Goodbye Dietary Guidelines?

There is an old saying that goes: if you don't like something, change it. 

While I am generally supportive of the basic tenant of this statement, I also like the saying: you can have your own opinions, but you can't have your own facts. 

During dinner with a friend in Washington, DC I learned of identical language found in both the House Agriculture (pg. 80; Sec. 734) and Labor an Human Services (pg. 98; Sec. 232) 2016 appropriation bills that will all but paralyze the release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. You heard right; the Dietary Guidelines for Americans have joined the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP- also known as Food Stamps) and the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act (the school lunch program) as the new politicized hotbed.

The language bars funding to the Guidelines unless the agencies comply with patronizing requirements:

"None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to release or implement the final version of the eighth edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, revised pursuant to section 301 of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990, unless the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services comply with each of the following requirements:

1. Each revision to any nutritional or dietary information or guideline contained in the 2010 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and any new nutritional or dietary information or guideline to be included in the eight edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans-

A) shall be based on scientific evidence that have been rated "grade 1: Strong" by the grading rubric developed by the Nutrition Evidence Library of the Department of Agriculture; and 

B) shall be limited in scope to only matters of diet and nutrition intake.

2. The Secretaries shall release a preliminary draft of the eight edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, including a list of the scientific studies and evidence supporting each revised or new nutritional or dietary information or guidelines, for a period of public comment of at least 90 days

3. Following the end of the public comment period, the Secretaries shall provide a period for agency review of public comment of at least 60 days."

But what is at the heart of this debate? According to Philip Brasher at Agripulse, it's all about "protecting meat." He states that the House appropriators are seeking to ensure the Obama administration doesn't use environmental factors in writing the federal dietary guidelines for meat consumption and that the 2015 recommendations are strictly limited to “matters of diet and nutrient intake”, an effort to thwart the inclusion of environmental considerations in the guidelines.

Those that work in food and nutrition know the complexity of nutritional science, food politics and healthy food environments. A bit of science training of legislators may do us all good. "Grade 1 strong" research would require the use of methods that should be barred by any respectable Institutional Review Board. It would also throw out the new language that supports dietary patterns (not Grade 1 strong) AND any recommendations about physical activity (not Grade 1 strong OR "in the scope of diet and nutrition"). See these examples of recommendations that don't make the "strong" grade. Since a tenant of the food industry's health messaging is centered around personal responsibility and physical activity, this may have some critics outside of the meat lobby.


Implications of the Language

§  USDA and HHS complete a revised DGA every five years. The public has already had approximately 24 months to weigh in on the development of the 2015 DGAs – in addition to 75 days to comment on the DGAC report. The list of scientific studies that will be used to inform the DGAs is completed. Any additional public comment would significantly delay the release of the 2015 DGA, which is set to be released by the end of the calendar year.

§  The language undercuts the whole development process for the Dietary Guidelines; the Advisory Committee conducts an exhaustive, systematic review of the evidence, including a bias assessment. The recommendations have to be based on the best evidence available, but unfortunately not all of that evidence can be “strong.” Studies of strong design with minor methodological concerns are included in Level II (Moderate) Evidence Grade. It is not just the quality of evidence that we need to take into account, but also the preponderance of evidence. There are very important studies that may have minor flaws, but contribute to the preponderance of evidence that we want to take into account for the DGACs.

§  The implication of the language would be that the 2015 Dietary Guidelines would be prohibited from taking into consideration the totality of the scientific evidence reviewed by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee report, including the evidence linking diet and cancer risk.

§  Here are some examples of recommendations with a moderate grade that would be cut if we used only a Level I Strong Evidence Grade:

• Recommended dietary patterns that are higher in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains; include seafood and legumes; are moderate in dairy products (particularly low and non-fat dairy) and alcohol; lower in meats, and low in sugar-sweetened foods and beverages, and refined grains are associated with favorable outcomes related to healthy body weight or risk of obesity. 

• Higher intake of added sugars, especially in the form of sugar-sweetened beverages and the link with increased risk of hypertension, stroke, and coronary heart disease in adults.

• The relationship between higher sodium intake and risk of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. 

• Replacing sugar-containing sweeteners with low-calorie sweeteners to reduce calorie intake, body weight, and body fat.

• The relationship between dietary patterns and colorectal cancer and post-menopausal breast cancer risk. 

• Moderate evidence indicates that dietary patterns rich in vegetables, fruit, and whole grains, and lower in animal products and refined carbohydrate, are associated with reduced risk of post-menopausal breast cancer.

Some of the current 2010 DGA recommendations (including sodium) are based on “moderate” evidence. The way bill language is written, we would not be able to change those without “strong” evidence, but anything already in the 2010 DGA’s could remain, which is inconsistent.  The scientific evidence in support of lean meat is also not “strong”, so that might cause some concern.

This language will exclude the important recommendations in the DGAs on physical activity. It is very important for Americans to understand the holistic approach they should be taken to prevent chronic disease and maintain a healthy lifestyle including both diet and physical activity.

The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee report, which serves as the basis for the DGAs already went through a public review and comment period so requiring another comment period would be duplicative and wasteful of government resources. 

Taking Action (Updated)


You can take action, demand that the Committees let the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health do their jobs. If you are represented by one of these representatives (see below), call with or e-mail this message...

