RDToolkit2020-CC-FINAL_UPDATED-8-1-23

How to Use this Toolkit The North Carolina SweetPotato Commission’s (NCSPC) Toolkit for Retail Dietitians is a resource to help educate the general public and health professionals alike about the health benefits of sweetpotatoes. The toolkit includes healthy sweetpotato recipes, seasonal social media post ideas focused on monthly themes and nutrition trends, store and TV talking points, and printable “teaching tools” or educational handouts to share with the public. Each teaching tool aligns with the monthly theme and includes pertinent nutrition and health information regarding sweetpotatoes. We would love for you to share any of these resources in your stores and community. Store and TV Talking Points

Teaching Tools The monthly teaching tools can be printed and handed out at your local grocery store, posted on-line, and shared at community events. These 1-2 page handouts have multiple resources for each month’s nutrition topic, seasonal tips, and how sweetpotatoes can play into a healthy lifestyle. Newsletter COpy This section was designed with you in mind. From the digital version, by using copy and paste tools, we have tips for you to share in your local newspaper or store circular. Remember to include your contact information, so customers are easily able to reach you, their store di etitian for more detailed advice and information. SweetPotatoes - One Word Throughout this book, sweetpotato is deliberately spelled as one word unless directly quoting a source where it is spelled as two words (i.e., sweet potato). The one-word spelling was officially adopted by the National Sweetpotato Collaborators in 1989. Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) must not be confused in the minds of shippers, distributors, warehouse workers, and above all consumers with the equally unique and distinctive potato (Solanum tuberosum) or the yam (Dioscorea sp.) which are also grown and marketed commercially in the United States.

For the retail dietitians involved in the media, these tips offer interesting, timely bits of information about sweet potatoes, how to use them, seasonal recommendations, and more. These interesting tidbits work perfectly for sharing ideas and tips at in-store events and tours, media interviews, television and radio segments, podcasts, and more. Recipes The NCSPC has a wide variety of recipes to choose from, whether you’re searching for dietary-specific recipes or cuisine (gluten-free, vegetarian, kid-friendly, etc.), or just want inspiration for a meal or snack. Many of these recipes have been developed and tested by Registered Dietitians, food bloggers, and professionals in the food industry. Each month’s theme includes 3-4 pertinent recipe ideas to provide inspiration to consumers for including Sweet potatoes into their diets in a new way. We invite you to share these recipes and print outs during store tours, community events, cooking demonstrations, media interviews, or on your store’s website or newsletter. The NCSPC is always working to add more recipes to our collection, so check back often for new additions and follow along on social media for more inspiration. Social Media Copy We invite you to use these examples of timely social media posts to keep your followers engaged and up to date. We’ve included seasonal recipes, cooking and nutrition tips, as well as links to other resources as well.

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