Dr. Lana Balvin Frantzen Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to Nutrition and Wellness in Texas
Dairy MAX is proud to announce that Dr. Lana Balvin Frantzen, vice president of health and wellness, has been awarded with the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Bluebonnet Award. This prestigious award honors an individual who is not a dietitian, but has made a significant impact on the advancement of nutrition and dietetics in Texas through public service, education, research and media promotion.
"It is a privilege to recognize Dr. Frantzen and her accomplishments," said Nikki Nies, president of the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (TAND). "The legacy of her work will have lasting impacts on the health of Texas."
The selection process, led by the TAND Nominating Committee, utilized a scoring system based on involvement in public policy, the use of media to promote nutrition and research work that impacts the health of Texans. Dr. Frantzen’s work in media promotion has been highlighted through four satellite media tours involving high-profile figures such as celebrity physician Dr. Travis Stork, former NFL player DeMarcus Ware, Food Network star Melissa D’Arabian and country music singer Sara Evans.
Additional scoring criteria included examples of her significant contributions to the progress of nutrition and dietetics in Texas, noting who was impacted by the activity and the benefit from her work. Dr. Frantzen’s work with the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) has allowed her to present in a congressional briefing in Washington, D.C. on childhood obesity and nutrition, further advancing her impact in the field. Her influential efforts in supporting diversity, inclusion, equity and access of food and nutrition have been highlighted throughout her extensive research. Dr. Frantzen’s research efforts have received global attention and have been included in publications such as the top-tiered which focuses on the dietary intakes of Hispanic children and the critical role of breakfast in their daily nutrition.
“Lana’s unwavering dedication to advancing nutrition science and her ability to communicate complex concepts in an accessible way have been invaluable to Dairy MAX, our farmers and the communities we serve,” stated Mike Konkle, CEO of Dairy MAX. “Her recognition with the Bluebonnet Award is a testament to her profound impact on health and wellness in Texas and beyond.”
Dr. Frantzen has nearly 30 years of leading multidisciplinary teams to serve and promote the health of multicultural patient populations utilizing the Dietary Guidelines as the cornerstone of her work alongside allied healthcare professionals from the National Medical Association, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Academy of Pediatricians. She has also created the Health and Wellness Advisory Council, where she has intentionally invited diverse members to reflect Hispanic and African American healthcare professionals. In her role as vice president of health and wellness at Dairy MAX, Dr. Frantzen is responsible for leading strategic development and implementation of nutrition education initiatives, including bilingual nutrition education, health equity and sustainable nutrition. She leverages all these efforts through more than 100 years of scientific evidence in dairy nutrition.
Beyond her efforts in research, partnerships and promotion, Dr. Frantzen has been the voice of Dairy MAX in more than 1,500 media interviews, committed to sharing dairy’s role in health and nutrition across the 8-state region Dairy MAX serves.
Dr. Frantzen’s award reflects Dairy MAX’s commitment to leading the way in health and wellness education. Dairy MAX recognizes and supports Dr. Frantzen’s endeavors as she advances the field of nutrition and dietetics, promoting healthier communities across Texas, and the entire Dairy MAX region.
