Meet Me At the Table
My goal with this blog is to bring you perspectives from my past, peppered with insights and facts on the future of food, farming and health – providing “food for thought, action and personal responsibility.” As a registered dietitian and a sixth generation farm owner in Kentucky, the connection of farm to plate is part of my DNA. I have spent my career navigating the connections between food, health, agriculture and consumer behavior. Together, we will dig into the complex and ever-changing story of who grows our food, what’s in our food, and how food affects our health and ultimately our lives.
Earth Day is Every Day — How Will You Invest in the Planet?
Earth Day is here. It’s been 52 years since the first celebration was initiated by then-Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson. His goal? To shed light on the need to protect the environment. Over the years, federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and...
Despite Challenges the Outlook for Eggs Is Bright
This is the time of the year when the “incredible” egg usually gets top billing. There are Easter egg hunts, Easter egg decorating, spring brunches and Sunday dinners featuring eggs in some form or fashion. However, eggs are seeing some undo focus this year as prices...
Ditch the Fear, Not the Facts! Fruits and Vegetables Are Safe
Spring is here! The images of farmers’ markets and planting our own backyard or container gardens dance in our minds with delight … especially for those of us dealing with a long winter. Fruits and vegetables suddenly have a broader appeal when we see those first...
All Things Local are Global — The Seeds of Exploration
The soon-to ripen Florida peach orchards or the spring preparation of Midwest soybean fields may conjure up images of local, domestic food but let’s dig a little deeper. Much of our U.S. grown “local food“ has a global beginning. The National Nutrition Month theme,...
Leading Across the Table … From Mentorship to Leadership
Amid the blasts of late season snow across the Midwest and East Coast, signs of spring are beginning to emerge. The early daffodils and crocuses are raising their heads, kites are flying and daylight hours are longer. It’s time to march into spring … and celebrate...
Patience Not Panic, Please — A Food Supply Reflection
Food Costs Slow Rising I don’t have to tell you food costs have increased over the past year. But when you look at the rate of increase and the percentage of our personal budget, we are fortunate to have an affordable food supply. Recently released USDA Economic...
Curious Minds Forever Changed the Way We Eat! Salute to Our Black Scientists
What and how we plant, grow or eat today is the benefit of curious minds over the years committed to answer the “what if” question. Think about it! The ability to buy bread rather than make it; the availability of fruit and vegetables anytime from anywhere; and the...
Chocolate Makes the World Go Around
“Eat chocolate” was the reported advice given by physicians in the 1800s to patients needing a remedy for anxiety and “broken hearts.”1 The lore of the “doctor’s order” combined with the centuries old tradition of Americans exchanging heart shaped cards and candy...
Put the Chill(i) on the Price of Your Super Bowl Party — Celebrate “Queen City” Style
When it comes to the Super Bowl, food is front and center regardless of the football teams playing! This year, the cost of the party food is getting added attention across the field from ag economists to consumers with the snack category trending 6% higher than a year...
Let’s Ring Out the Old (Habits) & Zero in on Food Waste in 2022
“Food waste is a serious issue!” was the first line of a blog I wrote in January 2019. Fast forward to 2022 and we’re still talking about eliminating food waste, but what are we DOING about it? Even with my “don’t toss food” upbringing, I admit that my refrigerator...