"I urge you to let the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health do their jobs and consider the recommendations of the expert committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans regarding the impact of diet on both human and environmental health."

If your Representative is not on one of the Committees, everyone can contact the Agriculture Appropriation Committee Chair, Robert Aderholt (Alabama) and Labor and Health Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (Oklahoma).

If you bave a representative on either committee, please contact them as well.

House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee
Republicans

• Robert Aderholt, Alabama, Chairman
• Kevin Yoder, Kansas
• Tom Rooney, Florida
• David Valadao, California, Vice Chair
• Andy Harris, Maryland
• David Young, Iowa
• Steven Palazzo, Mississippi

Democrats

• Sam Farr, California, Ranking Member
• Rosa DeLauro, Connecticut
• Sanford Bishop, Jr., Georgia
• Chellie Pingree, Maine

House Labor & Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee

Republicans

• Tom Cole, Oklahoma, Chairman
• Mike Simpson, Idaho
• Steve Womack, Arkansas, Vice Chair
• Chuck Fleischmann, Tennessee
• Andy Harris, MD, Maryland
• Martha Roby, Alabama
• Charlie Dent, Pennsylvania
• Scott Rigell, Virginia

Democrats

• Rosa DeLauro, Connecticut, Ranking Member
• Lucille Roybal-Allard, California
• Barbara Lee, California
• Chaka Fattah, Pennsylvania

Dietary Guidelines Background

The Dietary Guidelines provide a crucial basis for federal nutrition policy, nutrition programs and education, and in identifying research needs. Currently the Guidelines provide science-based advice for persons aged two and over that will promote health and also prevent chronic disease. Guidelines that provide consistent messages help consumers make healthy choices for themselves and their families. These areas will impact Americans’ awareness of healthy eating for many years.
The Dietary Guidelines help direct the course of developing effective, quality nutrition policy and guiding the regulatory process. It is also important for consumers to understand the Dietary Guidelines to help make help healthy food choices for their families. Public health nutritionist found that the Dietary Guidelines:

1. Are grounded in strong and emerging science.

2. Are focused on food patterns – how and what actual foods we eat – more than individual nutrients.

3. Look at food beyond just what's on your plate – from how it's produced to where itis sold and consumed and more.

The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) is a 14-member committee of independent experts, convened by the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. The DGAC spent 20 months reviewing the latest scientific evidence on nutrition and physical activity. Their advice is mostly unchanged from a report issued by the 2004 expert panel, prior to publication of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines. The recommendations include: Americans need to eat more fruit, vegetables, whole grains and fiber; Americans should consume more plant-based foods and eat less foods with solid fat and added sugars; and Americans should consume dairy products that are low-fat or non-fat.


The DGAC Scientific Report makes the following recommendations:

1. Reduce consumption of added sugars, by setting a maximum limit to 10 percent of calories (50 grams or 12 teaspoons) 

2. Reduce daily sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams per day for the general population.

3. Limit red meat and processed meats high in saturated fat and sodium to reduce the risk of cancer and other adverse health outcomes. 

4. Reduce foods high in saturated fats and replace saturated fats with monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats. 

5. Include strong recommendations regarding measures to encourage consumption of fruits and vegetables.

6. Provide clear recommendations to help people identify and consume whole grains in place of refined grains.

7. Develop policies to promote water as the primary beverage of choice and reduce consumption of sugar sweetened beverages.

8. Recognize sustainability as an essential component of federal dietary guidance.

The report has already been sent to the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services to be used as they and their staffs write the 2015 Dietary Guidelines. HHS and USDA accepted public comments on the scientific report until May 8, 2015.

The consensus from a large coalition within the public health community is that these guidelines will help consumers be able to choose healthy safe foods for their families which is an overarching goal of the Guidelines.

Repeal The Seal: No Kids Eat Right Logo on Food Products

I am participating in the #RepealTheSeal campaign to show my disagreement with the Academy’s recent decision to allow the Kids Eat Right logo onto food packaging. I invite my fellow colleagues and bloggers who share this opinion, or who support this campaign, to also post this Open Letter on their own blog, to sign the petition at change.org, and/or to use #RepealTheSeal hashtag via social media. 

Below please find our petition letter as well as instructions for how other RDNs can sign the petition and post it to your own blog and social media platforms so that we can garner signatures from as many RDNs as possible. --Cheers, Ashley

PETITION/OPEN LETTER TO THE ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS/KIDS EAT RIGHT FOUNDATION

March 16, 2015

To Mary Beth Whalan, President Sonja Connor, leadership at the Academy and the Kids Eat Right (KER) Foundation:

As long-time members and proud supporters of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), we are dismayed, shocked, and saddened by the blog post in last week’s New York Times. The piece (http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/12/a-cheese-product-wins-kids-nutrition-seal/?_r=0 – ) reports on the KER Foundation’s Nutrition seal— a seal that the Academy states was not an endorsement of the product, but is an indicator of the brands that support Kids Eat Right.

