Arlington, VA—FMI has announced its 2021 health and well-being initiative, which includes research insights and programmatic support for the food industry.

“Now, more than ever, the food industry is positioned to build on the trust and partnership of being on the shoppers’ side, helping them achieve their personal goals when it comes to shopping, cooking and eating to stay healthy and well,” says Krystal Register, MS, RDN, LDN, Director of Health and Well-Being for FMI. “With growing consumer interest in the connection between food and health, there is opportunity to help shoppers make small changes to embrace science-based recommendations for improved overall well-being.”

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The agenda includes the following:
  • Power of Health and Well-being, which examines emerging consumer health and well-being trends and sets the stage for future innovation. Shopper trends, according to a press release, point to a strong desire to strengthen immunity and prevent disease, while preparing more meals at home and placing higher value on group eating. 41% of consumers expect to cook more at home in the future than they did during the pandemic, and 44% are making health and nutrition their priorities for meal ideas. The report explores industry initiatives that hold promise as industry continues to focus on meeting consumer needs.
  • Retail Contributions to Health and Well-being, to be released in July, looks at health and well-being initiatives and go-to-market strategies in the food industry.
  • Food as Medicine, to be released in August, is a collaboration funded by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation (ANDF). This report examines both consumer insights and industry operations efforts, highlighting opportunities to leverage food for health in retail programs.
  • FMI is also contributing insight and expertise to important new resources led by ANDF on Food as Medicine retail programs as well as key training and professional development opportunities for registered dietitian nutritionists.