FOR RELEASE JULY 24, 2014
CHICAGO
– From pregnancy to infancy through adolescence, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids
Act is establishing strong nutrition policies for core federal child nutrition
programs implemented through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. During Kids
Eat Right Month in August, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics emphasizes
the importance of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act to ensure the youngest,
most vulnerable populations have access to the nutrition they need to thrive
and to grow into healthy adults.
“Nutrition
policy shapes our environment and is especially critical to children’s
well-being,” said registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy President Sonja
L. Connor. “With the aim of improving children’s nutrition and decreasing
childhood obesity and hunger, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act is a key
contributor and a historic piece of legislation. By using evidence-based
science to create nutrition policy, we are establishing a healthy environment
for every child in America.”
The
Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act affects the Special Supplemental
Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC); the Child and
Adult Care Food Program; the National School Lunch Program; the School
Breakfast Program; and the Summer Food Service Program, among others.
Through these programs and more, registered dietitian nutritionists across the
country play an integral role in leading programs that improve children’s
health.
“Time
and time again, WIC has proven effective in safeguarding the health of pregnant
women, infants and children up to age 5 who are at risk of being malnourished,”
Connor said. “WIC touches one in every two kids born in the United States – it
has an enormous impact on our nation.”
By
providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, nutrition education on healthy
eating and referrals to health care, WIC improves birth outcomes and limits
health care costs.
The
Child and Adult Care Food Program promotes high-quality, affordable child care
by helping providers serve nutritious meals and snacks. Research shows food at
participating centers is nutritionally superior to non-participating
facilities.
“By
serving nutrient-dense foods to 3 million children every working day through
the Child and Adult Care Food Program, we are able to help young children
receive nutrition they need to grow and play,” Connor said.
Once
children enter school, they are welcomed by a healthy environment thanks to
changes to school foods, according to Connor. From kindergarten through high
school, the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program
provide nutritious food in schools to help ensure students are exposed to
fruits, vegetables, whole grain-rich foods, lean protein and low fat or no fat
dairy. During the summertime students can also take advantage of the Summer
Food Service Program, which aims to cover the hunger gap many students
face when school is not in session.
“Whether
it is in vending machines, during lunch or at a school fundraiser, kids will be
surrounded by healthier, more nutritious options that support a balanced diet
based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” Connor said.
Thousands
of registered dietitian nutritionists work with schools as Kids Eat Right
campaign members and in celebration of Kids Eat Right Month to help improve the
local health environment, making sure students get the most out of their day.
Kids Eat Right is a joint initiative between the Academy and its Foundation,
dedicated to providing science-based healthy eating workshops, classes,
articles, recipes, videos and tips to help schools, parents and families shop
smart, cook healthfully and eat right.
“Strong
nutrition policy such as the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act and initiatives like
Kids Eat Right are putting us on the path to becoming healthier. We are making
an impact today and are setting the stage for tomorrow,” Connor said.
For
more information about Kids Eat Right Month and healthful eating at school and
beyond, visit www.KidsEatRight.org.
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All registered dietitians are nutritionists –
but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. The Academy’s Board of
Directors and Commission on Dietetic Registration have determined that those
who hold the credential registered dietitian (RD) may optionally use
“registered dietitian nutritionist” (RDN) instead. The two credentials have
identical meanings.
The
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation is a 501(c)3 charity devoted
exclusively to nutrition and dietetics. It funds scholarships and awards,
public awareness and research projects and the Academy strategic initiatives,
and is the largest provider of scholarships and awards in the field of
dietetics. The Foundation’s mission is advancing public health and nutrition
utilizing the expertise of registered dietitian nutritionists. Visit the
Academy Foundation at www.eatright.org/foundation.
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. Visit the Academy
at www.eatright.org
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