Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Joins New National Initiative To End Hunger and Achieve Food Security

CHICAGO, June 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) has joined a new nationwide initiative designed to help families obtain adequate amounts of healthful food and reduce the levels of "food insecurity" in the United States.

The new collaboration brings together health professionals including registered dietitians; the agriculture and food production industry; and hunger relief professionals.

"We are proud to support initiatives that combat hunger and malnutrition, produce food security, promote self-sufficiency, educate consumers and health professionals alike, and are environmentally and economically sustainable," said registered dietitian and Academy President Ethan A. Bergman.

The new program was announced Thursday, June 14, at a conference in Washington, D.C., titled "The Future of Food: Food Security in the 21st Century." The Academy is aligning with Feeding America and the National Dairy Council to share expertise and resources, identify new ways of approaching nutrition education and access, and affect the way food-insecure individuals can better nourish themselves and their families.

"The Academy, our members and all registered dietitians recognize that hunger continues to be a worldwide problem of staggering proportions. Our position paper, Addressing World Hunger, Malnutrition and Food Insecurity, states that access to adequate amounts of safe, nutritious and culturally appropriate food at all times is a fundamental human right," Bergman said.

"The Academy and our 73,000 members in all areas of food and nutrition practice look forward to working with Feeding America and National Dairy Council to develop workable strategies throughout the country that will end hunger and achieve food security," Bergman said.

"As the food and nutrition experts, registered dietitians who are members of the Academy are ready to continue and increase our involvement in developing innovative solutions to the twin problems of food insecurity and hunger," Bergman said.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.

SOURCE Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics