In the state of Utah, 10-13% of households experience food insecurity issues, which means they do not have access to sufficient funds to maintain an adequate, healthy food supply. Food Insecurity can negatively affect children’s performance in school, adults’ ability to work, and a community’s overall well-being. Hunger in America-Food and Nutrition Insecurity Affects all RDs and DTRs was the focus of the Spring 2013 House of Delegates (HOD) Meeting.

Defining the Mega Issue

Through a dialogue session at the HOD meeting, delegates determined: 1.) as food and nutrition leaders, what the ethical and/or social responsibilities should be to share knowledge and to inspire others to create solutions; and 2.) how delegates can motivate others to take action in finding solutions to food and nutrition insecurity.

Getting RDs/RDNs and DTRs Involved

A series of guiding principles were identified at the HOD meeting:

• Educate and empower members to become active in addressing this issue in their communities;
• Provide direction for affiliates, DPGs and MIGs and Public Policy Panels;
• Centralize resources for utilization by members;
• Capitalize on opportunities and solutions for individuals throughout the lifecycle that exist within the Academy, Foundation and other organizations.  In addition, provide opportunities at FNCE, articles in the Food and Nutrition Magazine, and within the KidsEatRight campaign;
• Provide opportunities to share information within the Academy and with policy makers;
• Position the RD, RDN and DTR as key partners in the efforts to end hunger.

What’s Next?

Since the dialogue, the resulting motion was passed by the House.  The following activities have been requested by the HOD:

• Collaborate with Feeding America and Academy organizational units (the Foundation, ACEND and LPPC) to create an electronic forum to share knowledge and information for members and consumers,
• Publication of articlesdetailing Academy member involvement and innovative solutions that address the issue,
  • Webinars and other educational programs,
  • Appointment of Food and Nutrition Security Task Force.

To read more about the Spring 2013 Meeting, go to www.eatright.org/hod  > Spring 2013 Meeting > Meeting Materials.

Rickelle Richards, Delegate (rickelle_richards@byu.edu)

Date: June 7, 2013