April 28, 2020
To Our Fellow Academy Members:
In 2020, due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19, we face a worldwide challenge unlike any that we or our nutrition and dietetics predecessors have experienced. It’s an understatement to say that we are inspired and amazed at how Academy members have responded. With other health care heroes, registered dietitian nutritionists and food and nutrition professionals are on the front lines — providing for children and families; caring for the most vulnerable; developing innovative solutions for students and interns; informing the public; and so much more. We hope you will read our colleagues’ stories of life and work during the pandemic.
For more than 100 years, in times of war and peace, upheaval and tranquility, the Academy’s Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo™ annually has brought together thousands of nutrition and dietetics professionals from all areas of practice. Our meeting has served, in the words of the Academy’s first president Lulu Graves, as “an opportunity for the dietitians of the country to come together” — to learn; to exchange knowledge and best practices; to hear from the experts in our field; to network with our colleagues; to demonstrate the solidarity and dedication we all feel toward our clients, our patients, our communities and each other.
Due to safety concerns including restrictions on travel and the allowable size of groups, organizations — including the Academy and our affiliates, dietetic practice groups and member interest groups — have postponed, canceled, or transitioned their meetings this spring to online events. Naturally, there have been many questions about whether FNCE® 2020 will be held, and in what form.
We cannot know at this point if conditions in the fall will permit the Academy to hold our face-to-face meeting as usual, or if adjustments to the format will be needed. As of today, the Academy is making plans to hold FNCE® as scheduled, October 17 to 20 in Indianapolis. Registration and housing are scheduled to open June 16 as originally planned. Meanwhile, we are paying close attention to the recommendations of health and government authorities. Ensuring members’ safety will be the primary consideration in determining whether an in-person FNCE® is feasible. If a partial or entirely virtual conference is the safest option, you will be kept up to date on any and all developments.
Thank you again for all you have done for the public’s health during this emergency. We know that the admiration and respect for Academy members is greater than ever.
Terri J. Raymond, MA, RDN, CD, FAND
President 2019-2020
Linda T. Farr, RDN, CSOWM, LD, FAND
President-elect 2019-2020