As dedicated Registered Dietitians/Nutritionists and food and nutrition experts, we are protesting the Academy’s position to allow the Kids Eat Right logo on Kraft Singles, as well as the possibility to allow any future implied endorsement of any product by AND for the following reasons:

Flawed Understanding of the Marketplace

We wholly reject the rationale that the Academy used in their formal press release to defend the nature of the relationship between Kraft and the Academy. A logo on a product label is an endorsement, an alignment, and recognition of a paid relationship. Simply stating otherwise in a press release, no matter how emphatically, doesn’t change this fact. Rather, AND’s actions illustrate how profoundly out of touch AND is with business principles, which has put our professional integrity and credibility at risk. It is also a decision that is out of touch with members’ values.

Failure to Provide Transparency to AND Members and Consumers

We work hard to provide full transparency in all of our own business relationships, and we expect the same from the Academy. Failure to be transparent about ANDs actions violates the Academy’s own Ethics Policy*, which calls for the highest standards of honesty and integrity, and for members to not engage in false or misleading practices of communications.

Actions Requested of the Academy: #RepealtheSeal

We ask that the Academy make available to its members, the media and the public the following:

• We ask for full transparency regarding the process of approval to allow the KER logo on the Kraft product— including the names of those involved, the meeting minutes of the discussion, and Board’s vote on this issue.
• We ask for full disclosure of the terms of the financial agreement between KER Foundation and Kraft. We also request full transparency regarding the status of future agreements under consideration for use of our Logo.
• We ask the Academy to provide their plan for the discontinuation of this specific relationship with Kraft and removal of the KER logo off Kraft Singles product packaging.

Academy members deserve strong leaders who will protect the integrity of the Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist credential. This latest action is an embarrassing misstep that must be corrected swiftly in order to prevent further damage to the RD/RDN brand and to the Academy.

Sincerely,

Rachel Begun MS, RDN
Kate Geagan MS, RDN
Regan Jones, RDN

Ashley Colpaart, MS RDN

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP IN 3 EASY STEPS:

PETITION – Sign the petition at change.org (https://www.change.org/p/the-academy-of-nutrition-and-dietetics-kids-eat-right-foundation-repealtheseal?just_created=true), which outlines the steps we are asking that The Academy and KER take to rectify this situation.

POST – Post the above Open Letter to the Academy and KER leadership on your blog and/or social media platform(s) to reach your peers and audience. Please use the #RepealTheSeal hashtag. While we kindly ask that you keep the Open Letter intact, if you have any additional thoughts or commentary that would be of interest to your readers, please feel free to include that in your own post.

PROMOTE – Please share this Open Letter and/or links to the petition on your social media platforms or your blog, and please feel free to invite others to repost on their blogs and social media networks. If you do share this on your blog, please include the following suggested language to help your audience understand how they can help support the campaign:

I am participating in the #RepealTheSeal campaign to show my disagreement with the Academy’s recent decision to allow the Kids Eat Right logo onto food packaging. I invite my fellow colleagues and bloggers who share this opinion, or who support this campaign, to also post this Open Letter on their own blog, to sign the petition at change.org, and/or to use #RepealTheSeal hashtag via social media.

We thank you for your support!

*American Dietetic Association/Commission on Dietetic Registration Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics and Process for the Consideration of Ethics Issues. J Acad Nutr Diet2009;109(8):1461-1467.

Corporate Relationships and Cheesy Facts

By now you have heard the news of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic's Partnership between Kraft Foods and Kid's Eat Right, which was recently criticized in a New York Times Article on March 12th 2015. 

To see Academy President Sonja L. Connor introduce the initiative in her March 2015 address click here (starts at minute 2:02) or visit the Kids Eat Right: CheesyFacts page for more information (coming soon!). 

Kraft Singles will be the first product to receive the Kid's Eat Right endorsement. But, while Kraft Foods dietitian Kari Ryan touts the nutrient benefits of Kraft Singles as a means of addressing calcium and Vitamin D deficiencies in children, The Foundation asserts that the label is not an endorsement of a product, but rather, an acknowledgement of financial support of Kids Eat Right. 

According to the NY Times, The Academy: 

"emphatically denied that the label was an endorsement. “The Kids Eat Right logo on Kraft Singles packaging identifies the brand as a proud supporter of Kids Eat Right,” Mary Beth Whalen, the Academy’s executive director, said in an email statement. “It also serves to drive broader visibility to KidsEatRight.org, a trusted educational resource for consumers."

Furthermore ABC News, pinpointing the "reversal of how most ads work", quoted Academy Spokesman Ryan O'Malley saying: 

"Kraft is putting the Kids Eat Right logo [on its packaging and] saying Kraft is a proud supporter of Kids Eat Right, not vice versa. The academy has never once endorsed any product, brand or service, and we never will."

It is really a stretch for me to understand how this "trusted educational resource for consumers" is justifying such a potentially confusing relationship, to dietitians and public alike. 

UPDATE: The Academy released this Statement. 

****

In my experience as a leader within the Academy for over a decade, no issue has been more divisive to the dietetics profession (Academy members and non-members alike), than the Academy's Corporate Sponsorship program. While the Academy staff has attempted to more clearly articulate the Academy's Sponsorship program, I remain perplexed about how the Academy Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a 501(c)3 charity, and its two programs (Kids Eat Right and The Future of Food) is governed. 

This spring the governing body of the Academy (The House of Delegates) will conduct its 2015 meeting on May 2 and 3, 2015. On May 2, the delegates will discuss the mega issue "Engaging Members in the Need to Address Malnutrition Across Nutrition and Dietetics Practice Settings." On May 3, the delegates will discuss the Academy's corporate sponsorship program.

