Melanie Grand, assistant professor of hospitality and restaurant administration at Missouri State University, was a featured speaker at both the Nutrition Educators Conference and the Missouri Livestock Symposium. Both were held the first weekend of December in Kirksville, Mo. and were sponsored by the University of Missouri Extension.

At the Nutrition Educators Conference, Grand presented “The Science behind the Art of Food” followed by “The American Diet and How We Got There” and “Ten Foods and Beverages that Changed the History of the World.” She presented the same three sessions the following day at the Livestock Symposium attended by over 1,900 ranchers, researchers, students and purveyors.

“I was honored to be included in these important events,” said Grand. “I am a strong believer that the food service industry needs to work closer with food producers statewide. Conferences such as these work to strengthen this important relationship.”

The Nutrition Educators Conference sessions were broadcasted statewide and recorded for future training needs. The Missouri Livestock Symposium attendees came from over 17 states and approximately 80 of Missouri’s 114 counties.

Melissa Dallas, head of the department stated, “Melanie is a real asset to Missouri State University students and to the larger foodservice industry in Missouri. Her presentations are always thought-provoking and profound.”