UD professor dispels myths about community nutrition

UD professor dispels myths about community nutrition

A grand rounds presented in May by Christiana Care’s Community Center of Excellence in Women’s Health featured Allison Karpyn, Ph.D., senior associate director from the University of Delaware’s Center or Research in Education and Social Policy.

Dr. Karpyn presented a lecture titled “Five Myths About Community Food and Nutrition: Understanding the Family Food Landscape” to clarify a variety of misconceptions. The myths listed and mostly debunked by Dr. Karpyn included:

  • “I have control over what I eat.”
  • “Most minorities receive SNAP (food stamp) benefits.”
  • “Corner stores only sell junk food.”
  • “Supermarkets only care about their bottom line.”
  • “[Electronic Benefit Transfer] EBT at Farmers Markets doesn’t really work.”

Following Dr. Karpyn’s lecture, a panel discussion and Q&A was moderated by Chief Health Equity Officer, Senior Vice President Government Affairs and Community Engagement Bettina Tweardy Riveros, Esq.

“We were very fortunate to have the expertise of Dr. Karpyn to inform us on how to best address the food and nutrition gaps and needs in our community,” Riveros said. “Access to nutritious food is essential to supporting good health, and by working in collaboration with community partners we can address food insecurity for the families we serve.”

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