Nutrition Events with I.L. Creations' Dietitians
I.L. Creations' dietitians frequently visit our locations to talk with customers about nutritious choices in our cafes, general nutrition questions and balanced living. Below is just a sample of recent nutrition events. To see when our dietitians plan to visit your cafeteria, click here! If you would like our dietitians to lead a nutrition discussion, provide a wellness presentation, or participate in a health fair or other special event, contact our Nutrition Department at nutrition@ilcreations.com.

December 2017:  Grand Reopening of IRS cafeteria in Lantham

On December 19th, our IRS cafe re-opened after months of kitchen and cafeteria renovations. Customers enjoyed samples of kettle corn and hot spiced apple cider, while learning all ILC has to offer. Registered dietitians Tracy and Evangelina provided tips and suggestions on how to stay healthy during holidays, and many prizes were given out to "wheel of fortune" winners. Our catering director, Ashley, and director of consumer connections, Ann, were busy handing out samples and sharing all we can do for your catering event.






Fall 2017:  Meet and Greet Events at the Executive Offices and Department of Energy
Registered Dietitian, Tracy Ducker, and Director of Consumer Relations, Ann Cormany, participated in meet and greet events to showcase all the I.L. Creations has to offer our customers. There were salad samples, catering samples, nutrition handouts, and activities.






December 2016:  Healthy Eating on Budget Presentation at Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Dietitians, Su and Tracy gave a presentation to the White House Interns on Healthy Eating on a Budget. Interns learned how to find deals on healthy foods at the grocery store and what makes a healthy meal. The presentation ended with a fun game of "Choose That Meal". Our dietitians can present at your cafeteria on a variety of topics. You can contact us at nutrition@ilcreations.com.












March 2017
Oysters anyone? On March 16, four of our cafeterias sampled oysters from the famed Hanryosudo region of Korea. At Library of Congress, Department of State and Eisenhower Executive Office Building our chefs Alonzo, Said, and Oscar prepared some amazing Panko Crusted Oysters and Oysters in a Curry Coconut Sauce. At USDA chef Spencer prepared delicious Baked Oysters Remick and Panko Crusted Oysters. This fun and delicious tasting event is held every year in March. Check our events calendar for upcoming dietitian visits and events in your favorite ILC cafeteria.


      





March 2016
In celebration of National Nutrition Month, we're bringing nutrition education games and interactive displays to a cafeteria near you! Of course, we'll still have a nutritious sample and a smiling face to answer your toughest nutrition questions.  If the dietitians don't visit your cafe, don't worry! We maintain a weekly wellness blog based on each month's wellness theme.  Check it out! 
I'm Blogging National Nutrition Month
Throughout the month of March, ILC's Julia Quam partnered with several nutritionists who work on various food and nutrition initiatives across USDA to bring special educational programming to the USDA South Cafeteria. On March 22, three USDA nutritionists joined Julia to promote the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the MyPlate Challenge, share samples of a dried fruit and nut mix, and educate customers on healthy fat choices. A big thanks to USDA's nutritionists for helping us make National Nutrition Month great!



 
Chili Tasting Contest January 2016
January's wellness theme was Warm Up Your Plate and we did just that with our chili tasting contest. Customers sampled three varieties of chili: Spicy Vegan Chili, Greens and Beans Chicken Chili, and Beef Chili  while our dietitians provided education on the role that beans and legumes can play in a balanced eating plan.  Much to our surprise, our Spicy Vegan Chili was the crowd-pleaser! Look for it in your ILC cafe as we continue through the went months. 



Oh Kale Yeah! October 2015
Our dietitians sampled our famous Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad all month long and introduced a Pumpkin Pie smoothie at the State Department's Circle Cafe Creamery.  Donning their new favorite t-shirts, Julia and Rachel had a blast converting some patrons from kale haters to kale cravers. 

                                                    


Fresh, Local Tomatoes September 8-11, 2015
ILC was able to procure fresh, local tomatoes from Needmore, Pennsylvania (~110 miles from DC) to serve at the USDA, State Department (DOS), and Department of Energy Forrestal (DOEF) locations.  Our dietitian sampled the tomatoes in our Chef's Special Spicy Tomato Salad for the September wellness visit at DOEF.  The ruby red tomatoes were the perfect end of summer treat.  




USDA Health Fair: Linking Health & Foods
Our dietitians Rachel and Julia attended USDA's Health Fair Linking Health & Foods on July 23, 2015, where they provided tips for incorporating different protein sources into a balanced diet. Attendees also tested their knowledge of different protein sources using our food models. We shared samples of our delicious Greek Lentil Salad, which is packed full of plant-based protein!



Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day
Our nutrition experts Rachel and Julia had a great time at USDA's Take Your Daughters & Sons to Work Day! Kids and parents both loved our Jicama, Cucumber, and Mango Salad and the kids had fun  making their own well-balanced MyPlates. Check out their delicious creations!



Earth Day at Library of Congress
RD Rachel and new ILC nutrition team member Julia visited the Library of Congress for their Earth Day celebration! We sampled our Barley, Marinated Kale, and Beet Salad and discussed the health benefits of and how to cook unusual whole grains like spelt, amaranth, and quinoa. Customers had fun testing their whole grain knowledge with our Guess the Grains game!


National Nutrition Month

RDs Rachel and Susan provided usual wellness visits to cafes along with an interactive yogurt parfait bar where they shared the benefits of eating a balanced breakfast. 

                                                               
     ILC's dietitians look forward to helping you Bite Into a Healthy Lifestyle all year long! 

Grand Opening at the Government Accountability Office
Dietitians Susan McGowan and Rachel Griffin welcomed guests of ILC's newest location, GAO.  In addition to providing samples of our Spring Kale Salad, they answered customer questions about the company, catering, and of course, nutrition! 


Customer Appreciation-February 2015
Our nutrition and marketing team was out in full force throughout the month of February with customer appreciation promotions, regular wellness education visits, tasting events during African American History Month (click here for the Roasted Sweet Potato Salad recipe that was sampled) , and participated in some special events for Heart Health Month.  Customer appreciation week was particularly fun as guests were treated to hot cocoa and dark chocolate, along with some sensible splurge nutrition education.  

      

January 2015 Dietitian Visits
Registered Dietitian Rachel Griffin sampled our Fennel and Orange Salad at various locations throughout the month of January.  This recipe came from the expert salad team at our Library of Congress location and proved to be a hit all month long.  In February, our dietitians will participate in promotions for Customer Appreciation Week, African American History Month and Heart Health Month.