If you are providing nutrition education, a food and nutrition event or promoting the value of RDNs or NDTRs to a faith-based community, then consider applying for one of RMIGs three Nutrition Outreach and Education Grants. Each of the grants is valued at $100 and these grants can be used within one year of receipt. The criteria for these grants include:

1. Open to those providing nutrition education classes, workshops, events, or other food and nutrition related activities to faith-based communities of any age.

2. Each grantee must be a current, active Academy and RMIG member, an NDTR, RD or RDToBe.

3. Provide a brief written summary report of the event about the presentation within 14 days after the event.

4. Provide a few photos from the event for inclusion in our newsletter, website, and social media platforms. The photographer needs to complete a Photo Submission form.  If the photo includes identifiable humans, the individuals in the photos must provide their consent for their photo to be used. The Photo Consent Form should be completed, as needed, during the event.

5. All information, including a W9, must be received no later than 14 days after the presentation. Email information to RMIG@eatright.org.

To apply for a RMIG Nutrition Outreach and Education Grant: Submit

2021-2022 Winners

Title: Prenatal Nutrition Class for Expectant Mothers

Ginger used the RMIG Nutrition Education Grant for nutrition education at Life Choices, a Christ-centered ministry providing education, support, healing, and limited medical services for sexual life choices, by providing nutrition information for their clients who were at various stages of pregnancy. Life Choices helps women and men who are in need of free services related to pregnancy and sexual health. Life Choices is a 501(c)(3) charitable, non-profit organization.  Ginger provided current, reliable information about eating well during their pregnancy.  She presented a PPT presentation, “Nutrition during Pregnancy: Healthy Mother, Healthy Baby” and provided handouts.  She also put together a packet of information that she thought would benefit them including the importance of eating fish during pregnancy and utilized the Pregnancy Nutrition: Healthy Eating Basics that was highlighted on the Religious MIG member communication board.  Ginger utilized the “My Plate” teaching tool.

Seven women attended the informal class, and the women asked questions as Ginger presented.  They discussed specific problems such as nausea, vomiting, constipation and suggested ways to alleviate or mitigate them.  Prenatal vitamins and substances that should be avoided during pregnancy were also discussed.  Ginger educated the attendees on how the prenatal diet differs from nutrition during breastfeeding.  Ginger appreciates Religious MIG for providing financial support for this activity and feels it was a perfect environment to relay nutrition information to a most vulnerable group.

2020-2021 Winners

Title: Reading is Fun-So is Nutrition

Sharon used the RMIG Nutrition Education Grant funds to purchase food and nutrition themed books for a Catholic school library.

Christ the King Catholic School was founded in 1953 and currently has 272 students PreK-8th Grade. In 2017, Christ the King School became the first Catholic School in Florida to become STREAM certified - science, technology, religion, engineering, art and math. Christ the King School is working on a school garden with items such as blueberries, lettuce, chickens and other foods to provide to local charities and to have a salad bar during the school year.

Ten food or nutrition themed books were purchased and donated to the Christ the King School Library. Each month August-May Sharon provided a reading of the book on YouTube. The YouTube link was shared via email notifications to all 272 students. Additional food and nutrition activities were shared so the children and families could try those during the month. For example, finding a book on blueberries and suggestions were made for a recipe to try to engage students. Information on foods from the Bible, Catholic Saints, Bible passages and increasing student's knowledge to make healthy choices were also included in the videos and communications.

2019-2020 Winners

This NNM event was advertised for several weeks over the greater Kansas City, Missouri area. My presentation took place at the ICJC Learning Center on April 13, 2019. The venue was set up for a nutrition talk on Cancer and Chronic Disease Prevention. There were posters displayed on multiple walls within the room and they provided detailed information related to my talk which included information on plant-based foods, portion control, meat as well as sugar and fat. There were 24 people in attendance and the presentation was about 30 minutes. It was followed by a meaningful and interesting session of questions and discussion for another 30 minutes. The event concluded with healthful refreshments, including Chana chat (made with garbanzo beans), hummus with colorful vegetables, fruit and nuts along with hot tea. Audience members were appreciative of the information provided to them during this event.

Shahwar Latif works with the Kansas City VA Medical Center and specializes in Oncology Nutrition.

Event attendee reviewing the educational posters

Shahwar Latif presenting to audience members

Title: Holistic Strategies for Healthy Living

Greg presented to mostly Muslim men at the Islamic Association of Tarrant County in Fort Worth, TX. The presentation focused on a couple of topics: (1) Fad diets and why they´re popular and (2) There´s no ¨magic pill¨ - our lifestyle got us into our situation and changing is what gets us out.

Greg went over the history of overweight and obesity, a typical American diet, and fad diets, weight loss pills, surgeries, charlatans & gurus, and eye-grabbing headlines. He went on to discuss behavior change and motivation and gave some practical advice on eating right and exercise, planning, etc. including fulfilling the sunnah of filling your stomach 1/3 with water, 1/3 food, and 1/3 for your breath. Eight tips based largely on Blue Zones Power 9 principles were reviewed including a plant based diet, getting regular physical activity and sleep, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, developing supportive relationships and the importance of religious belonging. The overall message was “you’re not going to change your life from a seminar or a presentation, but from building sustainable habits over time and focusing on small, incremental changes”.