This week, CommonGround shared the story of American agriculture at the world’s largest meeting of food and nutrition experts at the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE), which was held online this year. With more than 10,000 registered dietitian nutritionists, nutrition science researchers, policymakers and healthcare providers in attendance, CommonGround volunteers attracted enthusiastic attention and engaged in meaningful dialogue that helped this influential audience delve further into how America’s farmers grow and raise the healthy foods they recommend.
“FNCE provides a great venue for us to connect with people who directly impact the food choices of countless others,” said CommonGround volunteer Paula Linthicum, who farms in Laytonsville, Maryland. “The audience is receptive and appreciates the work that we do to provide a direct link to farming.”
The activity, organized by CommonGround MidAtlantic with support from the National Corn Growers Association, brought an authentic voice to issues of interest to both consumers and agriculture, such as how the use of modern technologies and practices produces healthy, quality food options for our country and beyond.
“Dietitians and nutritionists are getting asked production questions every day,” explained Laurie Adelhardt, program staff for CommonGround MidAtlantic. “When we provide straightforward answers and authentic resources to help these respected professionals explain the farm-to-table process, we reach a broader audience and increase consumer trust in American farmers.”
In addition to Linthicum and Adelhardt, CommonGround volunteers Lauren Biegler, Lindsey Bowers, Danie Brandl, Amy Halfmann, Dawn Scheier, Jennie Schmidt, Elizabeth Van Hersh, Krista Willis and Addie Yoder participated in the event.
