Happy National Nutrition Month®!
Since 1973, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has proudly hosted National Nutrition Month®, an annual campaign highlighting the vital role of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) and Nutrition and Dietetic Technicians, Registered (NDTRs) while providing valuable resources to help consumers develop healthy eating and physical activity habits.
Although National Nutrition Month® is owned and trademarked by the Academy, it has gained widespread recognition and participation from numerous organizations, including:
- Hospitals & Healthcare Systems
- Schools & Universities
- Corporate Wellness Programs
- Government Agencies
- Food & Beverage Companies
- Nonprofits & Community Organizations
This broad recognition is a testament to the Academy's leadership in nutrition and the national impact of National Nutrition Month®.
This year's National Nutrition Month® campaign carries even greater significance as we elevate and amplify credentialed nutrition professionals while combating misleading information. By ensuring that science-backed expertise leads public health discussions, we reinforce the importance of evidence-based nutrition.
The Academy remains active in our advocacy efforts, having recently hosted two all-member webinars to discuss legislative and regulatory developments, with the next one scheduled for May 21. Upcoming initiatives include an RDN Day celebration on Capitol Hill to make policymakers aware about our profession. Academy leadership also has scheduled meetings with congressional offices in April to advance key nutrition policies.
Recently, the Academy submitted a statement for the record for the U.S. House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing on modernizing health care. The Academy also provided comments to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid on the importance of medical nutrition therapy under Medicare Part B and joined over 70 organizations in supporting expanded obesity treatment coverage through the Obesity Care Advocacy Network. Additionally, the Academy released multiple action alerts supporting policy issues impacting RDNs, NDTRs and overall public health. These action alerts are open to everyone – please take a few minutes to advocate for your profession today and also share with your networks.
In line with our advocacy efforts, this year’s National Nutrition Month® theme "Food Connects Us," emphasizes the fundamental role of healthful eating within our lives and our communities. This theme aligns closely with a recently published opinion piece I wrote in Agri-Pulse about the need for a healthier and more sustainable food supply in the U.S.
Every week in March highlights a call to action:
- Week 1: Connect with Food
- Week 2: Connect with a Nutrition Expert
- Week 3: Explore the Connection Between Food and Culture
- Week 4: Build the Connection Across All Stages of Life
Ways to Get Involved
- Download free National Nutrition Month® campaign resources – available in seven languages! Resources include tip sheets, activity handouts, a National Nutrition Month® PowerPoint presentation and proclamation templates.
- From organizing a food donation campaign for a local food pantry or shelter, to starting a walking club with co-workers, the Academy has compiled 50 ideas to commemorate National Nutrition Month®!
- Mark your calendars and join the celebration of our profession. RDN Day is on March 12 and NDTR Day is March 13. How will you celebrate this year? Click here for RDN Day ideas and here for ideas to celebrate NDTR Day.
- Help spread the word about National Nutrition Month® with the official social media toolkit. This resource features cover photos and shareable graphics with sample messaging in seven languages as well as key dates and campaign hashtags.
- Explore how "Food Connects Us" by viewing and sharing videos that focus on healthy eating tips, recipes, meal prep, cooking with kids and more.
National Nutrition Month® is a powerful opportunity to highlight the importance of our profession and ensure that the voices of credentialed nutrition experts are recognized and valued. It is through the dedication and efforts of our members that our work continues to gain the attention it deserves.
I invite you to join me once again this year in raising awareness of our profession—throughout March and beyond. Thank you for all you do, every day, to provide expert health and nutrition guidance to our communities.
Sincerely,
Harlivleen "Livleen" Gill, MBA, RDN, LDN, FAND
Academy President, 2024-2025
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