ADA and NCDA members have advocated for the following with the 2007 Farm Bill:

National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The creation of a National Institute of Food and Agriculture for research vital to our future.

Dietary Guidelines                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Dietary Guidelines issued every 10 years instead of every five years. These tools can become more valuable to consumers by allowing for more comprehensive research and education between revisions.

USDA Food Assistance Programs                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Support improvements to USDA food assistance programs to serve those in need. Help beneficiaries use food stamps consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans through incentives and education.

Your involvement already has advanced food, nutrition and health in tangible ways. Lawmakers responded when you asked for new nutrition programs and services in the Older Americans Act. The new version of the law was signed by President Bush in October 2006. Now, thousands of communities are in the process of implementing it, and your involvement in your communities can transform new possibilities in local, working realities.

Your voices combined to convince Congress that Ryan White CARE Act provisions should place new emphasis on food and nutrition, and to put Medical Nutrition Therapy into the category of core medical services offered. Local decision makers how must decide which services they will seek federal grants for within their RWCA programs. ADA members will have to lobby for MNT’s inclusion in those grant applications.

Your becoming a champion for nutrition is just one of many ways to effectively advance nutrition care and services. Being an advocate is just one of the most important.