The Current  Question they are asking Membership is: 

"How do we evolve our existing sponsorship program to further the mission, vision and goals of the Academy while safeguarding the Academy's reputation and integrity?"

How timely. 

The Meeting Objectives are:

1. Understand the impact of the sponsorship program on the profession, Academy Foundation, and the Academy, 

including DPGs, MIGs and affiliates. 

2. Identify the Academy’s steps in evaluating alignment with a potential sponsor. 

3. Identify elements of the Academy’s corporate sponsorship program that need to be retained or modified. 

 Talk with your delegate(s) about this issue in advance of the Spring 2015 Virtual HOD Meeting (May 2-3, 2015). 

1. Have you, your students, or your affiliate or DPG been impacted by sponsorship? 

2. How do you view corporate sponsorship (identify pros and cons)? 
Your delegate will discuss your feedback during the table dialogue at the Spring 2015 Virtual HOD Meeting.

If there was ever a time for members share their concerns, suggestions or feedback, the time is now. 

If you are a member, please act before Friday March 20th -- (or before you go on Spring Break). 

Take a few minutes to:

1. Read the HOD Fact Sheet on the topic. 

2. Submit comments to BOTH your DPG Delegates and State Affiliate Delegate. Delegate contact information is available here. 

(For the Hunger and Environmental Nutrition DPG members, your delegate is Meg Bruening and she set up a survey to receive comments here.)

3. Publicly share your thoughts to empower other members to speak up. If you are on Twitter, please RETWEET:

As an RD, I'm appalled with the @eatrightkids label on @kraftsfoods Singles, endorsement or not. #RDchat #cheesyfacts

4. Share this call to action with your colleagues and networks. 

Registered Dietitian Challenge

Greetings colleagues and friends!

The Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Ice Bucket Challenge (#icebucketchallenge) has emerged as a game changer, raising funds and awareness for an amazing cause.  Valid criticism aside (the need to consider water conservation during a severe drought), the ALS challenge is encouraging folks to be active in a new way and is arguably creating a way for organizations to raise awareness and engage in our social media society. Most importantly, as of August 22, 2014 the challenge has raised $53.3 million dollars for ALS research.

In the spirit of the #icebucketchallenge, I am encouraging my profession of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists to participate in an #RDchallenge with the goals of:

a.) building rapport and appreciation within our profession, and 

b.) raising funds for our valued Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic Political Action Committee (ANDPAC)--- the only political action committee broadly focused on food, nutrition and health. (It ranks among the top health professional political action committees in the country!)

AFTER you have contributed to ALS, consider joining the #RDchallenge by: 

1. Writing a hand written letter to a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist that has been influential to your career. Currently the United States Postal Service is offering beautiful Farmers' Market Stamps to adorn your envelope.
2. Take a photo of your card (blacking out personal information) and post your photo on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. 
3. Tag three (3) other Registered Dietitian Nutritionists to challenge them to participate and use the #RDchallenge hashtag. You may also want to tag #RDchat or post on a Dietetic Practice Group's Facebook page, Instagram site, or Electronic Mailing List to reach your colleagues. 

Once you are tagged you will have 24 hours to participate or you must donate funds to ANDPAC to help support their upcoming legislative efforts! But honestly, if you are given the honor of being tagged, I hope you will choose to contribute to ANDPAC regardless! 

To begin, I wrote my letter to the current Chair of the  Hunger and Environmental Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group Dianne Lollar. This year Dianne received the 2014 National Women, Infants and Children Leadership Award. She is a savvy, smart, and dedicated RD with years of service to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Dianne is also an amazing organic farmer and has been an inspiration to me. Enjoy your card Dianne!

To get things rolling I am tagging a few fellow RDs from Twitter. Good luck!

@lmaydak

@ChristysChomp

@amandasaucy

@jastrd

@LoRoRD

@sweetfoodie

Practice Paper: Promoting Ecological Sustainability within the Food System

A new Practice Paper from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic is available and the topic is Promoting Ecological Sustainability within the Food System. I'm happy to see the final paper since I helped review it months ago as a member of the Hunger and Environmental Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group. The final paper was authored by my colleague Ramona Robinson-O’Brien and Bonnie L. Gerald.

I really like this call to action:

It is important to continually evaluate current food system practices and promote practices that support and sustain natural resources and the environment. Food system sustainability is dependent, in part, upon the protection and conservation of soil, water, energy, and the preservation of biodiversity. Promoting food system sustainability can be an admirable goal among RDs and DTRs. 

I was also intrigued by this address to decreased pesticide usage and possible suggestion to support organic agriculture:

The use of pesticides in agriculture may have a negative impact on wildlife and the wider environment (water, soil, air) if leaching, runoff, or spray drift occurs. In an effort to mitigate adverse environmental exposures, consideration should be given to alternative cropping systems less dependent on pesticides, the development of pesticides with improved safety profiles and formulations, and appropriate use of spraying equipment. 

There is also a fantastic section on consumer options, including growing interest is local food, “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food,” farm to institution work, and innovations to address food access including SNAP benefits at farmers markets, community gardens, and utilization of cooperative extension. 

