The National Peanut Board (NPB) has a history of supporting various organizations that align with our mission and values. A value that is dear to the hearts of our growers is being wellness advocates to support delicious and nutritious eating, including access to both, for people of all ages worldwide.
An important piece of access to delicious and nutritious eating is supporting health professionals like registered dietitians, experts in food and nutrition that help others achieve healthy lifestyles through food. Through accessing continuing education credits, toolkits and resources, and recipes from NPB, these professionals have been able to educate their clients about the health benefits of peanuts and why they fit into any lifestyle.
One organization that NPB has partnered with in recent years is Diversify Dietetics, a non-profit dedicated to increasing the racial and ethnic diversity in the field of nutrition by empowering nutrition leaders of color. Organizations like this are important because having a healthcare system made up of diverse and representative healthcare providers may improve access to care, patient satisfaction with their care, and overall patient health outcomes, especially in people of color.
Through this partnership, NPB has been able to provide resources to dietitians about what a nutritional powerhouse the peanut is and how peanuts fit into culturally relevant nutrition education to their clients. We have also contributed to the professional development of multiple dietitians through supporting the Diversify Dietetics dietetic internship, their media training workshop, and other programs.
Recently, NPB sponsored scholarships for 8 dietitians to be able to attend the 2024 Diversify Dietetics Annual Summit in Atlanta, GA. The three-day summit brought together hundreds of BIPOC dietitians to network and learn from experts about culturally inclusive practices and professional development skills.
Markita Lewis, MS, RD, had the opportunity to interview one of NPB’s scholarship recipients, Sarah Crulcich MPH, RDN, LD from the Texas-based non-profit organization Council for Healthy Food Systems about her experiences as a dietitian and the impact of organizations like Diversify Dietetics.
National Peanut Board: What motivated you to become a registered dietitian?
Sarah Crulcich: My interest in behavioral psychology led me to nutrition. I wanted to know all the reasons people choose the foods they eat and learn how to influence their decisions. In my search to better understand behavioral choices, I learned about the significant impact that policies and systems have in shaping communities, including access to nutritious foods.
NPB: Can you tell us more about what you currently do as a dietitian?
SC: I work at a non-profit that supports small and independent farmers across Texas with an emphasis on regenerative agriculture. As Outreach Manager, I build relationships and offer resources to BIPOC, Veteran, and beginning farmers, growers, and homesteaders. I also educate consumers on regenerative agriculture practices that strengthen our local food system.
NPB: I understand that your current role connects you directly with agriculture and farming. What is something that you would want the public to know about farming and how it connects to our food systems and overall health?
SC: When we care for our local farmers, we care for our local food system. For those who can, shop at the farmers market and participate in the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, also called farm shares. Farm shares are one of the best ways to support local because it provides consistent cash flow to farmers throughout the season. Contact a local farm and ask for a tour, many places have this information posted on their website!
NPB: What role does culture play in how you practice as a dietitian and connect with others?
SC: Cultural awareness and humility are at the forefront of my approach to nutrition. People tell their stories and share their identity through cultural practices, often including food. Sharing a meal has always been one of my favorite ways to connect with others.
NPB: How did you first learn about Diversify Dietetics, and how have you been connected to the organization since?
SC: I found Diversify Dietetics (DD) on social media just as I began my dietetic internship. Since then I had opportunities to co-host DD meetups, attend their summit, and speak on their panels. The co-founders, Deanna and Tamara, have also offered me sage career advice.
NPB: This year, you were one of the recipients of an NPB scholarship to attend the Diversify Dietetics Annual Summit. Can you share with us your thoughts on the importance of spaces like this, and how this experience has impacted you?
SC: I can’t think of many educational spaces where I can learn about foraging practices and herbal remedies backed by science because they are topics that do not fit neatly into traditional academia. They require respect for land and Indigenous practices. The DD Summit opened my mind to topics we’re not taught in the classroom.
NPB: Is there anything else that you’d like to share with our peanut-loving community?
SC: I’d like to thank the National Peanut Board for their support in attending this year’s DD Summit. It was my first time attending a large event dedicated to BIPOC dietitians and cultural humility. I left feeling humbled and inspired.