Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietietcs (formerly the American Dietic Association) s a professional organization that serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health, and well being. Founded in 1917, the Academy currently has nearly 74,000 members in 57 countries. Approximately 72 percent of the ADA’s members are registered dietitians (RDs). The Adademy’s membership also includes dietetic technicians, dietetic technicians registered (DTRs), and other professionals who hold degrees in nutrition and dietetics, and students. Academy members serve the public by offering prevention and wellness services and medical nutrition therapy in a variety of settings including health care systems, home health care, foodservice, business and communications, research and educational organizations, and private practice. The Academy is committed to enhancing members’ skills and ensuring that they are well positioned for advancement in a continually changing environment; obtaining reimbursement for the provision of comprehensive nutrition services, including health promotion and disease prevention services and medical nutrition therapy; and serving as a valued, credible source of scientifically-based food and nutrition information for the public. The Academy is also dedicated to influencing food and nutrition policy makers to formulate sound, science-based policies that promote optimal nutrition for the public; pursuing opportunities to participate in food and nutrition policy agencies or organizations; and increasing consumer and corporate demand for comprehensive nutrition services. The Academy’s lobbying activities include providing testimony at hearings, lobbying Congress and other government bodies, commenting on proposed federal and state regulations, and developing position statements on critical food and nutrition issues. In addition, the Academy offers programs to educate consumers about the links between food and nutrition and health. The Academy also offers professional education and accreditation, conducts an annual meeting and exhibition, offers public policy workshops, provides a variety of professional and consumer publications, and has a web site on the Internet.