Plant-forward Diets and the Global Syndemic of Obesity, Undernutrition and Climate Change: The Unique and Important Role of the RDN

This product is free for VN DPG members.

This webinar was presented live on June 18, 2020.

This webinar aims to highlight evidence-based research on the role of diet in climate and sustainability. RDNs are familiar with the health benefits of diets rich in plant-based proteins, vegetables, and fruits; however, plant-forward diets also have important environment and sustainability implications, including climate. Understanding how nutrition and climate work together, especially in the global context is vital for RDNs as they provide evidence-based, effective solutions for their clients. This webinar will provide an overview of recent diet-climate research, discuss the role of concepts such as Meatless Monday as a first-step solution, and highlight resources for RDNs as we seek to promote healthy diets for all.

CPE: 1.0
CPEU Level: 2
Learning Need Codes: 1040, 4110, 6010, 8010
Performance Indicators: 12.1, 8.1, 8.4

Learning Objectives

1. Gain an understanding of the importance and role of different dietary patterns' impact on climate change and the environment
2. Recognize the critical role the food system plays in the obesity, malnutrition and the global climate crisis
3. Provide an overview of the Global Meatless Monday community
4. Use the Global Meatless Monday community to share and obtain resources with other healthcare and nutrition professionals
5. Use evidence-based science to promote diet, nutrition and sustainability in their work

Speakers

Daphene Altema-Johnson, MPH, MBA

Daphene joined the Center for a Livable Future in 2019 as a Program Officer with the Food Communities & Public Health Program, following a year-long dietetic internship that led to her becoming a registered dietitian/nutritionist. Before that, she was an epidemiologist and lead evaluator at the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Oral Health Department. While there, she performed all data collection, analysis and reporting activities, and served as the chief evaluator for the HRSA workforce grant and CDC's Cooperative Agreements oral health grant. She developed and implemented a five-year evaluation plan for Maryland's oral health program and evaluated legislation to determine effectiveness and impact. At the Center, Daphene uses her expertise and experience as a nutritionist to support the Meatless Monday campaign. She's especially interested in reaching young people with wellness messages through school programs and community outreach to effect generational change. "Get them started early," is one of her guiding principles.

Becky Ramsing, MPH, RDN

Becky is a senior program officer with the Food Communities and Public Health Program, primarily responsible for managing the Center's science advisory role with the Meatless Monday Campaign. At CLF, she overseas research, communication, evaluation and programming that facilitate a shift sustainable, healthy diets that are plant-centric and lower in meat. Prior to joining the CLF, Becky worked with University of Maryland as a Technical Advisor for Nutrition and Food Security for projects in Afghanistan and Ethiopia, helping women produce and utilize food for family consumption and income generation. She also worked as a nutrition consultant for community, worksite, and school-based programs developing and implementing health and nutrition curricula with clients such as Head Start, Howard County Public School System and other business and community partners. She has extensive experience initiating and overseeing health and nutrition programs and research projects, and she loves creative problem solving that includes networking and collaboration.