Food Swaps in Times of Inflation and Food Shortages

During times of inflation and supply chain disruption, tight budgets can be stretched to the point of nutrition insecurity. This can compound the stresses food insecure households already face. This session provides the nutrition professional with resources and action steps to guide clients in making nutritious food swaps when budget and time are tight or when the availability of nutrient-dense food is limited. The speakers will introduce and review a variety of USDA tools and resources that can help consumers make cost-conscious, nutrient-dense food swaps. The experienced speakers will provide examples of innovative and creative boots-on-the-ground programs, processes and education that utilize these and other resources to widely spread the information of affordable, healthy, culturally mindful meals to consumers, specifically for those in underserved and under-resourced communities. Lastly, a summary of key takeaways from the September 28 White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health will be discussed as they pertain to helping consumers choose affordable, nutritious foods.

CPE Level: Level 2 (intermediate knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1

Performance Indicators

• 12.1.1 Advocates for and promotes food and nutrition programs and resources to address issues of food insecurity, nutritional health and overall health and wellness.
• 12.4.2 Applies knowledge of local and global food markets, food production systems and nutrition regulations.
• 8.5.4 Takes into consideration client/patient choices, beliefs, food sensitivities, allergies, and accessibility and affordability of food.

Learning Objectives

• Access USDA resources that help guide consumers toward nutrient-dense, cost-conscious food swaps
• Help consumers incorporate cost-conscious, healthful food swaps into achievable wellness strategies
• Adapt guidance to include consideration of culture, lifestyle, food preferences, and availability

Moderator

• Meghan Adler, MS, RDN, FAND

Speakers

• Kelley McKinley, MS
• Roniece Anita Weaver, MS, RD, LD