Columbia, Missouri
Melinda Hemmelgarn, M.S., R.D. is a registered dietitian, national award-winning “Food Sleuth” columnist, and 2004-2006 Food and Society Policy Fellow. With over 25 years’ experience in clinical, academic and public health nutrition, she’s uniquely suited to connect the dots between food, agriculture, health and the environment.
Melinda founded and formerly directed the Nutrition Communications Center at the University of Missouri, and blazed the trail for blending nutrition education with media literacy. Her provocative yet practical columns and national conference presentations cover cutting edge nutrition and food safety issues, and help eaters “think beyond their plates.” She is a member of the Society for Nutrition Education, Association of Health Care Journalists, and the Alliance for a Media Literate America.
Melinda serves as spokesperson for the Missouri Organic Association, and co-authored a children’s book, “Treasure Hunt with the Munch Crunch Bunch: A Healthy Fun Food Adventure!” In 2007, she received an American Dietetic Association Award for Excellence in Hunger & Environmental Nutrition.
