Public Policy Priorities

As the leading organization of food and nutrition professionals, the Academy is committed improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Members of the Academy play a key role in shaping the public's food choices, improving people's nutritional status and preventing and treating chronic disease. They are valued for their expertise in translating science and evidence to empower consumers to make healthy choices through education, medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and intensive behavior therapy.

• Academy Public Policy Priorities: 2024-2026

We work with policy leaders at every level of government to promote health and reduce the burden of chronic disease through nutrition services and interventions. Policymakers who wish to connect with Academy Policy Initiatives and Advocacy staff are encouraged to contact us.

1. Equitable access to nutrition services provided by qualified practitioners

• Modernize and create uniformity among nutrition and dietetics state licensure laws and regulations.
• Enact the Dietitian Licensure Compact in seven key states and initiate steps to form the Compact Commission.
• Advance MNT coverage and payment for preventive and chronic disease care.

2. Federal programs that increase access to nutritious, safe, culturally relevant and affordable foods that improve health and well-being

• Support SNAP-Ed, nutrition incentives, and regular updates to the Thrifty Food Plan.
• Advocate for no-cost healthy school meals for all children.
• Strengthen sustainable food systems that foster access to and the availability of healthful foods.

3. Evidence-informed, inclusive Dietary Guidelines for Americans that embrace cultural and diverse dietary patterns

• Participate in the development, dissemination and implementation of the dietary guidelines.
• Integrate the expertise of Academy members and groups into the scientific recommendations to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.
• Support alignment of federal food and nutrition programs and services with Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations.

4. Maximize funding for federal nutrition programs and services, workforce diversity initiatives and educational opportunities for health professions

• Advocate for programs, services, and grants whose funding is appropriated in federal agencies
• Lobby for increased reimbursement rates and payment defined by rules and regulations for federal nutrition programs and dietitian services