During a recent visit, a patient originally from Somalia expressed surprise and gratitude upon learning that Taryn Barber, RDN, CDN understood what Angero (dough pancakes) is and how it's usually eaten with meals. Having that appreciation and knowledge of food and the roles food plays in various cultures helps Taryn build meaningful connections when she’s working with patients. 

Cultural sensitivity is very significant in the care we provide at Neighborhood, and that includes our nutrition services. Taryn explains that dietitians need to have some idea what foods certain cultures usually eat, and how those foods are usually prepared, so that they can more effectively and appropriately give recommendations to patients of all cultures.

Nutrition is a foundation for health and well-being for all. However, well-balanced nutrition and education around nutrition is not readily accessible to everyone. In addition to understanding patients’ different cultural backgrounds and how that impacts their nutrition, Taryn actively works to understand a patient’s means. Taryn, and all of Neighborhood’s nutrition and wellness team, work to help patients find a nutritious balance in their means, while also working to navigate common barriers for patients. 

“Helping people figure out how to eat healthy within their means is important to me,” said Taryn. “Especially in Buffalo, where parts of the city are food deserts.”

Food deserts, or food apartheid, is defined as the intentional inequality in our food system. It is the reason for lower access to fresh, nutritious food, based on race, income and geography. In response to this, Taryn has worked with our nutrition team to bring the Massachusetts Avenue Project (MAP) to our Neighborhood sites. MAP’s mobile market brings fresh, in season, produce to Neighborhood so the communities we serve can have better access to a diet rich in vegetables and fruits. Taryn finds that projects like this, and working at a mission-driven organization like Neighborhood, has impacted her in many ways. 

“Working at Neighborhood has definitely increased my awareness of the different barriers to quality healthcare and resources,” said Taryn. “It has also shown me the resiliency of our patients and how they strive to meet their health goals, even with a lot of challenges in the way.”

Taryn explains how, among the many impactful care experiences she has been involved in at Neighborhood, how helping those who are struggling to manage their blood sugar has been a highlight for her. 

“Even just making a couple of small changes in their diet, helping them get a system of checking their blood sugar that works for them, and how much of a difference that can make”

This is Taryn’s first year with Neighborhood Health Center. She graduated with a bachelors in biology from SUNY Geneseo, then later a bachelor’s in Nutrition and Dietetics from Buffalo State University. Before coming to Neighborhood, she worked as a clinical dietitian in long-term care and rehabilitation centers for 2 years. Her role, as she explains, is supporting patients with reaching their health goals - whether it be managing chronic conditions, weight loss, proper nutrition for a healthy pregnancy, and more. Taryn’s career in nutrition has allowed her to see many peoples’ lives and health change for the better.  

“To see how appreciative people are of the support and resources we provide is really rewarding,” said Taryn. 

If you are interested in getting started on your nutrition journey with Taryn, speak with your Neighborhood Health Center primary care provider to learn more.