Academy Statement on FY27 President's Budget Request

April 9, 2026 — The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the Academy), the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, urges policymakers to ensure the FY2027 President's Budget Request takes a comprehensive approach to improving the nation's health through nutrition security and access to care.

The Academy recognizes several positive signals in the proposed budget, including investments in food safety, community-based nutrition services, telehealth and chronic disease research. The inclusion of Food as Medicine and telehealth nutrition services reflects growing recognition that nutrition must be part of any strategy to address chronic disease and improve health outcomes.

At the same time, the Academy is concerned that reductions to the broader chronic disease prevention infrastructure could risk slowing momentum as diet-related conditions continue to place significant burden on the public and the health care system. Improving health outcomes require strategies that support prevention, safeguard programs that provide access to nutritious food and ensure Americans have access to evidence-based nutrition care.

Across health care, community and food assistance settings, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered (NDTRs) help prevent and manage chronic disease, address nutrition-related barriers and connect people with the food and care they need.

Nutrition assistance and meal programs are lifelines for Americans across the country, and RDNs and NDTRs are essential to their success. RDNs also provide specialized, evidence-based nutrition care services, including medical nutrition therapy (MNT).

The Academy calls on the Congress to deliver FY 2027 appropriations that reflect a comprehensive commitment to public health by strengthening prevention, protecting nutrition programs and expanding access to high-quality nutrition care provided by RDNs and NDTRs nationwide. The Academy looks forward to working with both Congress and the Administration to advance these shared priorities and build on the positive steps reflected in this budget request.