Finally, I was also super excited to see a shout out to some fantastic resources that some fellow HEN DPG members developed:

Included in the resource figure (Figure 1) is a link to the document “Healthy Land, Healthy People: Building a Better Understanding of Sustainable Food Systems for Food and Nutrition Professionals,” which provides wide-ranging recommendations for RDs and DTRs to incorporate professional practices in support of ecological sustainability in the food system. RDs and DTRs are encouraged to utilize this valuable tool to identify practical examples within a variety of practice areas. Wilkins and colleagues contend that the economic, ecological, and social sustainability of the food system matter as much as the nutritional value of its products and encourage RDs and DTRs to practice “civic dietetics” by integrating food system awareness into their work.

Live in Austin- Breastfeeding

This mom is too hip for words. Way to feed that baby nature's perfect food.

Shit Dietitians Say

I had to join the fun. Please comment. Did I leave anything out?

Everything the California Milk Processing Board Did is Wrong

I preface this post with a disclosure: I take issue with the tactics of the dairy industry in relation to marketing and policy. As a Registered Dietitian working in food systems and public health, I see first hand the National Dairy Council's (NDC)'s methods to ensure that milk and dairy remain an essential component of the American diet. They are given center stage at nutrition, school lunch, obesity and agricultural conferences and not coincidentally-- they pay the big bucks to sponsor such events. In fields where "science based" research is paramount to making policy and public health decisions, the NDC goes far to ensure research is favorable, that representatives are briefed and the audience is primed to ingest their propaganda.

I am frustrated with some nutrition professionals inability to consider the difference between the industry sponsoring research, the manipulation of current research into messages, and all out marketing campaigns. We fail to consider the body of research that is not being conducted, published or marketed to the same extent. My friend Nancy Becker recently sent me the Parachute Study, which perfectly illustrates this point.

I digress. The real point of this post is to criticize the California Milk Processor Board's new marketing scheme aimed at untapped milk buyers: men. I first heard about the sexist "Everything I Do Is Wrong" campaign while listening to the news on public radio (thanks NPR, as if the Cargill ads weren't bad enough?). "Every Thing I Do Is Wrong" gives men "suffering" with a PMS ridden women the answer: milk --and a slew of canned apologies. I think the board room of men that developed this campaign would be smart to start working on their apology.

Women traditionally make household purchases, especially food, but the CMPB "educates" their counterpart to purchase milk by stating that "milk can help reduce the symptoms of PMS." I have a feeling this one might backfire.

The site itself is a futuristic, busy hodgepodge of PMS indicators, an emergency "milk locator" that shows a map of nearby grocery and corner stores that sell milk, and scrolling apologies like " I apologize for letting you misinterpret what I was saying." Hmm CMPB, I'm not so sure I misinterpreted the utter repugnance of this marketing campaign? I assume that most Registered Dietitians (mostly made up of women, many working for the NDC) might also find this offensive. Just a hunch.

In an attempt to find the actual research backing the PMS claims, I came up largely empty handed, at least from the actual website. The "case study" section is "coming soon." The only thing the site does say is that "Milk helps reduce a majority of women's symptoms after 3 months of taking 1,200mg Calcium/day."

Huh? Do I drink milk or take a calcium supplement? Symptoms of what?

When you click around you find one study mentioned. "Calcium carbonate and the premenstrual syndrome: effects on premenstrual and menstrual symptoms. Premenstrual Syndrome Study Group." conducted by endocrinologist Susan Thys-Jacobs at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology in 1998. Women ages 18-45 were randomly assigned to receive 1200 mg of elemental calcium per day in the form of calcium carbonate or placebo for 3 menstrual cycles. (Got milk?) Daily documentation of symptoms, adverse effects, and compliance with medications were monitored.All 4 symptom factors (negative affect, water retention, food cravings, and pain) were significantly reduced by the third treatment cycle.

No mention of milk in this study. I called the CMPB's office to ask some questions. There was no answer. I guess there are probably a bunch of PMS suffering women trying to call them today.

Boston Tree Party: Civic Engagement in Action

I am so inspired by this TEDx Boston talk by Lisa Gross and the work of the Boston community! Lisa was a student of mine in a Community Food Projects course at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts. She is the founder of the Urban Homesteaders League, a community venture dedicated to inspiring and empowering individuals and communities to shift from a lifestyle of passive consumption to one of active participation, creation, and connection. She is obviously embodying that mission with her newest project: The Boston Tree Party.


"The Boston Tree Party is an urban agriculture project, a performative re-imagining of American political expression, and a participatory public art project. At its "core", the Party is a diverse coalition of organizations, institutions, and communities from across the Greater Boston Area coming together in support of Civic Fruit. We call for the planting of fruit trees in civic space and promote the fruits of civic engagement. Each community has committed to planting and caring for a pair of heirloom apple trees. Together, these trees form a decentralized public urban orchard that symbolizes a commitment to the environmental health of our city, the vitality and interconnectedness of our communities, and the wellbeing of the next generation."

Here is the remaining text from Lisa's inspiring, witty and impressive TED Talk:

"As an urban agriculture project, the Boston Tree Party creates vital gathering places and opportunities for learning, exchange, and participation. The project builds community connections, both within and across communities, and improves community and environmental health. As a conceptual art project, the Boston Tree Party catalyzes a deep and playful engagement with the issues of food access; health; environmental stewardship; biodiversity; public space; and civic engagement. The structure and design of the project playfully reimagine patriotic and political language, imagery, and forms of association.

