Academy’s Public Policy Priorities for 2024-2026

Academy’s Public Policy Priorities for 2024-2026

Every three years, the Academy updates its public policy goals to align current advocacy strategies to the mission and vision of the organization. The goals advance the impact of the Academy in each of the following four strategic focus areas: Well-Being and Prevention; Nutrition Security and Food Safety; Nutrition Care and Health Systems; and Diversity and Inclusion.

Available on eatrightPRO.org, the public policy priorities for 2024-2026 are as follows:

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 investment in nutrition research that will help reduce the national burden of diet-related chronic diseases.
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 for Americans.
  • 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
The Academy’s Legislative and Public Policy Committee conducted an environmental scan to inform the development of the updated policy goals. In addition to considering the legislative and regulatory landscape at the state and federal levels, internal groups including Dietetic Practice and Member Interest Groups, committees, and organizational units were encouraged to offer policy considerations as part of regularly scheduled convenings. Academy members provided input throughout the development process including during monthly advocacy affinity group meetings and House of Delegate listening sessions. Following review and feedback from the LPPC, the priorities were recently approved by the Academy’s Board of Directors.

Academy members interested in adding their support to these efforts are encouraged to join the Advocacy Affinity Groups, which are monthly forum-based events where staff, policy leaders and members connect to discuss advocacy priorities and strategies.