Foundation Blog Posts

Nicolas Puente Dietetics in Health Care Communities Dietetic Practice Group Board Scholarship Didactic Program in Dietetics at Purdue University “The Foundation Scholarship will allow me to continue my education in nutrition and allow me to pursue my dream of creating a healthier and happier world. It will allow me to focus on my studies without worrying about whether I can afford my tuition and will allow me the freedom to obtain an education in the field of nutrition through Purdue University.” How did you learn about the availability of the Foundation scholarship that you received? I first heard about the Foundation Scholarship ...
Jordan Michelle Callahan Texas Association of Local WIC Directors Scholarship Completing a Dietetic Technician Program at Tarrant County College “The Academy Foundation Scholarship Program has given me the ability to pursue a career in dietetics. The ability not just to attend classes, but to find the time to complete volunteer and research projects, as well as give my all at an internship. Financial assistance is truly the most important thing for any student, as this assistance provides the freedom to focus and learn. All of my future accomplishments will be possible by the opportunity the Foundation has given me today. Thank you.” ...
Christina Huynh Commission on Dietetic Registration Diversity Scholarship Completing a Future Education Model Graduate Program at The University of the Pacific “I am grateful for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation's support on my journey to become a Registered Dietitian. Receiving this scholarship is a direct validation of my presence as a first-generation, Asian-American student in the field of dietetics. This scholarship provides the financial means and allows me to be one step closer to delivering culturally-responsive care to my community!” How did you learn about the availability of the Foundation scholarship that ...
Erika R. Anna, MS, RDN, CD Commission on Dietetic Registration Doctoral Scholarship Completing a Doctoral Program at University of Wisconsin-Madison “Thank you for this honor. I am humbled and grateful to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation for selecting me as a recipient of the 2023 Commission on Dietetic Registration Doctoral Scholarship. My deepest gratitude to the Foundation and the CDR for recognizing my work and accomplishments and supporting the advancement of my education. I am committed to the elevation of the field of nutrition and dietetics, as well as mentoring and empowering future RDNs through their own growth and development.” ...
Chelsea Navarro Foundation General Scholarship Completing a Didactic Program in Dietetics at Kansas State University “The support of the scholarship from the Foundation will help me achieve my goal of becoming a registered dietitian and allow me to help those with metabolic disorders. The aid I receive will help me fund my education by paying for my tuition, lab kits, books, and school supplies. It will alleviate financial stress, thus giving me more capacity to focus on my studies and volunteer opportunities such as Meals on Wheels. The investment of the Foundation will fuel my drive to graduate with honors and move on to a master’s degree and ...

January 2025 Monthly Message

Happy New Year! As we kick off the new year, I have been taking a moment to reflect on the incredible impact that the Foundation had in 2024: we provided over $1.7 million in funding to 390 individuals and projects in 2024. From scholarships and awards to research grants and education, I am in awe of everything that was accomplished and grateful for each and every one of you who donated your time, funds, expertise, and enthusiasm to advance our profession and lift up dietetic students and fellow practitioners. As we set 2025 goals and resolutions, I wanted to share just a few inspirational highlights from last year : The Foundation funded $818,650 ...
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation (the Foundation) has had an amazing year resulting in huge investments in the future of nutrition and dietetics. The Foundation is the only non-profit dedicated exclusively to supporting nutrition and dietetics students and professionals by empowering them to help consumers live healthier lives. Through scholarships, research grants, disaster relief funding, and awards, the Foundation has supported hundreds of students and practitioners across the country. Here are some highlights of the work of the Foundation in 2024: Scholarships : A cornerstone of the Foundation’s work, educational scholarships allow ...
2024 was a banner year for Academy Foundation-funded research! Research funded by the Academy Foundation in partnership with dietetic practice groups (DPGs) and other funding sources resulted in expanded practice guidelines and recommendations in a variety of areas of practice. Published papers and guidelines included malnutrition, hypertension, food as medicine, the impact of vegetarian nutrition on diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the role of the RDN in obesity management, and research communications and dissemination. This research is supporting the role of the RDN, improving clinical practice, and benefiting patients and clients through better outcomes ...

