe

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 cup milk
½ cup water
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 pound (about 4 cups) peeled, seeded and cubed butternut squash
½ cup Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon Kosher salt
1 pound fettuccine

Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring the milk, water, butter and squash to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until squash is easily pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes. Let mixture cool for 5 minutes, pour into blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender. Stir in Parmesan cheese, nutmeg and salt.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Carefully reserve about ½ cup pasta water and drain the rest. In a large serving bowl, combine sauce and pasta, adding pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until preferred texture is reached.
Serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cultivating Community Beyond Food and Drink

Nicole Flynn — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 11:00:08 +0000

Local food and drink establishments are part of what differentiates cities and towns from each other. Simply having a distinctive menu can bring a community together over the joy of eating. In addition to creating a unique dining experience, many of these home-grown restaurants are finding ways to give back to the community.

One of my favorite places in Ypsilanti, MI, has a unique business model and distinct goal to cultivate community. Designed as a multi-purpose cafe and event space, the coffee and tap house operates as a non-profit/restaurant hybrid. In addition to offering delicious food, a full coffee bar and local brews, the business has a literal beer garden where produce is grown and donated to a local food bank. The large dining room accommodates various groups and organizations that need a comfortable place to meet and share experiences. The coffee and tap house also sponsors free events to engage the community, such as offering free tacos and chair massages for students during finals week.

Down the street from the coffee and tap house is a brewery that was born and raised with funky Ypsilanti style. Their mission is to make craft beer accessible to the diverse community by providing quality drinks at reasonable prices. The brewery also features local musicians looking to make a name for themselves, and the inclusive atmosphere is ideal for getting some work done or playing a board game with friends.

Other ways restaurants, cafes and breweries are giving back to their communities include:

Hosting charity fundraisers or donating certificates to a silent auction.
Using a “pay what you can” model of sales.
Partnering with local farmers and food producers, and promoting their businesses.
Donating unused ingredients to food banks, or a percentage of sales to charity.
Providing job training for individuals with disabilities or those re-entering the workforce post-incarceration.
Having a “giving tap” where the earnings from that beverage are donated to a partnering charity.
Crafting menu items that are plant-based, low-salt or sugar-free to cater to the dietary needs of the community.

When moving to a new community for school or work, or exploring your childhood neighborhood, find a place where you can be comfortable and feel supported. Be open to becoming a community member at these places — connections with other customers or employees can make a lifelong impact. Whether it is a large metropolis or small town, the community flocks to places that are warm, welcoming and serve great food and drink.