January 2021 Newsletter

Jan 20, 2021 | News

MS-AND Annual Conference – Save the Date!

Delegate Report

Happy New Year everyone!

I hope that your 2021 has started off well and you are meeting the intentions you set for the year. Below are a couple of updates from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics House of Delegates:

• The Academy Board of Directors determined 2021 FNCE® and the Fall House of Delegates (HOD) meetings will both be virtual.

• The HOD will build on the success of the 2020 virtual Fall HOD meeting to create an even more successful experience for all meeting participants. The dates of the meeting have not been determined.

• Currently the House of Delegates is furthering our work on the concept of VUCA. This concept describes environments characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity – things I think each of us can relate to. The concept is widely used within business, education and other sectors to promote resilient, adaptable leadership in a changing world. The realities of a VUCA world have many implications for future dietetics practice, and understanding them will prepare registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered (NDTRs) to thrive in practice. I will be trained on these next steps on January 28, 2021.

• The virtual Spring 2021 HOD meeting is scheduled for February 13, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (central time). The meeting will focus on strategies to sensitively and successfully translate dietary guidance across all populations. In addition, we will have a follow-up dialogue activity from the January 28 Advocacy and Policy Training. I will be in touch with you as I receive more information.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. My email address is [email protected].

Sincerely,
Lydia West, MPH, RDN, LD, MS-AND Delegate

Mississippi Licensure Update

The Mississippi State Department of Health, Division of Professional Licensure will waive all continuing education requirements for the 2021 dietetic licensure renewal. Also, the renewal period will be extended an additional sixty (60) days, it will be open until May 31, 2021. Anyone renewing after the extended renewal date will be closed and assessed the late fee of $200.00. For additional information, please call 601-364-7360 or email [email protected].

State Legislative Tracking Map

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Policy Initiatives and Advocacy Division has created a State Legislative Tracking Map. As of January 19, 2021, Mississippi has 34 bills that have been introduced so far. These relate to licensure and education, food security, health IT/telehealth, dietary guidelines/guidance, food and water safety, as well as food labeling.

Visit the “Take Action” section of the eatright Advocacy section to follow along as these bills move through the Mississippi Legislature: https://www.eatrightpro.org/advocacy. If you would like to contact your state senator or representative, you can find out his or her name, as well as their contact information here: https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/

2021 National Academy Election: February 1-15

Get to know your 2021 candidates on the national ballot. Biographical information is available on the election website. Help shape the future of the Academy by exercising your member privilege to vote in the national Academy election taking place February 1-15.

To add a reminder to your calendar to cast your ballot click here.

Foundation Award and Grant Applications Due February 1, 2021

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation is accepting applications for 2021 Awards and Research Grants. Over thirty applications are available, presenting funding opportunities for Academy members, credentialed practitioners, and students.

Individual recognition, continuing education, program development, and international awards, as well as research grants are detailed below. All applications can be accessed within the Foundation’s application portal and have a deadline of February 1, 2021 at 11:59 pm (Central Time). Emailed and hard-copy applications will not be accepted or considered for funding.

Any questions should be directed to Elisha Reichling, MS, RDN, LDN, Foundation Program Coordinator, at [email protected].

