Fall Events, Free Resources & Policy Updates

In this month’s newsletter you will find event highlights, upcoming webinars and Dairy Council of California resources that support health professionals and community programs across California.

Fall Event Highlights

California Academy of Physician Associates (CAPA) Conference

We enjoyed exhibiting and connecting with Physician Assistants during the recent CAPA Conference in Pomona, CA on October 10th-11th. The event offered valuable opportunities to share evidence-based nutrition resources and upcoming webinars on healthy aging, timely topics for professionals serving patients in family medicine and geriatrics.

2025 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) 

Dairy Council of California Dietitians attended the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo in Nashville, TN on October 11th-14th. Below are a few takeaways from their experience.

• Poster Presentation: Well Nourished, Brighter Futures: Dairy Dialogue The poster highlighted an initiative to address nutrient gaps in children’s diets—particularly calcium, vitamin D, and potassium—through improved school meals. Guided by an advisory council and insights from school nutrition directors and dairy processors, the Dairy Dialogue explored culturally responsive dairy-based meals, sustainability, student engagement, and nutrition education.
• Conference Session: Impact of an Early Career Scientist Mentorship Program Dairy Council of CA collaborator Debbie Fetter, PhD, UC Davis Associate Professor, took to the stage and shared the value of her experience as a National Dairy Council NextGen scientist.  Dr. Fetter provided an overview of the program and the dairy nutrition research, production practices and communications training she was exposed to during the three-year mentoring program.
• National Dairy Council Exhibit Booth We helped connect registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) to science-based information and resources on dairy foods to accomplish shared goals related to improving health and wellness throughout the lifespan. 

Cal Poly Pomona Nutrition Presentation

• We partnered with Professor Emily Kiresich, PhD, RDN, at Cal Poly Pomona to highlight our role in community nutrition with her students. Here is Dr. Kiresich in action, advocating for nutrition education in schools using Dairy Council of CA’s resources.

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Free Resources for Nutrition Professionals and Community Educators

Nutrition professionals and community educators can access free resources and training opportunities designed to support both professional development and community education.

Nutrition Education booklets and one-pagers can help clients build healthier eating habits—available in English and Spanish.

Nutrition Booklets: 
Resources for adults, parents, children and families to inspire healthy eating patterns and promote lifelong wellness. Learn more here.

One-Page Resources to Support Nutrition Education 

Milk + Dairy Foods: Build and maintain strong bones and muscles with protein-rich dairy foods. The perfect pairing for adults trying to lose weight. 

Rethink Your Drink: Make Every Sip Count: Encourage water and nutrient rich milk while limiting sugar sweetened beverages. Reduce calorie intake and support oral health.

Breakfast Builder Activity Sheet: Planning a balanced breakfast encourages a nutritious start to the day. 

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CA Policy Update: Law Aims to Reduce Ultraprocessed Foods in Schools

On October 8, Governor Newsom signed AB 1264, the “Real Food, Healthy Kids Act,” into law. The bill directs the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to define “ultraprocessed foods of concern” and “restricted school foods” based on scientific evidence of health risks. Schools must begin phasing out these foods by July 1, 2029 and vendors will be prohibited from offering them to schools starting July 1, 2032.

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Upcoming Events

California Association of Area Agencies on Aging Conference (Garden Grove, November 5-7): Join us at our exhibit booth and learn about our new resources for aging adults.

Nurturing Healthy Aging: Dairy’s Role in Dietary Patterns Webinar (Virtual, November 13, 11:00 am-12:00 pm PT): Register here.

Brain Fitness: Webinar Series (November 5, December 3, January 7, 1:00 pm -2:30 pm PT). Dairy Council of CA will be presenting on brain health and nutrition at the January 7, 2026, session. Register here. 

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Let's Work Together

Questions, concerns, compliments or collaboration?

Please contact Bessie O’Connor, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at boconnor@dairycouncilofca.org for more information.