The Mediterranean Diet Roundtable goes to Washington

The event promotes international trade
 and culinary culture for a healthier nation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Mediterranean Diet Roundtable (MDR), an event designed to inform, inspire and promote the appreciation of Mediterranean cuisines in America, will be held in Washington D.C. June 26-27.

The first event, a “Med Gala”, will be June 26 at the Embassy of Italy, 3000 Whitehaven St. NW. The next day, June 27, will feature an all-day conference at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.

The MDR focuses on the Mediterranean Diet (from the Greek word diaita, meaning way of living, not a weight loss program). It brings together different aspects of food as a nutrient, an economic paradigm, an expression of social rituals and of cultural status.

The aim of the MDR is to create a community of professionals from various disciplines to improve the national food system, leading to healthier lives and a happier population. It also will enable participants to learn “best practices” from leading operators, scholars and stake holders in the fields of food services and nutrition.

The Med Gala offers a culinary adventure involving different Mediterranean flavors in a glamorous setting; the MDR celebrates Mediterranean cuisine as an expression of healthy eating. The benefits of the Mediterranean diet are supported by a significant body of scientific evidence, and by trend-setters and innovators who include the Mediterranean diet as a centerpiece of their philosophy of healthy eating.

The program will include:

• Food science, presented by Professor Eric Decker, University of Massachusetts;
• Food policy, presented by Professor Parke Wilde, Tufts University;
• Food offerings and nutritional educational behavior in Kindergarten through 12th grades;
• Challenges and food offerings in hospitals and the healthcare industry.

A country-specific focus will be highlighted, starting with Cyprus, an important crossroads of cultures and trade.
“The interest in food culture is evident from the surge of cooking classes, apps and dedicated nutritional service,” said Daniela Puglielli, MDR founder. “With the current demographic and environmental scenarios, it is now, more than ever, important to respond to this craze with practical answers. The Mediterranean Diet offers delicious, healthy and sustainable options: a diet good to the palate as well as great for the economy and the planet.”

For additional information, visit www.MDRproject.com.