Research Grants
  • Amy Joye Memorial Research Award: provides $5,000 for research involving dietary assessment methodology, obesity prevention/weight control, or fruit/vegetable gardens.
  • Ann A. Hertzler Memorial Research Grant: provides $15,000 for research pertaining to breastfeeding and infant feeding practices to align with the inclusion of guidelines for infants and toddlers in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
  • Colgate Palmolive Fellowship in Nutrition, Oral Health/Dental Education: provides $15,000 to support research in nutrition and oral health or dental education.
  • Jean Hankin Nutritional Epidemiology Research Grant: provides $20,000 for dissertation research in the area of nutritional epidemiology.
  • Julie O’Sullivan Maillet Research Grant: provides $1,000 for research that aims to demonstrate the value of dietetics professionals on the health of the public or the evolving role of dietetics professionals in the profession.
  • McCormick Science Institute Research Award: provides $5,000 for research surrounding increasing understanding of the role of spices and health.
  • Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group Research Grant: provides $10,000 for innovative research related to vegetarian nutrition.
Continuing Education Awards
  • Barbara Ann F. Hughes Nutrition Policy, Advocacy and Education Award: provides $1,000 for educational enhancement of nutrition professionals in the areas of policy initiatives, advocacy and/or private practice.
  • Commission on Dietetic Registration Advanced Practice Residency Award (Student Application): provides up to $5,000 to support Registered Dietitian Nutritionists enrolled in advanced practice residency programs.
  • Commission on Dietetic Registration Faculty Fellowship Award: provides $10,000 for individuals with doctoral degrees seeking to become RDNs.
  • Commission on Dietetic Registration Leadership Award: provides up to $5,000 for RDNs and NDTRs to obtain leadership training.
  • Neige Todhunter Memorial Doctoral Award: provides $5,000 to masters-prepared dietetics educators and practitioners pursuing doctoral studies.
  • Food and Culinary Professionals DPG Communications and Educational Award: supports up to 75% of expenses for RDNs or NDTRs, up to a $2,500 limit, for culinary learning educational experiences.
  • Frederick Green Memorial Nutrition Communications Experience Award: provides $3,000 and an experience with a nutrition communications RDN, specializing in media and public relations, for dietetic interns and students. Applications are currently being accepted for nutrition communications RDNs interested in hosting the award recipient.
  • Gaynold Jensen Memorial Continuing Education Award: provides up to $1,500 for members of the Dietetics in Health Care Communities DPG to attend educational programs that enhance the contributions of the consultant dietitian to health care.
  • Gwendolyn Rossell Memorial Continuing Education Award: provides up to 80% of estimated expenses, up to $1,000, for members of the Public Health Nutrition DPG to attend short-term educational programs that enhance contributions of public health nutritionists to health care.
  • Marianne Smith Edge Award: provides up to $1,000 for training and educational opportunities emphasizing the connection between agriculture and nutrition for RDNs.
  • Marie and August LoPresti, Sr. Faculty Development Award: provides $1,000 to a faculty member of an Ohio university or college seeking continuing education opportunities.
  • Rebecca Snowball Reeves Continuing Education Award: provides up to $1,000 in educational stipends for dietetics professionals working in the area of obesity.
  • Ruby P. Puckett/Elizabeth Frakes Food Management Continuing Education Award: provides up to $2,000 for a Management in Food and Nutrition Systems DPG member to attend a conference related to food and nutrition management.
  • Susan T. Borra Advancing Food and Nutrition Communications Fellowship Award: provides $2,500 and a nutrition communications experience with an RDN working in the food environment. Applications are currently being accepted for nutrition communications RDNs interested in hosting the award recipient.
  • Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Educational Award: supports up to 75% of expenses, up to a $2,500 limit, for professional educational enrichment courses attended by Washington State Academy members.
International Awards
  • First International Nutritionist/Dietitian (FIND) Fellowship for Study in the USA: provides $2,200 to assist foreign nationals who are pursuing post-graduate work in the United States and have a clearly articulated plan to return to their country.
  • International Affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics International Project Award: provides $2,500 for members of IAAND who intend to work in partnership with another nutrition professional on a project that will benefit a local, international community.
Recognition Awards
  • Abbott Nutrition Award in Women’s Health: provides $1,000 to recognize dietitians who make a significant contribution to the importance of nutrition in women’s health.
  • Abbott Nutrition Malnutrition Award: provides $1,400 to Academy members working in a hospital setting who have made a significant contribution to improve awareness of malnutrition and have taken action to address the issue.
  • Anita Owen Award of Recognition for Innovative Nutrition Education Programs for the Public: provides $1,000 to encourage the development and execution of unique nutrition education programs for the public.
  • Margene Wagstaff Award for Innovation in Dietetics Education: provides up to $3,000 to recognize individuals who inspire entry-level dietetics professionals to pursue professional values.
  • Mary Abbott Hess Award for Recognition of an Innovative Food/Culinary Effort: provides $2,000 to encourage dietetics professionals to make original and innovative efforts in food and culinary education.
  • Pittsburgh Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Leadership Development Award: provides up to $1,000 to recognize emerging leaders among students in supervised practice and encourage their participation in Academy activities.
Program Development Awards
  • Commission on Dietetic Registration Advanced Practice Residency Award (Program Application): provides up to $30,000 per institution to establish or enhance an advanced practice residency program in order to meet the ACEND® Advanced Practice Residency Guidelines.
  • Commission on Dietetic Registration Grassroots Marketing Award: provides up to $10,000 for RDNs or NDTRs to promote CDR credentials at the local level to prospective employers or third-party-payers.
  • Lenora Moragne Memorial Award: provides $1,000 to a doctoral student dietetics educator or preceptor to support projects related to public policy and advocacy. The generous estate gift that supports this award stipulates that preference is given to Black applicants.

LuLu G. Graves Nutrition Education Award: provides up to $1,000 to support volunteer groups engaged in projects and programs of nutrition education for the public.

Your Story can Change Lives

The Academy wants to hear from you! The Academy is collecting federal nutrition stories to assist in advocacy efforts for FY2022 federal budget requests: please share your stories about the importance of federal nutrition programs and services, research and research grants and other crucial funding priorities, such as workforce development and food safety. Your stories help illustrate to policymakers why they should support nutrition, prevention and research priorities. Please complete the story collection form here: https://www.votervoice.net/EATRIGHT/Surveys/6539/Respond

Are you Prepared for an Emergency Situation?

