Wylecia Wiggs Harris (starting July 1) The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is a multi-unit enterprise that includes a 501(c)(6) trade association in the United States.

[8] The group's primary activities include providing testimony at hearings, lobbying the United States Congress and other governmental bodies, commenting on proposed regulations, and publishing statements on various topics pertaining to food and nutrition.

[21] They can get involved in advocacy efforts by completing action alerts on various policy issues that address improving communities’ nutrition and health status in the U.S. and worldwide, as well as through grassroots resources aimed at advocating health and nutrition policy from their home states and an annual advocacy summit that offers an opportunity to speak directly with legislative staff and leaders in Washington, D.C.[22] The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the ADA Foundation launched their first joint initiative, Kids Eat Right, in November 2012.

This member-driven campaign is dedicated to supporting the efforts of the White House to end the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation.

"[26] On May 9, 2010, the Academy proclaimed "Registered Dietitian's Day" to honour the "indispensable providers of food and nutrition services and to recognise RD for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives.

[4]: 12 During fiscal year 2015, the organisation received $1.1 million in corporate sponsorship's from companies like General Mills, Coca-Cola and Pepsi Co via donations, joint initiatives, and programs.

[46] Both are educated nutrition professionals qualified to work in hospitals, academia and private practice, and differ mostly in the hours of training and level of college degree required.

[8] Members are granted these accredited titles by fulfilling the Academy's certification requirements, in addition to any state or local regulations.

[59] According to the AND's website, NDTRs are "educated and trained at the technical level of nutrition and dietetics practice", and must fulfill at least one the following minimum requirements:[59] NDTRs typically work alongside RDNs in settings such as hospitals, health care facilities, private practice, day care centres, correctional facilities, and weight loss centres.

"[63] In 2020, the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Promotion Award was given to Dr. Bruce D. Rengers, a white professor of nutrition at Metropolitan State University (MSU).

[49] The Academy's support of this legislation has generated strong opposition from alternative health practitioners and libertarian groups, who state that "highly restrictive bills could create a monopoly for one school of traditional nutrition thought" and that the primary intent of the bill is "not to protect the public, but to give clout and recognition to a single segment of dietitians, increasing their chances of obtaining reimbursement from insurance companies.

"[49][66] The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has been criticised for its connections to the pharmaceutical industry, including an inquiry from Senator Chuck Grassley.

[68][69] In 1982, the organisation faced mass resignations from members over a decision to support President Ronald Reagan's cuts in food stamps and school lunch programs.

[44] The decision was largely a political trade-off; the Reagan administration agreed to drop its proposal to deregulate nursing homes in exchange for the Academy's support of the school lunch and food stamp cuts.

[70] The Academy works with policy leaders at every level of government to promote health and reduce the burden of chronic disease through nutrition services and interventions.

It public policy priorities for 2024-2026 include:[71] A 1995 report, noted the Academy received funding from companies like McDonald's, PepsiCo, The Coca-Cola Company, Sara Lee, Abbott Nutrition, General Mills, Kellogg's, Mars, McNeil Nutritionals, SOYJOY, Truvia, Unilever, and The Sugar Association as corporate sponsorship.

[73] Additionally, the Academy earns revenue from corporations by selling space at its booth during conventions, doing this for soft drinks and candy makers.

[75] The resulting controversy highlighted the fact that Ms. Smith Edge, chairwoman of the committee charged with developing the GMO policy, is a senior vice president at the International Food Information Council, which is largely financed by food, beverage and agriculture businesses, including companies like DuPont, Bayer CropScience and Cargill, companies that were among the biggest financial opponents of a State of California GMO labeling initiative.

[74][77] The accusation is that despite what good may come of such programs, it ultimately whitewashes (similar to the greenwashing efforts of environmentally irresponsible companies) the brand's role in the country's food ecosystem.

Watchdogs note that the Academy rarely criticises food companies, believing it to be out of fear of "biting the hand that feeds them.

[83] The organisation also publishes nutrition facts sheets for the general public, which food companies pay $20,000 to take part in writing the documents.

For instance, in a Coca-Cola sponsored seminar for dietitians, the speaker promoted free sugars consumption for children as a healthy choice.

In 1984, the Academy (then called the ADA) commissioned a study on the health care of minorities and released the findings in its report, A New Look at the Profession of Dietetics.

Despite the Academy's awareness of the problem and statements of support, little progress has been made in diversifying the profession in the past 35 years, as evidenced by the continued under representation of all racial/ethnic minority groups in demographic data.