The apple has a long and deep connection to the history of Boston. The first apple orchard in the American Colonies was planted by William Blackstone on Beacon Hill in 1623. The oldest variety of apple in the United States, the Roxbury Russet, was developed in Roxbury in the 1630s. The Boston Tree Party celebrates and recontextualizes this history and envisions Boston as a city of apples once again.

Apple trees must be planted in heterogeneous pairs (two different varieties of apples must be planted together) in order to cross-pollinate and bear fruit. The Boston Tree Party takes these trees as inspiration. We too are interdependent and need to work across divisions to effectively address the pressing social and environmental issues we face. We too must cross-pollinate and seek out and value diversity, not just because we need to, but because that’s how you get the sweetest and juiciest fruit.

The planting campaign launched on April 10th on the Rose Kennedy Greenway with the Boston Tree Party Inauguration–the ceremonial planting of the first pair of apple trees in this city-wide planting campaign. The event also included a celebratory rally featuring Edith Murnane (the Food Tzar of the City of Boston), Michael Phillips and John Bunker (the Official Pomologists), the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center “Let’s Get Moving” Tree Planting Delegation; music by the Second Line Social Aid & Pleasure Society Brass Band; a Wassailing of the trees; free apple cider; Central Asian Barbecue (apples originated in Central Asia); and opportunities to learn more about the project.

During the month of May, participating Tree Planting Delegations each received a Tree Party Kit. The Delegations ranged from schools to assisted living centers, synagogues to churches, and neighborhood groups to hospitals. The Kit allowed each community to design and create its own festive Tree Planting Party tailored to its own needs and interests. All across the city communities planted the seeds of Civic Fruit.

The project will culminate in the fall of 2015, the year of the first full harvest, with the Boston Tree Party Convention—a city wide harvest festival, and an opportunity for participants to celebrate the project, form new connections, and get inspired. Intervening years will feature smaller summits and socials that will bring together this diverse network of organizations and individuals.

The Apple Corps, a Youth Corps developed in partnership with YouthBuild Boston, will be trained in organic fruit tree care and horticulture and will act as an “extension service” for participating Delegations. They will offer support over phone and email, and do site visits when necessary. The Apple Alliance (a partnership between the Boston Natural Areas Network, City Sprouts, Groundwork Somerville, and the Northeast Organic Farming Association/Mass) will offer free and low-cost organic fruit tree workshops all over the city. The Official Pomologists of the Boston Tree Party, Michael Phillips and John Bunker, will guide all horticultural aspects of the project.

238 years ago, a small group of people dumped several tons of tea into Boston Harbor, and with this symbolic, performative act, launched the movement for American Independence. With the symbolic planting of these apple trees, we hope to help catalyze a new movement—a movement that works across boundaries to make healthy, fresh food accessible to all; a movement to green our cities; a movement that plants fruit trees in public spaces all over the country; and a movement that comes together to care for these trees and the well-being of all citizens. We hope to inspire and nurture an ethos of stewardship that starts with these apple trees and radiates outwards to our city, our nation, and our planet."

I am certainly inspire me. Congratulation on these valiant, creative effort Lisa. I see a Food and Community Fellow in the making.

See the TedX Talk here:

Back with an Epicurean Delight: Raw, Vegan, Garden Pesto

Dear Readers,

Some of you may have noticed I have been on a blogging hiatus. Today, I would like to resurrect my blog, The Epicurean Ideal. In doing so, my post is today's personal epicurean experience making raw, vegan, garden pesto. Before you shudder and click the little "x" button in your browser, humor me and read on. I will be blogging on my typical topics of food and agriculture policy beginning this week. In the mean time, enjoy this fun and easy recipe.

Why "raw" ? Well, mostly because it is summer time and I prefer fresh, live foods.

Why "vegan" ? Those who know me well might guess that this is my way of sticking it to the dairy council again. While that may be partially true, I actually have noticed an increased intolerance to dairy as I have grown older. It has been said that humans stop producing lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in the intestines) as we age, so it is not surprising as I finish up the Victory Lap of my 30's. For a more detailed description of lactose intolerance see here.

Why "garden" ? Well, uh, why the hell not, but if you must ask, because my neighbor and owner of theNectary, Kasi helped me plant a little garden in my front yard. theNectary helps clients design, build and maintain edible landscapes. Yum! Just make sure your community allows you to grow food. No, seriously! This lady is facing jail time for planting a garden. Anyway, it is scientifically proven that vegetables you grown yourself taste better. And my basil was ready to rock.

So lets get cooking. Today...Pesto. All you need is 3-4 bunches of basil, safflower oil, 2 heads of garlic, lemon juice, pine nuts (or other type of nut), olive oil and sea salt.

Harvest your basil by pinching off the larger leaves and groups of leaves.Wash and trim the leaves.

To make the "vegan" part of this pesto creamy, you will make a garlic paste. Just take your garlic heads and peel and clean the cloves. Put them in a food processor and add safflower oil, lemon juice (of 1/2 a lemon) and sea salt until you get a thick paste.

