Legislative and Public Policy Priority Areas

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

The legislative and public policy priority areas include the following:

  • 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.

For more information visit https://www.eatrightpro.org/advocacy.