“At a time of growing consumer interest in enhancing their health and well-being through food, it is appropriate to talk about the role of food in the context of medicine, as food can help prevent disease and promote health, manage chronic conditions, improve nutrition security and simply nourish,” said Krystal Register, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, director of health and well-being for FMI.
The report, which isavailable for free here, outlined a science-based definition of Food as Medicine, developed by the Academy’s Foundation and supported by a policy statement adopted by the FMI Board of Directors.
The report found that food retailers are prioritizing programs for customers and employees alike that align with the definition of Food as Medicine, even if those efforts aren’t labeled as such.
Over the past year, half of food retailers significantly or moderately increased their health and wellbeing programs. The report highlights five program models that food retailers could use to support specific initiatives and collect and report metrics to stakeholders. The combination of program models demonstrates improved results, such as positive health outcomes and return on investment for retail operations. The report also notes the importance of establishing credible messages and programs with an emphasis on connecting with shoppers through science-based, preventative, and universal communications.
Related: FMI Initiative to Support the Food Industry Through Consumer Insight Whither Independents? 5 COVID-19 Shopping Patterns that are Here to Stay
“Food retailers are established as trusted partners in a customer’s shopping journey, providing multiple touch points and interactions with customers—from in-store to online,” said Allison Yoder, MA, RDN, LD, the Academy Foundation’s Nutrition in Food Retail Program Development fellow. “Registered dietitian nutritionists can help guide retailers on how to meet the nutritional needs of their customers. Asthefood and nutrition experts, RDNs understand the important role that nutrition plays in overall health.”The Foundation’s Nutrition in Food Retail Program Development Fellowship program is planning to release a resource to help registered dietitian nutritionists and food retailers assess their Food as Medicine initiatives.