December 2024 Monthly Message

Foundation Awards and Grant Applications are Now Open! Our Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2025 Awards and Research Grants . Over 30 applications are available, presenting opportunities for Academy members, credentialed practitioners, and students to apply for Foundation funding. Individual recognition, continuing education, program development, and international awards, as well as research grants are available. All applications are accessible within the Foundation’s application portal and have a deadline of February 24, 2025, at 5:00 pm (Central Time) . APPLY HERE "This recognition ...
Demetrices Robinson, MS, USAW L1, PN2 Foundation General Scholarship Completing a Didactic Program in Dietetics at Texas Woman's University “Receiving this scholarship helps me spend more time in the nutrition world studying my materials from class. Living in the materials helps me to develop a full understanding of how to ask better questions with towards problems. Better questions create the skills I need to problem solve at an effective high level with clients/patients. Nothing beats getting the tough questions answered right the first time. Receiving this scholarship will not only help me, but the all the people I get to work with in the ...
Lellieth Latchman, MS, RDN, CDCES Commission on Dietetic Registration Doctoral Scholarship Completing a Doctoral Program at University of Bridgeport “This scholarship is a blessing for me. I could only afford to take one class per semester when I started this past Summer. Now, I can increase the credits for the coming Semester. This scholarship also helps me to focus on my doctoral program instead of working extra hours to make up the funds I have to put aside for class and everyday expenses. Now, I am able to focus more on going in depth in my classes to learn how to prepare myself to assist and serve my community at large. Already, I am learning ...
Stacey Williamson National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics and Nutrition Scholarship Completing a Dietetic Internship at Be Well Solutions “Receiving the scholarship from the Foundation is a transformative milestone on my journey to becoming a registered dietitian. With this support, I can continue my education and gain the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact on underserved communities. This scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens but also provides me with the confidence and resources to pursue a doctoral program and research opportunities, enabling me to contribute to research-driven solutions for health disparities ...
Regina Smalls BA, BS Jessie C. Obert Memorial Scholarship Completing a Future Education Model Graduate Program at Sodexo-University of Rhode Island “The Foundation scholarship provides a way for those continuing their education to find and obtain funding. While many other foundations provide funding for undergraduate students, the Foundation has been very thoughtful in providing resources for graduate students and for that I am grateful. Receiving this scholarship has relieved some of the burden of the cost of continuing education as I continue toward the path of becoming a Registered Dietitian. The dietetics program is a costly process and receiving ...

November 2024 Monthly Message

Time For Giving Thanks! November is a time to connect with family and friends and to practice gratitude. I am looking forward to gathering with loved ones this month to share laughter, memories and joy. During this month of grateful reflection, I also want to thank our colleagues and fellow Academy members who work tirelessly for our profession and our Foundation. We share a passion for the future of our profession and know our Foundation is the catalyst for building a brighter future for all of us. This month, as I think about the way our Foundation unites and supports the future of nutrition and dietetics practice, through scholarships, research grants, ...

October 2024 Monthly Message

FNCE® Was a Huge Success – Thank You! I want to thank everyone who helped make FNCE® a huge success. I enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues face-to-face and represent our Foundation. The energy in the Minneapolis Convention Center was electric and a great opportunity to network, share ideas and celebrate our profession. I would like to also thank everyone who interacted with our Foundation throughout the five days. Whether you stopped by our booth and made a donation to our Make It a Million Scholarship Campaign, participated in our Anytime 5k, bid on a silent auction item or supported our 12 Twin Cities Marathon Charity Bib runners, ...
Academy Member and Foundation Donor, Mary Abbott Hess, LHD, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, Crafts & Sells Handmade and Vintage Jewelry for the Benefit of our Foundation As a past FNCE customer, we invite you to visit MaryMade Jewelry to celebrate FNCE® and shop from Tuesday, October 1 st , thru Thursday, October 10 th , for an array of handcrafted earrings, bracelets and necklaces, many with food related themes as well as beautiful, vintage jewelry. All orders include free shipping and proceeds benefit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation ! Mary will also be displaying and selling a number of her items onsite in the Foundation booth at FNCE®, ...
In 2020, I was honored to receive the Colonel Filomena Manor Memorial Scholarship from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation during my Master of Science dietetic internship at the University of Central Arkansas. This scholarship encouraged me to delve deeper into the diverse opportunities within the dietetics field. It reinforced my commitment to using my nutrition education to create meaningful, lasting change in the lives of others. Being awarded this scholarship reaffirmed my belief in my potential to achieve my goals and contribute to the profession. Giving back to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation is very important to me. The ...

September 2024 Monthly Message

Our Foundation is holding the inaugural Foundation Give Day ( #FNDGiveDay ) on Thursday, September 19 . A one-day event for RDNs, students, and dietetic interns to support the one Foundation dedicated to our profession. All donations will support our Make It a Million Scholarship Campaign and help to build the next generation of food and nutrition professionals. Our goal is to raise $25,000 for this effort on September 19. We are asking all Academy members to help us reach our goal. THREE WAYS YOU CAN HELP! Give : on September 19 and join your fellow Academy members who will come together that day to support our profession with big and small gifts. ...
The Academy Foundation congratulates Academy member, Reagan Street, MS, RD, LD , for submitting the Foundation Anytime 5k winning T-Shirt design. “My inspiration for the design was initially the city skyline of the Twin Cities. I wanted it to be the focal point of the design; it’s a skyline that people recognize once they’ve been in Minneapolis. Drawing from other 5K race designs, I aimed to boldly incorporate the phrase “We run dietetics,” reflecting the spirit of the event. Additionally, I included a subtle yet significant element—a leaf within the “i” of the word “foundation”—to symbolize nutrition. The goal was to create a design that not only highlights ...
Help us choose our 2024 Foundation Anytime 5k T-Shirt design! Over the last few weeks, Academy members have submitted their designs, and a volunteer committee has selected the top three. Now it’s your turn to vote. Please use the link below to select your favorite design. Vote by Friday, August 23, 2024 at 5 p.m. CT. Click on the option # below to learn about the designers. Option #1 Click to Read Bio Designer: Andrea Mathis, MA, RDN, LD Andrea is a Media Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, with a focus on body-inclusive nutrition, and founder of Beautiful Eats & Things, LLC, a popular food & lifestyle blog that provides ...