Our presenters will explore the intersections of culture, nutrition, cuisine, and history, with a focus on coastal food traditions from the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States. This presentation will highlight the historical and cultural significance of coastal food traditions as acts of resilience, while connecting how these traditional dishes continue to appear in our kitchens today, and how they can be adapted for healthier, more nourishing modern diets.
Tarenda Dennard is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist III with Sodexo Nutrition Services at HCA Florida West Hospital. Tarenda has been a critical care dietitian for the past 3 years at HCA Florida West Hospital. However, she has functioned in the community setting for even longer. Her passion involves helping people make realistic and practical changes, to better their health outcomes.
Bria Brooks is a Coastal Archaeologist with the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN). With a background in underwater anthropology and a focus on the African diaspora, her work explores the intersections of heritage, identity, and coastal change.