In-Person Workshop: Transforming Child Nutrition - Collaboration in the Clinic, Classroom, Cafeteria, and Community

THIS IS A DIDACTIC WORKSHOP WHICH WILL NOT INCLUDE HANDS-ON CULINARY DEMONSTRATIONS IN A TEACHING KITCHEN.

Children in the United States face staggering rates of obesity, diabetes, and other lifestyle-related illnesses. Research shows that such diseases decrease as fiber intake increases and the majority of American children do not eat enough fiber in the form of whole-plant foods. This workshop aims to help participants create actionable plans for collaboration with stakeholders and apply these plans to implement sustainable changes in child nutrition. Participants will work with three leaders committed to transforming child nutrition. This interactive workshop is designed for collaboration. Participants will share strategies and brainstorm creative ideas for how medical professionals can work with patients and community stakeholders to increase whole food, plant-predominant (WFPP) nutrition for optimal pediatric growth and development. Participants will learn from success stories and have the opportunity to engage in innovative problem-solving. This workshop will utilize a rapid-cycle Design Thinking exercise to guide participants as they develop solutions to impact their patients and actively engage the communities in which they serve. Participants will leave with a SMART goal to advocate for child nutrition transformation in one or more of the four settings (clinic, classroom, cafeteria, or community) to effect actionable changes in their area of influence. The workshop facilitators will offer periodic virtual follow-up sessions during the year to provide support, frameworks, and opportunities for participants to share progress toward goals.