Strengthening Nutrition Security: Hunger Task Force Community Dietitian’s Insights from FNCE 2024
Written by Pasua Chang, MS, RDN, Community Dietitian at Hunger Task Force.
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This year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2024 Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) in Minneapolis, MN. As the Community Dietitian at Hunger Task Force, I was looking forward to immersing myself in discussions centered on preventative care and nutrition security. The conference not only reinforced the vital work Hunger Task Force does in Milwaukee County but also provided valuable insights to further enhance our nutrition efforts.
Key Takeaways from FNCE 2024
One of the highlights of the conference was hearing from Livleen Gill, MBA, RDN, LDN, FAND president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Her inspirational speech, sharing her journey as an immigrant, emphasized the importance of mentorship and support in our field. It was a reminder of how vital our roles are as advocates and educators in promoting health and nutrition within our communities.
Another powerful session I attended was “The Future of Nutrition Security and Health Equity,” featuring Dr. Caree Cotwright, the director of nutrition security and health equity for the Food and Nutrition Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Dr. Cotwright outlined the USDA’s four-pillar approach to improving nutrition security, which focuses on:
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- Meaningful support in emergency food systems
- Providing healthy food options
- Collaborative action
- Creating equitable systems
This session reinforced the critical nutrition work Hunger Task Force is already doing. Through our nutrition education programs in school, pantries and senior centers, as well as our efforts to provide healthy MyPlate foods to our emergency food network, we actively promote nutrition security. Hunger Task Force also advocates for better food security policies and help connect community members with vital food programs like FoodShare, Stockbox and Summer Meals for kids.
I also had the pleasure of attending a session focused on strengthening nutrition advocacy in the charitable food systems. It was inspiring to learn how a fellow registered dietitian helped the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank in Virginia develop a cloud-based software for tracking inventory and analyzing nutritional and cultural food items. These innovations can significantly enhance the efficiency and impact of food banks in meeting diverse community needs.
Other valuable sessions I attended covered topics like overcoming biological and environmental barriers to sustainable weight loss and staying informed about nutrition trends on social media to combat misinformation. As we navigate an ever-changing landscape of nutrition information, it’s essential to remain vigilant and informed.
Looking Ahead
My experience at FNCE 2024 has energized my commitment to our mission at Hunger Task Force. The knowledge and insights gained will undoubtedly strengthen our nutrition work and further prioritize healthy food access in our community. Together, we can continue to advocate for nutrition security and empower individuals to lead healthier lives.
Thank you to all who made FNCE 2024 a success! I look forward to applying what I’ve learned and continuing our important work at Hunger Task Force.
Hunger Task Force is Milwaukee’s Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. The organization’s core values are Dignity, Justice, Equity, Compassion and Stewardship. Hunger Task Force feeds people today by providing healthy and culturally appropriate food to hungry children, families and seniors in the community absolutely free of charge. Hunger Task Force also works to end future hunger by advocating for strong public policies and nutrition programs at the local, state and federal level.