Sustainability in Canadian Dietetic Practice

<b>Purpose:</b> Dietitians (RDs) are well-positioned to drive food system transformation by supporting dietary patterns sourced from sustainable food systems (SFS). This research aims to identify how RDs conceptualize sustainability, describe SFS activities, define success, and determine the knowledge and skills required to practice in this area. <b>Methods:</b> A convenience sample of Canadian RDs completed a cross-sectional survey with open- and close-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative responses were thematically analyzed. Practice activities were mapped using the Socioecological Framework (SEF). <b>Results:</b> A diverse sample (<i>n</i> = 92) reported using common SFS definitions, frameworks, or other documents. Practice activities were reported on all levels of the SEF. Dietitians reported successes; however, the vagueness or responses suggested it may be too early to quantify these. Dietitians reported needing foundational and practice area-specific knowledge and skills and practical examples to support SFS in practice. <b>Conclusions:</b> Canadian RDs in this study demonstrated significant work in SFS using skills they developed to practice in other areas of dietetics. There is an opportunity to expand impact by sharing existing resources, developing new supports that include Indigenous perspectives and systems thinking, evolving RD roles, increasing macro-level strategies, and identifying success indicators to monitor impact.

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Publication Details

Journal
Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Published
2025-10-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3148/cjdpr-2025-022
Citations
2
Primary Topic
Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
3.43
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article

Sustainability in Canadian Dietetic Practice

Liesel Carlsson, Jessica Wegener, Tracy Everitt
2 citations
Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact
3.43
article

Sustainability in Canadian Dietetic Practice

Liesel Carlsson, Jessica Wegener, Tracy Everitt
article en
2 citations

Abstract

<b>Purpose:</b> Dietitians (RDs) are well-positioned to drive food system transformation by supporting dietary patterns sourced from sustainable food systems (SFS). This research aims to identify how RDs conceptualize sustainability, describe SFS activities, define success, and determine the knowledge and skills required to practice in this area. <b>Methods:</b> A convenience sample of Canadian RDs completed a cross-sectional survey with open- and close-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative responses were thematically analyzed. Practice activities were mapped using the Socioecological Framework (SEF). <b>Results:</b> A diverse sample (<i>n</i> = 92) reported using common SFS definitions, frameworks, or other documents. Practice activities were reported on all levels of the SEF. Dietitians reported successes; however, the vagueness or responses suggested it may be too early to quantify these. Dietitians reported needing foundational and practice area-specific knowledge and skills and practical examples to support SFS in practice. <b>Conclusions:</b> Canadian RDs in this study demonstrated significant work in SFS using skills they developed to practice in other areas of dietetics. There is an opportunity to expand impact by sharing existing resources, developing new supports that include Indigenous perspectives and systems thinking, evolving RD roles, increasing macro-level strategies, and identifying success indicators to monitor impact.

Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and ResearchVol. 86(4)
St. Francis Xavier University (CA), Toronto Metropolitan University (CA), Acadia University (CA)
Openalex Percentile: Top 7%
Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact
3.43
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Sustainability in Canadian Dietetic Practice — Liesel Carlsson, Jessica Wegener, et al. · Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS