Briefly, the #F3K hashtag stems from an annual influencers conference run by Porter Novelli, a multinational PR firm that boldly (and rather terrifyingly) exclaims,
"We motivate people to change deeply ingrained behaviors rooted in cultural and social norms. Our results are greater than influencing people. We make them believe"And here's Porter Novelli describing their annual PN Food3000 (#F3K) conference),
"We boast long-term relationships with the individuals and organizations that influence consumers’ attitudes, beliefs and behaviors related to food and health. The Food and Nutrition practice annually hosts PN Food3000, at which American Dietetic Association media spokespeople are exposed to the latest innovations and research in nutrition communications. Our team of expert communicators and registered dietitians helps clients devise intelligent strategies to introduce new products or line extensions against well-chosen market segments, including multicultural audiences. We are skilled in developing platforms that create a point of differentiation, establish strategic alliances and sponsorships, grow consumption and position brands for new growth segments."And judging from the tweets emanating from this year's #F3K that took place in Amsterdam, they've done a bang up job and the sentiment from many non-attending RDs on Twitter is that those who did attend did so at least partially on the conference's industry sponsors' dimes.
I'm going to post these tweets without commentary. Most come from RDs at the conference, many of who boast large social networks and presumably are Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic spokespeople . And to be clear, the tweets are my own quick cherry picking (to see all the tweets, click here). They're not meant to disparage or shame those who tweeted them (in many cases they're just quotes from speakers), but rather for readers here to consider the wisdom of these sorts of conferences and their promotion, as well as whether the hashtag #spon is sufficient to explain to the public that the tweets come from food industry sponsored talks (it wasn't for me - I had to ask someone what it meant).
[BTW - I did ask Porter Novelli for further information regarding sponsorship and program. They have yet to send a response. I can only suppose then that transparency doesn't make for good PR.]
Bravo! RT @CBDiekman: Congrats to #Mars international for working to increase kids interest in cooking and healthy eating. #F3K #spon
— joansalgeblake (@joansalgeblake) February 17, 2014
Check Your Facts: "Epidemics" are contagious & obesity is not contagious, so it's not an epidemic. Paul Rozin at #F3K
— Robyn Flipse (@EverydayRD) February 17, 2014
"Processed foods are not the problem - maybe they are the affordable solution- we just have to mk them healthier"DrDecker #F3K #spon
— Bonnie Taub-Dix (@eatsmartbd) February 16, 2014
#F3K is debunking one food myth @ a time #FactsOnly
— shani stjohn (@shanistjohn) February 16, 2014
#f3k #Amsterdam US #nutrition experts discuss how #dietarysupplements can fill in the nutrition gaps even if ya think you're eating right
— carolynoneil (@carolynoneil) February 15, 2014
Gr8t News! RT @CBDiekman: Flavored yogurt sugar content down from 19.5 grams to 12 grams per 100 g. #F3k #spon
— joansalgeblake (@joansalgeblake) February 15, 2014
@MelissaJoyRD @ lots of food joy #F3K Did ya know food processing can increase nutrients we need more of & reduce what we need to limit
— carolynoneil (@carolynoneil) February 15, 2014
We're too quick to blame the food industry rather than telling consumer to take responsibility for their eating habits #F3K #spons
— Mindy Hermann (@MindyHermannRD) February 15, 2014
Healthy eating requires - balance of foods, right portions, & proper prep. Don't worry about "processed" focus on right choices. #F3k #spon
— Connie Diekman (@CBDiekman) February 15, 2014
Processed food is called "unnatural" until there's a "natural" disaster and it's the only thing available & safe to eat. #f3k #spon
— Robyn Flipse (@EverydayRD) February 15, 2014
Good point“@joyofnutrition: Its not about processing but nutrient quality that should be one of the deciding factors on foods we eat #F3K”
— Vandana Sheth RD (@VandanaShethRD) February 15, 2014
#f3k Food processing is just a use of technology. What other technology do you want to give up- cell phone, Internet, infant formula? #spon
— Robyn Flipse (@EverydayRD) February 15, 2014
Processed is not 4-letter word. Some of healthiest foods would not be possible w/I technology. Whole grains just one example #F3K #spon
— Rachel Begun (@RachelBegunRD) February 15, 2014
Select foods that deliver the goods-processing is a vehicle 2 make more nutrients avail #F3K #spon
— Toby Smithson (@diabetesevryday) February 15, 2014
Food fortification plays a role in meeting nutrient needs of Americans. Processing helps enhance & preserve food quality.#F3K #spon
— Connie Diekman (@CBDiekman) February 15, 2014
#F3K "Processed" is not a dirty word. It provides food safety, variety in diet, affordability, palatability & more.
— Melissa Joy Dobbins (@MelissaJoyRD) February 15, 2014
#ActiveAdvice -processing foods allows us to progress not regress with our choices and self health #F3k
— Leslie Bonci (@lesliebonci) February 15, 2014
Myth-shopping on the perimeters of grocery stores are healthier. There are healthy options throughout store. Read labels & go w/ plan #F3K
— Joy Dubost (@joyofnutrition) February 15, 2014