MS-AND President’s Message
Hello MS-AND Members!
Thank you to everyone who joined us at FNCE 2025 in Nashville! It was wonderful connecting with many of our Mississippi dietitians, students, and colleagues during the group photo and MS-AND Members social event. Your energy, professionalism, and enthusiasm truly reflected the spirit of our state and our profession.
In September, MS-AND Central Region kicked off the year by hosting our first webinar, “Compact Licensure for Mississippi Dietitians—Next Steps,” presented by Lydia West. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make it a success! We aim to keep this momentum going with more member activities throughout the year, including member socials, continuing education opportunities, and virtual discussions via our MS-AND Members Facebook group.
Be sure to check our social media pages often for action alerts to stay informed and support advocacy on important nutrition issues. Your voice matters—advocacy helps shape policies that protect our profession and increase access to nutrition services not only nationwide but also across Mississippi. Additionally, please take advantage of the FREE monthly CEU that the Academy provides its members. It’s an excellent way to stay current and enhance your professional portfolio. Save the date: April 9-10, 2026, for the MS-AND Annual Conference, “Seasons of Change: Cultivating the Future of Nutrition in Mississippi,” in Raymond, MS. This event provides another opportunity to earn continuing education hours.
I would like to conclude with a quote from the Academy President, Deanne Brandstetter: “Together, we are stronger. Together, we will lead boldly. And together, we are building a bright, inclusive future for nutrition and dietetics.”
Let’s continue leading the way to build a better future for our state and profession, together!
Warm Regards,
LaShaundrea Bradford, MS, RDN, LD
President, Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
2025-2026
Note: Additional pictures from FNCE can be viewed on MS-AND’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
🌸 MS-AND Nominating Committee News
The Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MS-AND) Nominating Committee is now accepting nominations for this year’s Outstanding Awards!
We’re seeking nominations for the following honors:
- Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year (RYDY)
- Recognized Dietetic Technician of the Year (RDTY)
- Emerging Dietetic Leader (EDL)
- Outstanding Dietitian of the Year (ODY)
- Outstanding Dietetics Student Award (ODSA)
- Magnolia Award
Help us celebrate excellence in our profession by recognizing the hard work and dedication of your colleagues! Deadline is February 20th 2026!
🌿 Coming Soon: We’ll also be seeking members to serve in key MS-AND Board positions, including:
- President-Elect
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Nominating Committee Members
- Delegates
Watch your email for details on how to submit nominations and get involved — your participation helps shape the future of our organization!
🌿 Save the Date!
2026 Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Annual Conference 🌿
April 9–10, 2026 | Eagle Ridge Resort and Conference Center, Raymond, MS
Mark your calendars for the 2026 MSAND Annual Conference—two inspiring days of learning, networking, and professional growth! Join dietitians, nutrition professionals, students, and industry partners from across Mississippi as we explore this year’s theme: “Seasons of Change: Cultivating the Future of Nutrition in Mississippi.”
This year’s event will be held at the beautiful Eagle Ridge Resort and Conference Center, offering comfortable onsite accommodations. To reserve your room, please call Eagle Ridge directly. If onsite rooms fill up, there are additional hotel options conveniently located in nearby Clinton.
Attendees can look forward to earning CEUs on both days, hearing from dynamic speakers, and engaging in meaningful conversations about the evolving landscape of nutrition and dietetics in our state.
We’re currently seeking speaker recommendations to make this year’s conference lineup as impactful and diverse as possible.
👉 Know someone who would make a great presenter? Please share speaker application form with them.
👉 Have a topic idea? Email us at infomsand@gmail.com — we’d love to hear your suggestions!
Speaker Submission Deadline: To allow time for prior CEU approval, all speaker submissions must be received by January 6, 2026.
To ensure the continued success of our annual conference, sponsorship support is vital.
If your business—or one you know—would like to sponsor MSAND, please share sponsorship form.
Your partnership helps us provide high-quality education, networking opportunities, and professional development for dietitians across Mississippi.
Stay tuned for regular updates regarding conference details, registration, and speakers at www.eatrightmississippi.org.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Eagle Ridge in April 2026 for a season of growth, inspiration, and connection!
Central Region Get-Together – December 2, 2025
Save the date for the Central Region MS-AND Social! Get together with Central Region area Dietitians, Dietetic Interns and Dietetic Students on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 5:30-7pm at Fertile Ground Beer Co. More details coming soon!
Register Today for the 4th Annual Virtual Nutrition & Dietetics State Advocacy Summit!
Join affiliate state policy leaders from across the country on Wednesday, November 12, from 1:00–2:30 p.m. Central Time for a strategic session in preparation for the 2026 legislative session. We’ll review updated position descriptions and expectations (full agenda to follow) with time for questions and feedback. If you serve on your affiliate’s Public Policy Panel—regardless of role—please plan to attend and encourage your full policy team to join.
Mississippi Kidney Foundation Fundraiser
The Mississippi Kidney Foundation is raising funds to help provide vital support for kidney patients across our state and to provide education on the prevention of kidney disease.
For every $10 donation, supporters will receive an entry into our donor appreciation giveaway for a chance to win some amazing thank-you prizes! For every $20 donation, supporters will receive 3 entries!
Donations can be made online at www.kidneyms.org, via Venmo
@MississippiKidneyFoundation (include your email in comment section) , or mail to:
MKF | PO Box 214 | Madison, MS 39130 (include name & email in envelope).
Last day to donate is Nov. 27th!