Annual Conference Sessions
Whole Child Healthy: Promoting the Health and Wellbeing of Young Children at Every Size
Jill Castle, MS, RDN
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Description: As health and nutrition professionals, we’re charged with helping families raise healthy children – no matter their size. Yet, today’s families are living in a weight-centric, food-phobic world that may threaten the emotional wellbeing of their children. In this timely session, Jill Castle outlines a new paradigm and practical roadmap that nutrition professionals can use to help families cultivate positive health habits and attitudes, while increasing awareness of the social issues, health concerns, and psychological impact of today’s culture. By the end of this breakout, attendees will be knowledgeable about the science and obstacles to key health behaviors that promote both physical health and emotional wellbeing in children, as well as, “how to” techniques for implementing positive lifestyle behaviors.
Health Equity in Food Banking – The Vital Role Food Banks Play in the Health and Nutrition Space
Amy Qazi, RD, LDN
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Description: Food banks are at the heart of addressing food insecurity, but their role in promoting health equity goes far beyond providing emergency food assistance. This presentation explores the critical intersection of food banking, nutrition, and health equity, offering dietitians a deeper understanding of how food banks work, contribute to health outcomes, and nourish the community. Participants will learn about the ways food banks are adapting to meet the nutritional needs of vulnerable populations, working to eliminate barriers to healthy food access, and supporting broader public health goals in both urban and rural settings. Through evidence-based practices, strategic partnership, and innovative programming, food banks are reshaping the landscape of food security and health. Dietitians will leave with actionable insights on how to partner with food banks to improve nutritional outcomes and foster more equitable access to healthy food.
Nourishing for Generations to Come – How WIC is Making an Impact
Lauren Cromer, MS, RDN, LDN
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Description: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a public health nutrition program under the USDA providing nutrition education, nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals for income-eligible women who are pregnant or post-partum, infants, and children up to age 5. This presentation will review the history of the program, ways the program has made an impact of the health of those it serves and hopes for future improvements.
Nutrition & Aging: Health Eating Begins With You!
Keita Cole, CRS-A/D, CVA
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Description: Insights about nutrition-related issues of older adults in Tennessee, as well as an overview of the programs offered throughout the state (and any innovations in these services).
Nourishing the Brain: A Culinary Guide to Cognitive Health & Sleep
Karman Meyer, RDN, LDN, RYT
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Description: Explore the powerful connection between nutrition and brain health, focusing on how diet can support cognitive function and improve sleep quality in adults. This session will highlight the 6 Pillars of Brain Health, before diving into two focus areas: food & nutrition and sleep & relaxation. By highlighting key nutrients for cognition and sleep, conveying the foundational role of sleep for overall health, and providing practical food and nutrition guidance, dietitians can equip clients and their communities with the knowledge and tools to optimize their brain health and well-being.