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Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access


The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is dedicated to promoting health equity and eliminating systemic barriers while advancing the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) to improve health outcomes for individuals, communities, providers and organizations.

The Academy recognizes and respects differences in ability, age, creed, culture, education, ethnicity and race, gender, gender identity, geographic region, language, lived experiences, mental health, military experience, national origin, physical appearance, political affiliation, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic characteristics, values, work experiences and all types of diversity in the nutrition and dietetics profession.

Please note: This page includes an extensive collection of stories, resources and updates; however, some of the content pieces are member benefits that require your Academy login to access.

Stories and Spotlights


Diversity and Inclusion Resources

IDEA Action Plan

The Academy's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) Action Plan is a sustainable, living document designed to move the dietetics profession towards an increasingly welcome and inclusive future. The plan's goals and strategies were carefully developed from member and professional feedback gathered from listening sessions, stakeholder communications, and representatives of Academy organizational units and groups, as well as from benchmarking with other healthcare organizations. Tactics and metrics have been developed for each strategy, and outcomes from the initiatives will be measured and the plan modified accordingly over time to ensure continuous positive change.

See Infographic

Additional Resources

ACEND Resources

Foundation Awards and Scholarships

Member Interest Groups

MIGs are groups of Academy members that reflect the many characteristics of the profession and the public it serves. Academy MIGs include:

Books & Subscriptions

Resources From Other Organizations

Featured Webinars





News and Updates

Culture of Belonging: An Update

The Academy's work in inclusion, diversity, equity and access focuses on cultivating organizational and professional values of equity, respect, civility and anti-discrimination and expanding a culture of welcoming throughout the nutrition and dietetics community.

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FNCE® 2024 Focus Group Summary

Various focus groups and discussions were conducted at the 2024 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo®. The feedback highlights both the need for and challenges in advancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) within the Academy, as well as potential opportunities for improvement and future aspirations.

Read the Article

Join the Academy

Members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics receive exciting benefits including complimentary continuing professional education opportunities, discounts on events and products in eatrightSTORE.org, invitations to exclusive members-only events and more!