For my practicum this summer, I’m working with the Connecticut Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In addition to creating and updating their social media presence, I’m assisting with ways to connect with our local legislators and emphasize the importance of the role of the Registered Dietitian when creating public policy.

Last month, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT 3rd District) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) held a press conference in New Haven regarding the FDA food label regulations, and invited me to attend. This was my first press conference and although I was very nervous, it went well. Four local television stations and two local newspapers covered the press conference. I was able to hone my public speaking skills and gain a new level of comfort interacting with the press as well as my state legislators. I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity.

Here’s a link to the article (and photo!) from the June 1, 2016 New Haven Register.
http://www.nhregister.com/health/20160531/in-new-haven-delauro-blumenthal-call-for-fda-to-define-natural-when-it-comes-to-food

I was a little disappointed that some of my comments weren’t exactly correct. For instance, I explained that the recommend limit for added sugar in a typical adult’s diet is 50grams, and the article only mentioned “sugar”, possibly making it seem like I’m asking people to stick to a very low carbohydrate diet. There were a few other small issues that I wish reporters would have clarified by contacting me instead of printing inaccuracies, but the real lesson for me is to be more accurate when speaking so there’s no room for confusion.