Part 3 of 4: Seeing Food Beyond Nutrients

In Part 2, we explored what inspired Ginette, Kathy, Ellen, and Susan to become dietitians and how their backgrounds shaped their connection to the food system. Today, we dive deeper into how their work as dietitians has influenced the way they think about food—beyond just nutrients.

For many, food is more than just a collection of vitamins and minerals. It’s tied to culture, community, environment, and personal experiences. Whether through public health work, gardening, art, or food policy, these dietitians have developed a perspective that extends beyond numbers on a nutrition label. Let’s hear from them on how their careers have shaped a more holistic view of food.

Ginette: “Food is so much more than just nutrition and a tool to achieve personal well-being. Food has cultural, emotional and social significance. Food is what connects us all and allows up to express who we are and what is important to us. In society, food plays a central role in gatherings, celebrations, and traditions.”

Ellen (former dietitian, retired licence in Dec 2024): “I have learned throughout the various phases of my Dietitian career that nutrients matter but food choices matter more. And the food choices people make depend so much on how well our food system works. In order to make the best food choices, one of our main roles as dietitians is to ensure the most up-to-date, evidence-based information is readily available to everyone and explained in easy-to-understand language. There is so much misinformation about food and nutrition.”

Kathy: “My work as a clinical dietitian opened my eyes to the fact that food is so much more than just nutrients—it’s connection, culture, livelihood, and deeply tied to socioeconomic status. I’ve seen how someone can follow every dietary recommendation, but if it means isolating themselves from family and friends, their well-being still suffers. Likewise, knowing what to eat doesn’t always mean having access to it—when food competes with rent or other basic needs, making the “right” choice isn’t so simple. Understanding these realities has shaped how I approach nutrition with compassion and a broader perspective.”

Susan: “My kids: ‘it’s not always about food’

Me: ‘yes, it is’

My husband and children think I am obsessed with food, and they are not wrong.

Household and community food security is well studied, and much attention is devoted to this, but there is a long way to go. Ensuring school children are food secure by having adequate access to food everyday will promote optimal brain development.

I think it’s important to respect food and its journey to reach us. We should do more to prevent wasting food and the related resources in the food system.

Working in agriculture and food service is skilled work and should be compensated fairly. Small farms and urban agriculture have the potential to thrive, especially if they are connected to local food processors. Greater value needs to be placed on this work. Rural farmland is not a renewable resource, and it needs to be protected. We can’t underestimate the importance of this.

There is a lot of misinformation about food and nutrition. I really want people to enjoy meaningful food literacy so they can make informed food choices to benefit their health and the environment. Learning to cook and having awareness of food safety are important life skills.”