Midwest Dairy joined The Dairy Alliance, National Dairy Council, and six other state and regional dairy organizations on Oct. 11 for a special event designed to inspire registered dietitians and strengthen trust in dairy. Held at Green Door Gourmet in Nashville, the invite-only gathering brought together more than 60 dietitians from across the country for a morning of connection, learning, and hands-on experiences with dairy innovation.
The event served as a kickoff to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Food & Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE), an annual gathering that brings together thousands of nutrition professionals for education, networking, and the latest updates in food and health.
Hearing Directly from a Dairy Farmer
The morning began with a conversation featuring Charles Hatcher of Hatcher Family Dairy. Hatcher shared his family’s multi-generation story and highlighted their on-farm processing plant, where they bottle milk and create a variety of dairy products for local retail sales.
Attendees also sampled several products, including their newest innovation, Jumpin Jimmy, a caffeinated milk beverage that sparked curiosity and conversation among the dietitians. The sampling experience helped demonstrate the creativity and versatility of dairy and the ways farmers continue to adapt to changing consumer needs.
Participants engaged in a meaningful Q&A with Hatcher, asking about sustainability, animal care, food safety, and the daily realities of running a dairy farm. These open conversations helped deepen understanding of today’s dairy practices and the values behind the families producing milk.
A Brunch Blending Culture, Science, and Storytelling
Following the farmer discussion, guests enjoyed a buffet-style brunch featuring recipes from the Soulful Creations and Nuestros Sabores (“Our Flavors”) cookbooks. These dishes showcased the diversity of dairy in global cuisines and offered practical, culturally relevant inspiration for dietitians working with varied audiences.
During the meal, Dr. Caree Cotwright, PhD, RDN, LD, former Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity for USDA’s FNS, delivered an uplifting presentation titled The Art of Nourishment: Storytelling, Strategy, and Smart Collaboration in Dietetics. She described how pairing science with creativity, especially through art and narratives, can elevate nutrition education, particularly for children. Her message encouraged attendees to think differently about how they communicate healthy eating.
A Strong Start to FNCE
Participants shared enthusiastic feedback, noting the value of the farmer connection, innovative insights, and networking opportunities. The event provided an energizing and inspiring launch to FNCE while reinforcing the important role dairy plays in supporting health, community, and culture.