Cuts To Snap are Detrimental To The Health of America’s Poor: Statement From Academy Of Nutrition And Dietetics President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cuts To Snap are Detrimental To The Health of America’s Poor: Statement From Academy Of Nutrition And Dietetics President - Glenna McCollum

CHICAGO - As of November 1, 47 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program have less to spend on food to feed their families. The decreased funds are a result of the expiration of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was enacted to stimulate the economy and help those in need. According to the U.S Department of Agriculture, the reduction in benefits will equate to 21 fewer meals per month.

In the face of these disappointing cuts, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and its registered dietitian nutritionist members remain committed to reducing food insecurity and its resulting detrimental impact on the health of families. Access to food is a basic and fundamental human right, and the Academy believes systematic and sustained actions are needed to achieve food and nutrition security for all.

These actions include adequate funding for and increased utilization of food and nutrition assistance programs (like those in SNAP), inclusion of food and nutrition education in such programs, and innovative programs to promote and support individual and household economic self sufficiency.

Although there is economic recovery being reported, many Americans still struggle to feed their families. These are families in which parents often work two or more low-income jobs. Weakening a food safety net for millions of Americans – half of whom are children – will only exacerbate their struggle.

As Congress discusses the fate of the Farm Bill, SNAP could be subjected to even deeper cuts. SNAP provides basic food assistance to those in need, and acts as a buffer against the devastating effects of hunger and malnutrition. Hunger and disrupted food access are associated with poor health outcomes and costly chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes. Cutting funding to vital nutrition and food assistance programs will increase hunger and lead to increased health care spending, two things that we cannot afford.

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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 (formerly the American Dietetic Association) 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. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Applauds Senate For Passage Of Historic Farm Bill

For Release June 22, 2012

  

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Applauds Senate

For Passage Of Historic Farm Bill

CHICAGO – The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics praised the work of the United States Senate, in particular the Agriculture Committee, for passing the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act (S. 3240), also known as the 2012 Farm Bill, which will fund key nutrition programs that empower Americans to make healthy food choices.

“The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) funded in the Farm Bill have been shown to improve healthy eating behaviors to help reduce chronic disease, which results in fewer health-care dollars being spent. This historic piece of legislation emphasizes the important connection between food and health,” said registered dietitian and Academy President Ethan Bergman.

“Our members will continue to advocate for SNAP and other initiatives like the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program that help develop lifelong healthful eating habits, as well as to conduct the imperative food and nutrition research that provides the evidence needed to make sound policy decisions,” Bergman said.

The Academy recognized the efforts of Senators Debbie Stabenow (Mich.) and Pat Roberts (Kan.) for their bipartisan leadership in passing the bill 64-35.

The bill contains a $4.5 billion cut to SNAP that the Academy believes will negatively affect large numbers of struggling families. According to the Congressional Budget Office, an estimated 500,000 households a year will lose $90 per month in SNAP benefits, if the budget cut is made. USDAreports the average family covered under SNAP received $284 per month in 2011.

“We are disappointed to see the reduction in SNAP benefits to families who need it most,” Bergman said. “Having access to healthy affordable food is necessary for all Americans. Not only does SNAP help improve health, it improves local economies at a time when it is most needed. For every $5 in new SNAP benefits, $9.20 is generated in total economic activity, resulting in jobs for the communities.”

The Academy will continue working with leaders of the House of Representatives and other key partners in the public health, anti-hunger and agriculture communities to help ensure ultimate passage of an effective and fair Farm Bill.

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The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) 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 of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.

Senate Agriculture Committee Approves Key Nutrition Program Funding

For Release April 27, 2012

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Applauds Senate Agriculture Committee For Funding Key Nutrition Programs In Farm Bill

CHICAGO – The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics praises the Senate Agriculture Committee for approving legislation that will fund key nutrition programs that empower Americans with the knowledge to make healthful food choices.

“The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) funded in the Farm Bill and provided in community settings have been shown to improve healthful eating behaviors to help reduce chronic disease,” said registered dietitian and Academy President Sylvia A. Escott-Stump.

“In addition, the Academy commends efforts to maintain the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program for students to help develop life-long healthful eating habits,” Escott-Stump said.

The Academy thanks Sens. Debbie Stabenow (Mich.) and Pat Roberts (Kan.) for their bipartisan leadership in developing a draft bill that will help improve the health of Americans through good nutrition.

“We realize we are in tough economic times, but the Academy urges the committee not to cut access for many Americans who rely on SNAP to feed their families,” Escott-Stump said. “Often overlooked is the fact that SNAP reduced the poverty rate by nearly 8 percent in 2009, a significant factor for families and communities.”

SNAP also helps stimulate the local economy at a time when it is most needed. For every $5 in new SNAP benefits $9.20 is generated in total economic activity.

“It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that systematic and sustained action is needed to achieve food and nutrition security for all in the United States. Therefore, the Academy will continue to work with these Congressional leaders to make sure all Americans have access to healthy and safe foods. We will also work to make sure there is funding for nutrition research in the bill, so future decisions are made based on evidence, with solid science to back them up,” Escott-Stump said.

The Academy will continue its efforts with other key partners in the public health, anti-hunger and agriculture communities to help assure passage of an effective Farm Bill.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) 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 of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.