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics released the Emergency Preparedness Playbook in December, 2020. This resource is the application of the Standards of Excellence strategies and indicators to emergency preparedness within four practice areas: 1. Ambulatory, 2. Clinical, 3. Food Service Management, and 4. Post-Acute Long-Term Care. This playbook illustrates the strategies in the Standards of Excellence using the Plan/Do/Check/Act process. This is a FREE resource for Academy members through the eatright Store.

 

 

Atmos Energy and Extra Table Fed Children Throughout the Holidays

Through its Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities program, Atmos Energy joined forces with Extra Table by donating $30,000 that was used to purchase healthy snack packs for Mississippi children to enjoy while home from school throughout the holidays. The partners agree child nutrition is critical.

In Mississippi, 1 in 4 children struggle with hunger, and food insecurity has drastically increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many food pantries throughout the state are currently seeing a 30-50% percent increase in request for food. During the holidays, children were out of school and going without free, school-provided breakfast and lunch, heightening this need for food.
“Hunger affects children in every community we serve. Our kids are starting school on an empty stomach, which impacts their ability to focus and learn,” said Kevin Akers, Atmos Energy president and CEO. “Atmos Energy made a contribution to support local food programs in the 1,400 communities we serve, so hungry children get the food they need before, during, and after the school day and on weekends and holidays as well.”

With the donation from Atmos Energy, Extra Table was able to purchase thousands of individual snack packs, each containing foods like juice, cereal, nut butter packets and granola bars. The packs were distributed to Extra Table’s partner food pantries in 13 Atmos service area cities across Mississippi providing children with the valuable nutrients that are vital to their development of growth.

“Extra Table exists to end hunger in Mississippi, and it is thanks to generous partners like Atmos Energy that we are able to continue on this mission and tailor our mission for this project to focus on serving the youngest of citizens during school breaks,” states Extra Table Executive Director, Martha Allen. “We have seen first-hand the painful effects that COVID-19 has had on our communities. These snack packs were just the ‘fuel’ children needed to get the day started or for a pick-me-up in between meals. We know empty tummies are not conducive to education. Snack packs offered the protein and vitamins needed for proper growth and development.”

To learn more about the efficient and effective way Extra Table works to feed our hungry neighbors, visit www.ExtraTable.org or call 601-264-0672. Extra Table is always looking to grow and increase their abilities to feed more people.

Apply to Be an Academy Media Spokesperson

The Academy’s landmark volunteer media Spokesperson Program advances the Academy’s mission and goals and increases the public’s knowledge of food, nutrition and health. Three-year spokesperson terms begin June 1. Openings are available in a number of geographical and practice specialty areas. Applications are due Friday, February 5 – apply today!

Farm to School Conference

The Mississippi Farm to School Conference will be held virtually February 9th and 10th. Please see the agenda below and click here to learn more as well as register.

Board Spotlight

Dana Schaub MS, RD, LD, RYT
City: Mobile, AL
Workplace: I am a woman of many passions! I am self-employed which involves LTC consulting for Nutrition Systems, running a private practice, and teaching yoga/fitness 1:1 and to groups! I started my practice, Whole Self Care LLC, about a year ago. I see clients in-person in Mobile, AL, or virtually for anyone in MS or AL. My specialties include eating disorders/disordered eating, gut health, kids/teens, and nutrition for athletes. I also help re-introduce movement to those in eating disorder recovery. I’m grateful for the opportunities God has given me to share my love for nutrition, fitness, and health!

Position with MS-AND Board of Directors: Secretary

Tell us what your position is responsible for, and what you like most about it:

As secretary, my role involves keeping track up minutes/writing up reports after board meetings. I enjoy staying connected with other dietitians as being self-employed often means working alone! I’ve also enjoyed being on the planning staff for past MS AND Annual Meetings and finding speakers who will share their knowledge with our state dietitians.

What is your favorite hobby/pastime outside of work?

Most people who know me know I love to dance! I’m a lifelong dancer and still dance as much as I’m able! My love for movement has spilled over into fitness and I enjoy teaching yoga and dance-inspired fitness, helping others find the joy in movement! I’ve recent started guitar lessons which has been a goal of many years. Another passion of mine is writing and I love sharing what is on my heart. Above all, I love spending time with my husband, who always keeps me laughing, and my dear family and friends.

What is your favorite place to visit in Mississippi and why?

The coast! It was my home for 13 years, up until July of this year. I absolutely love being near water, and seeing the sun rise/fall over the beach is absolutely breathtaking! Although I now live in my hometown of Mobile, AL, Mississippi will always be home to me as well!