My Academy. Not My Endorsement.

by Brooke on March 18, 2015

In the middle of National Nutrition Month, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has gone under fire for their so-called Kids Eat Right “endorsement” or “seal of approval” on Kraft Singles.   The Academy claims that this so-called Kids Eat Right mark on the packaging is not a seal of approval nor an endorsement; however, the general public will not be able to decipher fact from endorsement.

I support the Academy on most things and normally go along with things I don’t support. My friends even call me “Miss Academy.” I have had the honor and privilege to work with many Academy leaders in these below district, state, and national positions:

  • National Nutrition Month Chair, Chicago Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (CAND), 2014 – 2015
  • Past President, Chicago Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (CAND), 2014 – 2015
  • Committee Member, UIUC Dietetics External Advisory Committee (EAC), 2014-2015
  • President, Chicago Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (CAND), 2013 – 2014
  • Vice-President, Chicago Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (CAND), 2012 – 2013
  • Nominating Chair, Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (IAND), 2012 – 2013
  • Committee Member, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Diversity Committee, 2012 – 2015
  • Nominating Chair-Elect, Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (IAND), 2011 – 2012
  • Committee Member, New Member Advisory Sub-Committee of the AND Member Value Committee, 2010 – Present
  • Secretary, Chicago Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (CAND), 2010 – 2012
  • Treasurer, Muslims in Dietetics & Nutrition (MIDAN), 2009 – 2011
  • Member, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 2003 – Present

It is because of my leadership roles that I believe we (Academy leaders past, present, and future, Academy members, DTRs, and dietetic interns) need to use our voice and let the Academy know that this time a decision was made that wasn’t in the best interest of its members.  This decision was most likely made for monetary gain and doesn’t align with the Academy’s mission to promote us (RDNs) as the nation’s nutrition experts.  As you can see below the Academy’s mission is, “empowering members to be food and nutrition leaders.” 

mission

RDN’s Rachel Begun, Kate Geagan, and Regan Jones wrote a very befitting letter to Mary Beth Whalen, President Sonja Connor, and all leadership at the Academy and the Kids Eat Right (KER) Foundation that you can read more about – here.  Please sign the #repealtheseal petition to help protect the integrity and credibility of our RDN credential and help to continue to promote us as the nation’s nutrition experts – here!  I also encourage you to contact your state House of Delegates (HOD) Representative and voice your opinion.

WE are only as strong as YOUR VOICE, so let it be heard!!!

 

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

Amy Baltes March 18, 2015 at 8:09 pm

Not a good call on the Academy.

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Brooke March 18, 2015 at 8:11 pm

I agree Amy! My only hope it that the Academy will listen to their members and this will lead to a positive change in the future for the Academy and its members.

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Marni March 19, 2015 at 3:30 pm

I agree with you! I am an ACTIVE member of the AND and I signed this petition (I was #1600). I will renew my membership. The AND is advocating for RDN’s daily and providing leadership and guidance for licensure and movement on the insurance coverage. We need AND, but we NEED people to be active. Maybe this is a wakeup call to members. I hope more people get involved like you and me!

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Brooke March 19, 2015 at 3:51 pm

Thanks for leaving a comment Marni! I completely agree with you. We are only as strong and everyone else’s voice. It is going to take an army of leaders to make positive changes.

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