World's Leading Nutrition, Health and Wellness Company Reclaims the Dinner Table

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The advantages of eating meals together as a family have been illustrated in many areas of research. From improved life-long healthful eating habits, to physical and psychological benefits for children and teens (1), the benefits are undeniable. However, it can be challenging for today's family to create balanced, nutritious meals that are enjoyed together.  To explore this topic, Nestle Nutrition Institute will bring together leading nutrition and family health experts at the 2011 American Dietetic Association Foundation Nutrition Symposium at the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) in San Diego, CA.

Reclaiming the Dinner Table

The symposium, entitled "The Family Meal: Reclaiming the Dinner Table," will address this complex issue from a number of angles including social epidemiology, the history of dining together in the United States, and innovative culinary techniques and practice.

The session's speakers include Adam Drewnowski, PhD, professor of Epidemiology at University of Washington and UWCOR director; Jayne Fulkerson, PhD, co-director at the Center for Child and Family Health Promotion Research and associate professor at University of Minnesota; Mary Sue Waisman, RD, leader in nutrition communication and cookbook author; and Alice Julier, PhD, associate professor and director of Food Studies at Chatham

University.  The symposium will be moderated by Carolyn O'Neill, MS, RD, LD and co-author of The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous.

"At Nestle, we're dedicated to helping people improve their overall wellness," said Chavanne Hanson, RD, Nestle USA Wellness Champion. "That's what we mean by 'Good Food, Good Life,' our corporate sentiment that defines our company." The 2011 ADA Foundation Nutrition Symposium will take place Sunday, September 25, 2011 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Every attendee will receive a Family Meals Toolkit. The kit's easy-to-use tools promote frequent, nutritious family dinners and includes meal planning strategies, dinner conversation starters, and "tweet-able tips" for dietitians to share with their clients.

Commitment to Decreasing Sodium

Nestle has long supported and exhibited at FNCE. In fact, last year from the conference, Nestle Prepared Foods Company announced their commitment to decrease sodium by another 10% by 2015.  Average sodium levels for its flagship brands are now at the following levels: for STOUFFER'S®, the average sodium is now at 864mg (36% DV); LEAN CUISINE® has an average sodium level of 600mg (25% DV) and HOT POCKETS® and LEAN POCKETS® are now at an average 590mg (25% DV).

Promoting Healthy Lifestyle

To showcase progress in their many wellness initiatives, Nestle will once again have a major presence at FNCE, at Booth #929, where guests can experience first-hand how a modern family can choose Nestle foods to improve their family's well-being.  This year's exhibit will uniquely communicate the foundation on which Nestle has been built – - nutritious  food for every member of the family at every stage of life, powered by nutritional science.

The exhibit is a visual demonstration of Nestle's commitment to creating a happier home by providing the most nutritious and innovative food, beverages and services. This open, inviting space will fully engage guests by featuring a number of interactive activities. Throughout the day, there will be a variety of TABLE TALKS at the central dinner table in which guests will be invited to have a seat at the large dinner table in the center of the booth. The "mom" of the busy, modern family who lives in the Nestle home will greet guests and conduct each discussion as if she were having a dinner party. An inviting BREAKFAST BAR will create opportunities to sample and display multiple brands. A LUNCH NOOK with benches will create opportunities to sample and display multiple brands. A fully stocked, FREEZER with glass doors will display frozen brands.

Nestle Dedication to Nutrition, Health and Wellness

As the world's largest food and beverage company, Nestle has a history of providing quality products supported by an expertise in nutrition, health and wellness. In fact, Nestle is the biggest private funder of health and nutrition research globally. Nestle is proud to continue their partnership with ADA to showcase the company's commitment to offering Americans favorite dishes that deliver delicious taste and thoughtful nutrition in every bite.

About Nestle USA

Named one of "The World's Most Admired Food Companies" in Fortune magazine for thirteen consecutive years, Nestle provides quality brands and products that bring flavor to life every day.  From nutritious meals with Lean Cuisine® to baking traditions with Nestle® Toll House®, Nestle USA makes delicious, convenient, and nutritious food and beverage products that enrich the very experience of life itself.  That's what "Nestle. Good Food, Good Life" is all about.  

Well-known Nestle brands include: Nestle® Toll House®, Nestle® Nesquik®, Nestle® Coffee-mate®, Stouffer's®, Lean Cuisine®, HOT POCKETS® and LEAN POCKETS® brand sandwiches, Nescafe®, Nescafe® Taster's Choice®, NESTLE® Juicy Juice®, Buitoni®, DREYER'S/EDY'S®, Nestle® Crunch®, Nestle® Butterfinger®, Wonka®, DIGIORNO®, TOMBSTONE® and CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN® frozen pizza.

Nestle USA, with 2009 sales of $10.4 billion, is part of Nestle S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland — the world's largest food company with a commitment to Nutrition, Health & Wellness — with 2009 sales of $99 billion.  For product news and information, visit Nestleusa.com or NestleNewsroom.com.

All trademarks are owned by Societe des Produits Nestle S.A., Vevey, Switzerland.

About Nestle Nutrition Institute

Nestle Nutrition Institute is an independent non-profit organization separate from the Nestle business. The Institute's main focus is to foster "Science for Better Nutrition" by partnering with health professionals to provide continuing nutrition information, education and networking.

(1) Fruh SM., Fulkerson JA., Kendrick LAJ., Clanton C. The Surprising Benefits of the Family Meal. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners. January 2011; 7 (1):18-22.

SOURCE Nestle USA