Faculty and staff from the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, and students in the Master of Science in Nutrition, dietetics concentration, program took a trip to Richmond, Virginia, to meet state legislators and participate in Nutrition Legislative Day with the Virginia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (VAND). Students spoke directly with the Chiefs of Staff for several members of the Virginia House of Delegates, offering novel insight as up-and-coming nutrition professionals.
Abby Suchoski, a dietetics student, and her cohort showcased the valuable perspectives of students in pioneering the intersection of nutrition science and health policy development. Suchoski explains the importance of advocacy by nutrition students and professionals in solving existing and evolving public health nutrition challenges.
What is the role of nutritionists in influencing health policy?
As nutrition experts, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and registered nutrition and dietetics technicians (NDTRs) have the knowledge and firsthand experience to influence public policy regarding nutrition. They serve as the bridge between clients and legislation, as they can bring insights from their careers to advocate for change.
What is the significance of students in advocating for policy and interacting directly with legislators?
By attending Legislative Day, I gained deeper insight into how much we can contribute to our communities, even at such an early stage in our paths to becoming dietitians. I initially thought the representatives, or their staff, would only want to talk with the leaders of our groups, but they were genuinely interested in learning more about us and why we believed the bills were important. Students bring fresh perspectives as emerging professionals eager to speak up and help create meaningful change. Meeting with policymakers in person and sharing experiences is not only a great way to make a lasting impression but also a valuable experience for us students.
What policy topic was being advocated for this year?
There were two bills VAND was highlighting. The first focused on the coverage and regulation of donor breast milk. This bill protects infants by requiring a license for anyone operating a donor milk bank, ensuring the milk’s safety and quality. The bill also seeks to provide coverage for donor milk for infants under six months of age, as donor milk can be expensive.
The second bill aimed to create a universal school breakfast program, as evidence shows that children learn and perform better when they aren’t hungry. This would also be a way to reduce the stigma associated with food support programs.
How has the College of Public Health MS dietetics program prepared you to advocate for public health nutrition policy?
The College's MS dietetics program has prepared me to advocate for public health and nutrition policy by providing me not only with the knowledge and skills needed to engage with legislators, but also with the confidence to do so.
For names of those pictured, see below.
George Mason’s Master of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics degree is accredited as a Future Education Model graduate program by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The program prepares students to address public health challenges involving nutrition and food science, nationally and globally. Graduates from the dietetic concentration program are taught to master the Nutrition Care Process to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy and leave eligible to sit for the RDN registration exam.
Each year, VAND invites its members, student interns, and students to meet Virginia state legislators, to advocate for legislation important to the profession. This is the 2nd annual visit to the Virginia legislature that George Mason faculty and students in the MS dietetic program attended. All 10 students in the third cohort of the MS program were in attendance and met with state legislators who represent George Mason University and where they reside. Students learned about public policy at the state and federal level which will have a direct impact on the health and well-being of the patients, clients, and citizens that they will serve as credentialed dietitians.
Photo names 2nd row, left to right:
Allison McKay, Department Manager Nutrition and Food Studies Department
SJ Brown, Student
Madison Banks, Student
Aria Bahadur, Student
Dr. Allison Miner, RDN, Assistant Professor, Dietetics MS Program
Photo names 1st row, left to right:
Dr. Sapna Batheja, RDN, Director Dietetics MS Program
Bri Schuh, Student
Abby Suchoski, Student
Mihar Rahonintsoa, Student
Donia Kerasi, Student
Hana Khan, Student
Nancy Villatoro, Student