By Sandra Torres (center), Dairy Council of CA Program Manager, Special Projects
The Celebrating Culinary Heritage with MiPlato Symposium, hosted by Dairy Max and recently held in San Antonio, Texas, opened my eyes to the powerful connection between food, culture, and health. After a full day of learning and inspiration, I left feeling energized to continue promoting dairy as a key part of nutrition while honoring cultural traditions.
The day began with an impactful presentation titled “The First 1,000 Days” by Marina Chaparro,
founder of Nutrichicos and ambassador for National Dairy Council.
She shared valuable feeding tips for young children, highlighting the importance of incorporating cultural foods into family traditions while promoting health with a dairy-forward approach. As someone passionate about family nutrition for Latinos,
her advice on seamlessly blending dairy with traditional cultural dishes felt practical and empowering. She suggested enhancing nutrition without losing the essence of cherished recipes.
Chris Cifelli, Vice President of Nutrition Research at National Dairy Council, presented “The Relationship Between Dairy Foods and Health in Different Racial and Ethnic Groups.” He discussed how dairy benefits vary based on community dietary needs. This insight is crucial for communicating the role of dairy in diverse populations.
Tamika Sims, Senior Director, Food Technology Communications for International Food Information Council held a session on dairy consumption patterns highlighted how dairy can enhance diet quality, especially in underserved communities with limited access to nutritious food. Her focus on nutrition equity emphasized the need for widespread dairy accessibility. This session inspired me to consider programs that connect health promotion with cultural relevance, ensuring everyone benefits from dairy’s nutritional value.
One of my favorite sessions was Amanda Sauceda's presentation, 'The Mindful Gut.' As the owner of The Mindful Gut she captivated me with her discussion on how mindfully eating dairy supports digestive wellness. As someone who enjoys learning about holistic health, I found this session
deepened my appreciation for dairy’s role in both physical health and mental and emotional well-being. Mindful eating fosters a more conscious connection with food, highlighting the importance of dairy in overall wellness.
The day concluded with a lively #DairyAmazing reception and dinner. Attendees heard how dairy farmers are balancing sustainable practices with the need to provide nutritious products to families. This discussion highlighted the importance of the farm-to-table journey. Their dedication to sustainably producing high-quality dairy encouraged me to consider enhancing the narrative around dairy farmers, showcasing their contributions to nutrition and environmental stewardship.
Looking back, the symposium was a learning experience and a celebration of the diversity and power of dairy. The event reinforced my belief that dairy is more than just a food group—it connects cultures, serves as a pillar of health equity and symbolizes sustainability. Moving forward, I am committed to promoting healthy eating in ways that honor cultural traditions and uplift diverse communities. By incorporating the insights from this event, I hope to motivate others to see dairy as a nutrient-rich food and a key player in our collective journey toward better health and stronger communities.