Incorporating Sustainable Food Systems into Practice: The Perceived Roles, Knowledge Needs, and Practice Barriers of Dietitians and Nutritionists from the Caribbean Region

Caribbean region food systems are unsustainable. Dietitians and nutritionists (D/N) are uniquely positioned to leverage food systems sustainability on multiple levels and in this region are motivated to facilitate change, but little is known about how to leverage this workforce to affect change. This exploratory study examines knowledge levels, perceptions about the role, and barriers and opportunities related to incorporating sustainable food systems (SFS) into practice. Participants perceived D/N have a role in supporting SFS, and a high level of knowledge. Societal barriers, such as prioritization of profits from food, present strong barriers. Recommendations for action at multiple levels are discussed.