Foodminds forms new client partnerships, expands team

FoodMinds, a food and nutrition company that harnesses science, public affairs and communications, is rolling into 2010 with new client partnerships and an expanding roster of full-time team members.

New Client Partnerships

In late 2009, the Hass Avocado Board engaged FoodMinds to develop and manage its nutrition science research program, and Kashi Company tasked FoodMinds to conduct a nutrition audit.

"This is an exciting and tumultuous time in food and nutrition," said Bill Layden, FoodMinds partner. "FoodMinds' vision is to be the trusted partner in producing novel food and nutrition positions and programs that shape the future. We factor in what's happening now in public policy, dietary guidance and consumer perception to help clients strategize and navigate for long-term success."

FoodMinds Roster Grows

In its third year, FoodMinds employs a flexible model of employees and an Expert Network of 60 food and nutrition consultants across the country. To begin 2010, three members of the Expert Network have joined the agency full time, and a fourth employee joined in 2009:

• Grant Prentice, director of strategic insights, has more than 25 years experience building nutrition and science-based consumer-marketing programs;
• Stacey Nunez, senior account supervisor, brings more than 10 years experience in food, nutrition and consumer product communications;
• Maria Scott, MPH, account coordinator, was most recently with the University of Iowa Institute for Public Health Practice;
• Josh Morton, account supervisor, previously worked with Weber Shandwick on crisis communication, issues management and digital communication strategies for food and agriculture accounts. He's spearheading social media initiatives for FoodMinds and its clients.

"We pride ourselves on bringing together the right mix of talented, seasoned and motivated people to challenge the status quo and achieve great things," said Laura Cubillos, FoodMinds partner. "We apply knowledge, critical thinking and connections in food and nutrition to create ideas, strategies and programs to help our clients tell a better story that makes a difference."