Project Description Narrative:
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the concept of nutrition security means “all Americans have consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, affordable foods essential to optimal health and well-being.” Households in marginalized communities often face barriers to accessing quality, healthy food, as they also are more likely to deal with food insecurity and lack access to adequate amounts of food for their household. Food and nutrition security are tied to a higher probability of chronic diseases, a challenge that can be exacerbated by scenarios such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when food insufficiency fluctuated widely, affecting Black households and households with children more severely.
Through this project, the Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (WAND) will offer a curriculum focused on cultural humility, systems change, advocacy, and leadership to dietetics professionals in efforts to promote health and well-being in communities that struggle with nutrition security. The project will provide professionals with education and opportunities to create sustainable and scalable programs, education and community impact tools, and novel community connections.
The project will help WAND members become better advocates for people experiencing nutrition insecurity, and will result in best practices plans to support communities with increased nutrition security.
Community Partners: UW Steven’s Point-School of Health Sciences and Wellness, Mount Mary University-Dietetics Department, Samaritan Bethany Home on Eighth