What's Happening?
Sheri Glazier, a dietitian at the Dirt Road, is organizing an event in Tulsa to bridge the gap between agriculture and dietetics. The event aims to educate nutrition professionals about basic agricultural
practices and principles, providing immersive experiences for registered dietitians and students. Attendees will learn about pork nutrition, tour hydroponic farms, and participate in culinary sessions. The event also includes a service project to assemble holiday food boxes in response to the SNAP crisis. The initiative is supported by the Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, and the Oklahoma Pork Council.
Why It's Important?
This event is crucial as it addresses the disconnect between agriculture and dietetics, providing nutrition professionals with a deeper understanding of food systems. By educating dietitians about agricultural practices, the event promotes informed dietary recommendations and supports local food systems. The service project highlights the ongoing SNAP crisis, emphasizing the need for community support and engagement. Such initiatives can lead to more sustainable food practices and improved public health outcomes.
What's Next?
The event is set to return in future years, with plans to spotlight more outdoor produce operations and schedule it earlier to coincide with farm and orchard seasons. This ongoing commitment to bridging agriculture and dietetics could inspire similar events nationwide, fostering collaboration between these fields and enhancing the impact of nutrition professionals on food systems.
Beyond the Headlines
The event also touches on broader issues such as food security and the role of dietitians in advocating for sustainable food practices. By engaging with agriculture directly, nutrition professionals can better understand the challenges faced by farmers and contribute to solutions that support both health and sustainability.
