Revitalizing Rural Food Systems: Using Farm-Based Nutrition Education to Restore Health and Sustainability

Description

Learning Objectives

• Describe how integrating nutrition education into farm-based programs can reduce chronic disease rates and improve food access in rural communities.
• List at least three strategies from panelists that successfully combine sustainable farming practices with nutrition education to enhance community health.
• Describe at least three common obstacles to establishing these initiatives in rural areas, and outline actionable strategies to address each challenge.

Performance Indicators

• 2.1.1 Applies cultural humility and competence, and consideration for social determinants of health in a variety of settings (e.g., health care, education, business) to show respect for individuals, groups and populations.
• 10.3.2 Develops a variety of learning activities based on a plan of action and the needs of individuals, groups, communities and populations.
• 13.4.1 Communicates with stakeholders using agricultural terminology and concepts.

Speakers

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  Janie Clay

  CEO/Founder, The Charleston Farm: Let's Chat at The Farm

  Dr. Janie C. Clay is a Licensed Registered Dietitian, a dedicated public health professional, and a third generation farmer with a passion for nutrition education, health promotion, and improving access to health services, particularly in rural communities. At The Charleston Farm, Dr. Clay has various roles including CEO and Founder of "Let's Chat at the Farm" a community health initiative offering nutrition education directly on the farm, a serene environment in Marengo County, Alabama. In addition, Dr. Clay provides medical nutrition therapy services for residents of the Alabama Black Belt and beyond via her private practice Bite and Bloom Collective, LLC. She serves as the Child Nutrition Program Director for Pelham City Schools, Pelham, Alabama. In 2023, Dr. Clay was honored as the Alabama Young Dietitian of the Year and serves as a Delegate for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for the Alabama Dietetics Association. Dr. Clay earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Alabama A&M University, Master of Science in Public Health from Meharry Medical College, and Doctor of Public Health from Samford University. She completed her Dietetic Internship at Bradley University, Peoria, IL. Outside of her professional pursuits, Dr. Clay enjoys cooking, gardening, and fishing with her husband, their two children, and dog, Luke.

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  LaDarius Madison

  Facility Program Coordinator-Diabetes, Joseph M. Cleland VA Healthcare System

  La’Darius C. Madison's drive if fueled by an unwavering passion to blend public health principles with evidence-based nutrition practices to champion justice in underserved communities. With a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Auburn University and a Master of Public Health from Tennessee State University, he is now ambitiously pursuing a Doctor of Public Health degree at Georgia Southern University. His journey began as a Clinical Dietitian at Crisp Regional Healthcare System, where his dedication quickly propelled him to the role of Director of Food and Nutrition Services at Georgia War Veterans Home. La'Darius has been the guiding light for aspiring dietitians as the Dietetic Internship Coordinator and Interim Director at LIFE University. Currently, he passionately serves as an Outpatient Dietitian and Facility Program Coordinator for Diabetes at Joseph M. Cleland VA Healthcare System. His accolades include being honored as one of Tennessee State University's 40 Under 40 by their Young Alumni Association, an Emerging Leader for the American Diabetes Association and Delegate for Hunger and Environmental Nutrition within the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. He is also the visionary behind “DigestWithDarius,” an inspiring community health initiative that advocates for awareness around nutrition disparities rooted in social injustices.

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  Remona Peterson

  Board Certified Family Medicine Physician, WECARE FAMILY PRACTICE CLINIC

  Dr. Remona L. Peterson is a board-certified family medicine physician. She grew up in rural, Alabama. Her solo primary care practice located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama includes a full range of family practice, but with special interests in diabetes prevention. Dr. Peterson is passionate about combating chronic diseases that plague Alabama especially the African American community. Her goal is to help eliminate disparities within these communities. Thus, she founded a non-profit organization, WEcare Family Practice Outreach, on the premise of going beyond the walls of medical institutions and constructing health and wellness programs that will impact lifestyle changes and improve the overall health among rural, minority communities. Dr. Peterson is an Alumni of Tuskegee University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and graduated Summa Cum Laude. She earned a master’s from the University of Alabama in Rural & Community Health and a MBA from Davenport University. Dr. Peterson completed her medical education through Texila American University School of Medicine and the University of Alabama Medical Education System. Dr. Peterson completed her residency at the Tuscaloosa Alabama Family Medicine Residency Program. She was nominated as West Alabama’s Top Family Doctor in 2020 and 2021.

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Moderator

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  Katherine Rogers

  Enteral Feeding Lab Manager at Children's of Alabama, Children's of Alabama

  Katherine A. Rogers serves as the Manager of the Enteral Feeding Lab at Children’s of Alabama, in Birmingham, Alabama, where she plays a pivotal role in managing complex, chronic conditions for pediatric patients. With expertise in pediatric outpatient gastroenterology and hepatology, Katherine is dedicated to the care of children with challenging conditions such as aerodigestive disorders and eosinophilic esophagitis. Her work focuses on optimizing enteral feeding strategies to improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life for children with long-term nutritional needs. Katherine earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Samford University and went on to complete both her dietetic internship and Master’s degree in Nutrition Science at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring local culture at Pepper Place Market in Birmingham, AL, and visiting art museums.

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