You can also add nuts. Note: always taste your nuts first. I had to learn the hard way once and it gave my pesto an inedible off-flavor. My pine nuts were rancid, so I used pecans.

Add oil to make a paste. I used safflower for the paste and then olive oil after I add the basil.

Add the basil and olive oil and sea salt until you get a thick consistency. Taste it to see if you need more salt or oil. The garlic will give it a great creamy zing.

Chill in the refrigerator. Eat on bread, crackers, veggies or toss with pasta.

How Food Recalls Work – A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Distribution Technology

Today I would like to cross post from Software Advice-Distribution a great analysis on the recent egg recall and the debate on food tracking. I tend to be weary of the food tracking and traceability efforts. While they are well-intentioned, it only leads to more hoops for local and small producers to jump through in order to participate in the food system. My personal traceability is going out to the hen house at Tierra Miguel Farm and checking on the ladies. In other words, if you know your farmer, there less chance for the market failure of imperfect information. Stick to the farmers market. I like the efforts of The Food Hub in Oregon as well.

Thanks to Stephen Jannise for contacting me about his work. It was nice to see that he is a UT alum. Hook 'em horns!

Chocolate formula bites the dust

My colleague from Mead Johnson just informed me that her company is discontinuing their new chocolate toddler formula line, due to a misunderstanding of the product's use. I think this is a big win for the nutrition and consumer world. I am highly against getting kids use to intensely flavored beverages and food, especially with all of the efforts to get them to eat better and different foods.

From the Canadian Business journal:

GLENVIEW, Ill. (AP) - Children's formula maker Mead Johnson Nutrition Co. said Wednesday it will discontinue its Enfagrow Premium chocolate toddler drink due to what it called "misunderstanding and mischaracterization" over the product's intended use.

There had been news reports about parents concerned that a chocolate-flavored drink aimed at tots was inappropriate amid skyrocketing rates of childhood obesity, although the drink contains no more sugar than other drinks aimed at children.

The company said the product has a "superior nutritional profile" to other beverages such as apple juice and grape juice, but said there has been misunderstanding about who the intended consumer is for the product and the role it is intended to play in a child's diet.

Mead Johnson said the drink was intended for toddlers who have been weaned off breast milk or formula but still need "nutritional support" from their main diet, particularly picky or erratic eaters.

"The resulting debate has distracted attention from the overall benefits of the brand, so we have decided to discontinue production of Enfagrow Premium chocolate toddler drink and phase it out over the coming weeks," the company said in a statement.

Defense Authorization Bill Includes Support for Child Nutrition Programs

From the American Dietetic Association-

Support for reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act has come from an unlikely source: the Defense Authorization bill. During House debate, 341 members voted to support an amendment by Reps. Jim McGovern (D.-Mass.), Jo Ann Emerson (R.-Mo.) and Sanford Bishop (D.-Ga.) highlighting the impact of hunger and obesity on military recruitment and supporting properly funding the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act.

The amendment does not guarantee funding for child nutrition reauthorization, but it helps build momentum and support. The "Sense of the Congress" amendment says "reducing domestic childhood obesity and hunger is a matter of national security…the Federal Child Nutrition Programs under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.) and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.) should be funded at the President's request; and the increases in funding for such programs should be properly offset."

Over the past month, 221 members of Congress – a majority of the House – had already sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D. Calif.) supporting President Obama's request for an increase of $1 billion a year for the Child Nutrition Programs.

Job Search for Good Food Movement

*****ADDED*****
I just came across the Sustainable Agriculture Education Association website which has a listing of professional listings.

Foodies know where the good markets are to find the best strawberries, crispy kale and first peaches of the season, but when it comes to finding their dream jobs, the classified ads just won't do. Since my friend and colleagues (self included,)are all in the market for a job that fuels our passions, allow us to live the good life and pays our loans, I thought it would nice to centralize some resources.

1. Comfood listserve- this is a great place for job announcements, up to day news in the sustainable food security movement and discussion about decisive issues. Many of the amazing players in the field can be found collaborating, asking questions, and offering up expertise. Share yours as well.

2. Sustainable Food Jobs (SFJ)- this is a domestic site that is updated weekly and has jobs from sustainable food service, farm to school, Americorps and farming internships as well as CEO positions at non-profits and start-up businesses. The site is cool if you want to search by region.

3. Good Food Jobs- similar to SFJ - this site is due to launch this summer. In the mean time sign up for their weekly email to catch the latest.

4. Idealist- a great place to land a non-profit career or organize with like minded people.Idealist is a project of Action Without Borders, a nonprofit organization founded in 1995 with offices in the United States and Argentina. Idealist is an interactive site where people and organizations can exchange resources and ideas, locate opportunities and supporters, and take steps toward building a world where all people can lead free and dignified lives. I have been successful searching by key words.

5. Linkedin-When you join, you create a profile that summarizes your professional expertise and accomplishments. You can then form enduring connections by inviting trusted contacts to join LinkedIn and connect to you. Your network consists of your connections, your connections’ connections, and the people they know, linking you to a vast number of qualified professionals and experts. A fun part is you can recommend your colleagues.

You can come link up with me at: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleycolpaart

6. Juju- Do a search like "sustainable food jobs"

7. Change.org Jobs - search by topic, demographic, or job category. There are also career advisors and other resources.

8. Wise Earth Jobs -helps the global movement of people and organizations working toward social justice, indigenous rights, and environmental stewardship connect, collaborate, share knowledge, and build alliances. All tools and content are free to use. The site is commercial-free too.

