MTRPC Request for Proposals: Registered Dietitian Services

The Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council (MTRPC) is Minnesota’s turkey checkoff organization, funded by Minnesota turkey growers to support research, education, and promotion of turkey and turkey products. MTRPC invests in science-based research, consumer outreach, and education to strengthen demand for turkey while remaining fully compliant with state checkoff requirements.

To enhance the credibility, reach, and effectiveness of its consumer education and outreach efforts, MTRPC seeks to contract with a qualified Registered Dietitian (RD) to provide professional nutrition expertise and to serve as a trusted spokesperson and content developer for turkey focused initiatives.

The purpose of this RFP is to solicit proposals from qualified Registered Dietitians or RD led firms to provide professional services to MTRPC on a contract basis. The selected contractor will support consumer education, youth and collegiate programming, foodservice and retail outreach, and public facing promotional activities that highlight the nutritional benefits and versatility of turkey.

The selected Registered Dietitian will work collaboratively with MTRPC staff and partners to deliver the following services:

1. ‍Educational Curriculum & Lesson Development
   
   1. Develop age appropriate, turkey focused nutrition lessons for:
   2. High school programs (including Family & Consumer Sciences and/or foods and culinary courses)
   3. Collegiate level programs (culinary, nutrition, dietetics, and foodservice courses)
   4. Align lesson content with state and national education standards where applicable.
   5. Emphasize nutrition, food safety, versatility, and culinary applications of turkey.

2. Collegiate & Professional Engagement
   
   1. Serve as a guest lecturer for collegiate dietetics, nutrition, and foodservice programs.
      
   2. Provide professional insights on turkey nutrition, versatility and consumer trends.
   3. Support relationship building with universities and nutrition education programs.

3. Consumer Focused Content Development
   
   1. Create evidence based, consumer friendly nutrition content for:
   2. Social media platforms
   3. Websites and digital outreach
   4. Consumer brochures, handouts, and educational materials
   5. Review and provide nutrition accuracy oversight for existing MTRPC consumer content.

4. Public Speaking & Outreach
   
   1. Represent MTRPC as a nutrition expert at consumer facing events, including:
   2. Consumer events
   3. Food and nutrition expos
   4. Health focused outreach activities
   5. Support media interviews or educational panels as requested.

5. Foodservice & Retail Outreach
   
   1. Engage with foodservice professionals, institutional buyers, and retail dietitians to:
   2. Communicate the nutritional benefits of turkey
   3. Support menu development and meal planning that includes turkey
   4. Provide nutrition education resources for retail and foodservice settings

6. Additional Services, as necessary
   
   1. Monitor and summarize emerging nutrition research relevant to turkey.
   2. Provide input on national nutrition trends and consumer perceptions.
   3. Support crisis communications or nutrition related inquiries as needed.
   4. Collaborate with partner organizations and allied commodity groups when appropriate.

Deliverables may include, but are not limited to:

• Written curriculum and lesson plans

• Social media and digital nutrition content

• Presentations and lecture materials

• Event speaking engagements

• Monthly activity summaries

Deliverables and timelines will be finalized in collaboration with MTRPC staff.

Proposals should demonstrate:

• Current Registered Dietitian (RD) credential

• Experience in nutrition education and consumer outreach

• Familiarity with foodservice, retail nutrition, or institutional food programs

• Experience working with agricultural organizations, commodity groups, or checkoff funded programs (preferred)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Contract Term & Compensation

• Anticipated contract term: One (1) year, with the option to renew

• Anticipated annual budget: Not-to-exceed $30,000

Proposers should structure their scope of work, deliverables, and level of effort to align within this budget. MTRPC is open to a variety of compensation structures (e.g., monthly retainer, hourly rate, or project-based pricing), but all proposals must clearly outline how services will be delivered within the stated budget.

MTRPC reserves the right to negotiate final scope and compensation with the selected contractor to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and available funding.

Proposals should include:

1. Statement of interest and understanding of the scope of work

2. Professional qualifications and relevant experience

3. Description of proposed approach and services

4. Fee structure and estimated costs

5. References (minimum of two)

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Relevant experience and qualifications

• Understanding of MTRPC’s mission and checkoff environment

• Quality and feasibility of proposed approach

• Cost effectiveness

• References

Proposals must be submitted electronically by: 5/31/2026

Submit to: Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council, Ashley Kohls - akohls@minnesotaturkey.com

For inquiries regarding the request for proposals contact: Ashley Kohls – akohls@minnesotaturkey.com or 612-618-6619

MTRPC reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to negotiate scope and fees with the selected contractor.

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