The Food Industry is Committed to Health & Well-being

By: Krystal Register, MS, RDN, LDN, Senior Director, Health & Well-being, FMI

As we see interest in nutrition and healthy eating increasing everywhere, from daily media articles to newly reformulated products, companies across the food industry are focused on meaningful strategic initiatives to support consumers with their personal health goals and needs, all with an underlying mission to improve the health of our nation.

For the first time, FMI surveyed both food retailers and product suppliers to look at how the food industry is working to improve hunger, nutrition and health and to provide key insights and opportunities in the comprehensive 2024 FMI report on Food Industry Contributions to Health & Well-being.

Key findings show that most companies responding to the survey are operating with established nutrition, health and well-being strategies; nutrition teams are spearheading decision-making; registered dietitians have a seat at organization leadership tables; Food as Medicine efforts are gaining momentum; and family meal solutions include nutrition messaging. ​

This report illuminates the ever-important roles that registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) play across the food industry with 82% of all responding companies noting that they employ RDNs to drive and support nutrition and healthy eating initiatives. Over half have RDNs in strategic leadership roles directly contributing to nutrition strategy, wellness marketing, digital merchandising, sustainable business, labeling and private brands – all great places for the knowledge and expertise of credible nutrition experts to connect the dots on food and health.  

With more interest and awareness, the opportunity to implement Food as Medicine programs, particularly in the grocery store setting with RDN leadership, is growing in importance. This report looks at how Food as Medicine programs are gaining momentum and how the food industry continues to play an important role in both food security and nutrition security.

We hope you enjoy the report and gain valuable insights and ideas from the content.​

​Download the report

To accompany this report, FMI has compiled insights from executive leaders to show how the food industry is committed to helping with hunger, nutrition, health and well-being.  Please take a few minutes to watch the video.

“We will continue to evolve and improve to make the local supermarket our customers’ first line of defense as they aim to live healthier lives.” – Gordon Reid, President of Stop & Shop