USA Rice's Cameron Jacobs leads the discussion on rice nutrition research
Apr 30, 2024
MILLSBORO, DE – Last week, USA Rice Senior Director of Domestic Promotion Cameron Jacobs delivered the morning keynote address at the Delaware Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (DAND) annual conference highlighting rice’s role in achieving and maintaining dietary patterns and the importance of choosing U.S.-grown rice.
During the hour-long presentation, Jacobs introduced attendees to USA Rice and provided an overview of the domestic rice industry including its history, economic impact, crop production cycle, and U.S.-grown varieties. The presentation centered on the many nutritional benefits associated with rice consumption and the grain’s ability to fit within most healthy eating patterns.
Jacobs also explained the ease of utilizing rice for foodservice operators, consumers, and patients, and shared nutritional research in support of grain consumption, and current and emerging trends that positively impact rice’s popularity including plant-based eating and sustainability as a purchase motivator. The presentation included clips from both the USA Rice Virtual Farm & Mill Tour and the operator series hosted by USA Rice’s award-winning chef, Hari Cameron, a Delaware resident.
“Rice is unique in its ability to affordably deliver necessary nutrition, while also increasing intakes of other nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and legumes, which makes it so important to get in front of the folks on the front-line of the nutrition sector to get the word out and position USA Rice as a trusted partner and resource,” said Jacobs. “Educational presentations like this raise the profile of USA Rice to those responsible for providing expert nutrition advice to both patients and consumers, foodservice feeding programs, and those who help craft nutrition policy within the state of Delaware.”
Comprised of Registered Dietitians (RDNs), nutritionists, and Registered Dietetic Technician (DTRs) that live and/or work in Delaware, conference attendees represented a diverse collection of nutrition areas including hospitals, outpatient clinics, school-based wellness centers, senior centers, nursing homes, school foodservice, universities, and the public health section. More than 140 DAND members were in attendance and eligible to receive six continuing education units (CEUs) for their participation.
DAND is the state association and local affiliate of the national Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics with the mission to optimize the health of Delaware residents through food and nutrition.