New Name, Same Commitment to Public's Nutritional Health: American Dietetic Association Becomes Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

CHICAGO, Sept. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Dietetic Association, the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, will change its name effective January 2012 to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

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The announcement of the name change was made Saturday, September 24, by registered dietitian and ADA President Sylvia Escott-Stump at the Opening Session of ADA's 2011 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo in San Diego, Calif.

"ADA has been in existence since 1917, after working to feed the troops healthfully during World War I. Protecting the public's health is the highest priority of ADA and our members, and our new name complements our focus: the nutritional well-being of the American public," Escott-Stump said.

"The name Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics promotes the strong science background and academic expertise of our members, primarily registered dietitians. Nutrition science underpins wellness, prevention and treatment," she said.

"An academy is 'a society of learned persons organized to advance science.' This term describes our organization and immediately emphasizes the educational strength of our advice and expertise."

"By adding nutrition to our name, we communicate our capacity for translating nutrition science into healthier lifestyles for everyone. Keeping dietetics supports our history as a food and science-based profession. Thus, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics quickly and accurately communicates our identity – who we are and what we do," Escott-Stump said.

"Whether planning nutritious meals for children in day-care centers or schools, teaching individuals with diabetes about managing their blood sugar or saving lives with complex nutritional interventions after surgery, registered dietitians are the best qualified providers. The name change communicates that we are the nutrition experts," she said.

ADA's award-winning website remains www.eatright.org . The colorful Eat Right logo will stay a part of the organization's graphic identity. In addition, the ADA Foundation Board of Directors voted earlier in September to change its name to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation.

"While our name is changing to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, we still have the same mission, the same powerful Eat Right message, and are still bringing the same quality nutrition advice to the table as we have for nearly 100 years," Escott-Stump said.

"The field of nutrition has changed over this century, and we're evolving to meet these needs—as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics."

The American Dietetic Association, soon to be the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit www.eatright.org for more information.

SOURCE American Dietetic Association