Illinois Ag Connection - Academy Commends Obama Request to Up Food, Nutrition Funds

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Academy Commends Obama Request to Up Food, Nutrition Funds
Illinois Ag Connection - 02/11/2016

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics commended President Obama's budget request to Congress, which prioritizes food, nutrition programming and research.

"Academy members in all areas of practice understand the need for food, nutrition and diet-related chronic disease research and the detrimental impacts of child hunger," said registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy President Dr. Evelyn F. Crayton.

Each year, the president requests Congress to provide funds for programs and research that are a priority for the country. Budget requests regularly highlight the need for nutrition assistance programs like School Meals; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC); Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); and chronic disease prevention initiatives and research.

"The Academy, as the largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, is encouraged by President Obama's bold requests to Congress to increase funding for food, nutrition and diet-related research and healthy food access to help Americans develop and maintain healthy and active lifestyles," Crayton said.

The Academy supports the White House's requests for Congress to:

-- Double the funding for nutrition and agriculture research through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, the premier competitive, peer-reviewed grants program for fundamental and applied agricultural and nutrition sciences.

-- Fill the hunger gap in summer months by expanding the Summer Meals Program, which will ensure low-income children have year-round access to food they need to learn and grow.

-- Invest in the cancer "moonshot," which aims to coordinate and enhance the work to prevent, treat and ultimately cure cancer. This initiative will highlight the role of nutrition in cancer prevention and treatment.

"The Academy advocates for these programs and research priorities, which spotlight the unique contributions of Academy members to improve the health of all people. We look forward to working with Congress, through the budget and appropriations process, to make these important funding priorities a reality," Crayton said.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.

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