Running head: EARTHDANCE READINGS 1

EarthDance Required Readings

Kacy Shaffer

Fontbonne University
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Vogliano, C., Steiber, A., & Brown, K. (2015). Linking agriculture, nutrition, and health: The

role of the registered dietitian nutritionist. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and

Dietetics, 115(10), 1710 1714.

With the world population increasing, it is important to focus on growing food that can

feed the population while protecting the environment. Every country in the world has people

who suffer from malnutrition in some form, which leads to adverse health outcomes. Nutrition

and agriculture interventions are being prioritized by many of the leading global health

organizations and governments. The Academy hosted a conference to decide the RDNs role at

the global intersection of agriculture, nutrition, and health. The goals of the conference included

identifying where the Academy and its members can help to advance sustainable agriculture

practices, increase access to sufficient food for optimal health, and to increase global capacity for

RDNs to better prepare future professionals. The priority actions include seeing opportunities to

lead and collaborate with other stakeholders, communicate scientific information to promote

healthy food systems, and to develop training and education resources for RDNs. By being part

of the effort on this issue, the Academy and its members can help increase access to nutrient-

dense, affordable, and environmentally sustainable food supply.

From my experience at EarthDance, I believe that what they do supports the effort

discussed in this article. They have a vision of organic farmers feeding the world and

communities caring for the land. This promotes sustainability as well as access to nutritious food.

I learned a lot about how EarthDance uses sustainable practices in hopes that the farm can be

used for generations to come. RDNs can support organizations like this to promote a sustainable

food supply. They can give education to help others learn about practices like this and spread

awareness about the importance of a sustainable food supply.

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Freedman, D. A., Vaudrin, N., Schneider, C., Trapl, E., Ohri-Vachaspati, P., Taggart, M.,

Flocke, S. (2016). Systematic review of factors influencing farmers market use overall

and among low-income populations. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,

116(7), 1136 1155.

Fruit and vegetable (F/V) consumption is low among Americans, and considerably lower

in low-income Americans. Farmers markets are one public health intervention which can help

increase F/V consumption and respond to and raise awareness about food deserts. This review

provides guidance to help increase the use of farmers markets to promote healthy diet through

research, policy, and practice. Farmers markets need to reach all segments of the public for

population health benefits, especially to reach low-income population groups who may have

limited access to healthy food.

I went to the Ferguson Farmers market with EarthDance. The Ferguson population is

diverse in race and socioeconomic status. There are low-income groups in Ferguson. The

farmers market accepts SNAP benefits and Double Up Food Bucks to benefit the people who

need more affordable, healthy food. EarthDance is one part of the Ferguson community that can

help increase fruit and vegetable consumption.