Advocacy

Delivering a presentation

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession through research, education and advocacy. Advocacy is critical to achieving the mission, vision, goals and strategies outlined in the Academy's Strategic Plan Roadmap. Public policy significantly influences and forms the Academy's public image and that of the dietetics profession.

Advocacy within the Academy involves member leaders in the Legislative and Public Policy Committee and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Political Action Committee, affiliate and Dietetic Practice Groups and Member Interest Groups, and thousands of grassroots members. Academy members work on a broad range of issues, improving America's nutrition and health status. Our members are recognized for their contributions and influence in food, nutrition and health policy. To help focus and guide our policy efforts, the following priority areas and issues have been identified:

  • Disease prevention and treatment, including cancer, cardiovascular health, diabetes and pre-diabetes, HIV/AIDS, obesity and weight and access to healthcare.
  • Lifecycle nutrition, including prenatal and maternal health, early childhood nutrition, school-age students and nutrition for older adults.
  • Healthy food systems and access, including food security, supply and management of food systems, food safety, dietary supplements and food fortification, food and menu labeling and nutrition education.
  • Quality healthcare, including healthcare equity, consumer protection and licensure, workforce demand, research and monitoring, lowering healthcare costs and quality measures.

The Academy also helps members get started as nutrition advocates by providing information about local advocacy, grassroots efforts, current bills and regulations. Members who wish to become even more involved in advocacy are encouraged to attend the Public Policy Workshop, an annual food and nutrition advocacy summit where you can learn how to become the voice of nutrition that Congress trusts.

Advocacy