To build trust and awareness of dairy nutrition within the Hispanic community, Midwest Dairy proudly supported Sylvia Klinger, a renowned Hispanic Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, as a featured speaker at the Fuel2Flourish community wellness event. Hosted by the Illinois chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN), the event marked the first in a four-part health and wellness series for families in District 75, in Mundelein, Illinois.
During the session, Sylvia engaged with approximately 40 Hispanic parents and their middle school students, delivering valuable education on the nutritional benefits of dairy. She addressed common misconceptions about milk alternatives, provided culturally relevant guidance on incorporating dairy into everyday meals, and led a hands-on demonstration of an overnight oats recipe made with 2% milk.
Sylvia also demonstrated how dairy aligns with MiPlato (the Spanish version of MyPlate) and highlighted traditional uses of dairy in Hispanic cuisine, such as topping enchiladas with yogurt, using cheese in savory dishes, and preparing rice with milk.
After the event, Sylvia provided Midwest Dairy with a curated list of traditional Latin American dishes that prominently feature dairy. A few of the featured recipes include:
- Mexico: Quesadillas
- Dairy Component: Melted cheeses like Oaxaca or Chihuahua
- Warm tortillas filled with cheese, sometimes paired with mushrooms or meat, then grilled or fried.
- Puerto Rico: Coquito
- Dairy Component: Evaporated milk, condensed milk, and coconut milk
- A festive holiday drink similar to eggnog, served chilled and traditionally spiked with rum.
- Dominican Republic: Batida de Lechosa (Papaya Milkshake)
- Dairy Component: Milk
- A light and refreshing smoothie made with ripe papaya, milk, and a hint of sugar.
- Cuba: Arroz con Leche
- Dairy Component: Milk
- A creamy rice pudding flavored with cinnamon, often served as a comforting dessert.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Sylvia shared, “The event was a resounding success, largely due to the efforts of the NAHN team and District 75 of Mundelein. I anticipate that the second event will be even more well-attended, given the positive reception to the inaugural event.”
Through events like Fuel2Flourish, Midwest Dairy continues its commitment to fostering trust, offering culturally relevant education, and promoting dairy as a nourishing part of everyday life for Hispanic families.