9. Craiglist-not only good for getting used furniture or sports equipment, Craigslist can be a great place to find consulting gigs, freelance writing or part time work in your new city. I usually use search terms to sift out the junk. Beware of scams or jobs that are posted over and over again. If your bored of the job search, the Best of Craigslist is good for a laugh.

10. HigherEdJobs- A good place to look for adjunct faculty, part time or other teaching positions at community colleges or university. I search "nutrition" and get a lot of hits.

11. Check your local school districts, college websites, and county & city job boards.

12. Good luck and let me know if you have any other resources that may be of assistance!

McDonalds shows tolerance in ad

I guess when you are a multinational corporate food company, anyone is a customer, which is great for the gay rights movement. I doubt we would ever see an ad like this in America, and if we did there would be a McBoycott. Either way, I found the ad kinda cute. June is gay rights month! Happy tolerance.

The commercial, which is to air in France uses the slogan: come as you are!

Chefs Move to Schools

The Let's Move campaign initiated by Michelle Obama this year is moving into the kitchen and just in the nick of time. As many public schools close their doors for summer, many cafeterias will be poised for making systematic change in the way they feed our children.

From White House Assistant Chef and the Food Initiative Coordinator Chef Sam Kass:

The Chefs Move to Schools program will pair chefs with schools in their communities to bring fun to fruits and vegetables, and teach kids about food, nutrition and cooking in an engaging way. And by working with school food service employees, administrators and teachers -- chefs can help deliver these messages from the cafeteria to the classroom. After hearing fifth graders cheer for broccoli, I know first hand that chefs can have a huge impact on kid’s health and well being.

Chefs and schools that are interested in participating can sign up here or through www.LetsMove.gov.

My great friend, chef and fellow HEN nutritionist Julie Negrin will be at tomorrow's kick off for Chefs Move to School. She has a great article up on her blog on new and healthy ways for schools to fundraise. Some of the ideas are so cute.

Let's Move also recently announced the Let's Move Outside component.

With all hands on decks, I hope see some real changes in school lunch and child nutrition. Now if we can only stop the hemorrhaging in the Guld of Mexico so we can refocus on the Child Nutrition Reauthorization. Have you called your Senator?

Rebuilding America's Economy with Family Farm Centered Food Systems

Today is a big day for Farm Aid, but also for me! The report that I began last summer as an intern has been launched and it is impressive!

From the Farm Aid Website:

Seeds of hope lie in America’s family farmers and ranchers despite the grim economic conditions facing the nation. Our new report seeks to underscore what we at Farm Aid know as a simple truth: supporting family farmers and family farm centered food systems is a powerful strategy for jumpstarting our fragile economy and revitalizing communities across America.

The report can be downloaded at their website, as well as, a section that makes the case of family farmers being a focal point for economic stimulus, a list of funding opportunities and stories from the field.

The Farm Aid Ideas section is a resource to connect more than 500 organizations developing innovative approaches to producing, processing and marketing food from family farms.

Back from Hiatus

Hiatus- From Latin hiatus, the past participle of hiare (“‘to stand open, yawn’”).

It was a big yawn. One that spanned a couple months and one in which I reemerged with a Masters Degree in Food Policy and Applied Nutrition from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts. The yawn was followed by a long nap, and alas, I have awakened to the next phase of my life. I must admit: I am excited.

This summer will be filled with relevant food policy happenings (Child Nutrition Re-authorization; Let's Move Campaign; Health care bill notification of rules) as well as creative program development in some of my favorite areas (Farm-to-School; Food Corps; Urban Gardening).

My hope is that this post starts my engine (and oils up yours). The Epicurean Ideal is back, and as idealistic as ever.

The story of bottled water

Annie Leonard is a genius! She will be honored at this year's Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood annual meeting in Boston, April 8-10: http://www.commercialfreechildhood.org/

From the people that brought you the great Story of Stuff, Enjoy, the Story of Bottled Water.

Where does my milk come from?

Tracking codes and technology are being used to bring consumers even more information about their food. Just because there is a bucolic scene with a little red barn on your milk label, doesn't really tell you where your milk was produced, or more importantly, how.

"Where is my milk from?" is designed to allow you to enter a code on your dairy product to find out exactly where the farm (or likely, the factory) is located before it gets to your cereal. It also lets you look at other dairy products like cottage cheese, sour cream, cream, egg nog etc. The site takes you to a map and tells you the dairy and the place.

While this information is useful, a second step is needed for consumer who are interested in the management of cows, the farm and the milk production. For instance, does dairy/farm/factory use rBGH? Does the dairy/farm/factory store waste in a manure lagoon. What are the animals fed, how much of their lives are they lactating and being milked? What do the cows eat?

Iti s these questions that will reveal the true nature of the dairy industry and allow consumers to support practices that are humane, ecologically sensitive and closer to the natural processes intended for cows (i.e. being allowed to graze).

I hope this tool is a building block for other aps that can be developed and utilized by consumers at their point of purchase. Other cool apps poping up are ifarmersmarket that tells you the location, day and time of farmers markets in your area and Locavore that tells you what foods are in season.