In the mid-eighties an organization analyst told the leadership of the Society for Nu­trition Education that the likelihood of SNE surviving was very slim; less than 25 percent, I believe we were told. The So­ciety was deep in debt, membership was dropping and the possibility of reversing

Some say that gridlock has not left Wash­ington, despite the election of a new presi­dent. President Clinton is working hard to get his proposals for economic improve­ment passed by Congress. Although the program details have changed, he has, as promised, tackled the tough issues. Health care reform, which may be the largest and toughest issue President Clinton confronts during his term, is awaiting evaluation, modification, negotiation and application. The nutrition <;ommunity has worked at maintaining and incorporating nutrition into all avenues of health care. SNE is specifically working to preserve commu­nity nutrition education, monitoring and surveillance, and training through the re­form efforts.

Reduction in health care costs was the thrust of the health care reform efforts. The obvious cost savings in health promotion and disease prevention make them a prior-

FROM SNE

President's Message

our downward spiral seemed remote. The following five years were more difficult than most of us wish to recall.

In retrospect, it seems that our unin­tentional resistance to change was the ma­jor factor that almost caused the demise of the organization. Having grown fond of the tried-and-true practices that had served us so well in the past, it was difficult for us to visualize a different set of goals and to establish a new direction for SNE. It was difficult for us to become sensitive to the need for change.

Today, we still have major financial difficulties, and it is imperative that we increase our membership in order to thrive. However, the prospects for survival appear to be somewhat brighter than they were several years ago. Many dedicated and visionary individuals are to be com­mended for setting a new direction for SNE. Perhaps the single most important step taken by SNE during the past several years to assure organizational survival was the development and continued refine­ment of a dynamic strategic plan for the

Public Policy Column

ity. Nutrition services are gaining support among policymakers as a vital component of this revolutionary reform. However, a "new and improved" link between food production, nutrition, and health is neces­sary to enhance the health of Americans. Nutrition educators face many oppor­tunities and challenges to develop and strengthen this link. SNE is leading in many of these projects.

Nutrition Education Research

The House Agriculture Committee began the process of linking food production, nutrition, and health, and sponsored the Review of Nutrition Research and Edu­cation hearing. SNE testified before the Committee regarding nutrition education research. Jennifer Anderson, Ph.D., R.D. shared with the committee members cur­rent nutrition education research, its effec-

225

organization. Testing every proposed or­ganizational action against that strategic plan assures that we stay focused on the mission and vision of the Society, while allowing us diversity in addressing specific Issues.

During the annual meeting last July, the Strategic Planning Committee brought to­gether a large group of SNE leaders and members to review and test the mission and vision of our professional society. Through a structured process we reaf­firmed our commitment to the Society for Nutrition Education's mission of serving as the premier association linking nutri­tion, food and education. We also renewed our commitment to be sensitive to the rapidly changing societal factors that influ­ence the way we carry out this mission. This type of internal review and commit­ment will serve us well as we move forward to accomplish the many tasks ahead.

Guendoline Brown, Ph.D. SNE President, 1993-1994

tiveness, its barriers, and its future. The committee was requesting an update on current effective nutrition education pro­grams, especially among at risk popula­tions. They asked for recommendations that would improve the coordination of interagency research, strengthen nutrition education in medical school curriculums, and identify the priority issues in nutrition research and education.

Food Labeling Education

Improved dietary habits are the success measure of the new food labels. A massive educational effort by government, private industry, and pubic nonprofit organiza­tions is crucial in changing dietary behav­ior. FDA Commissioner Dr. David Kessler identified this public health landmark as the most important thing in which the FDA has been involved. During his

226 FROM SNE

remarks at the National Exchange for Food Labeling Education, Commissioner Kessler emphasized two points: 1) May 1994 is the implementation date, and 2) the label is a tool for reaching the goal of improved health for Americans.

The conference identified several re­sources that will help develop effective food labeling educational material. The Food Labeling Education Information Center is available to encourage and sup­port the exchange of information about the public education campaign for the new food label. The cornerstone of the Center is a database of diverse activities and mat­erials relevant to food labeling education.

Hunger Forum

There was new vitality and energy among the respected group of hunger experts at the National Hunger Forum. The goal was the same as it was nearly 25 years ago at the 1969 White House Conference on Nutri­tion: to help develop a blueprint to end hunger in the nation. Secretary of Agricul­ture Mike Espy asked the private sector to join the government in fighting hunger through, among other things, economic development, health care, and nutrition education. With the new energy at USDA, food assistance and health will link up in an unprecedented way. School lunch will be changing to reflect dietary recommen­dations. Nutrition education will be an integral part of food assistance, and self­sufficiency among disenfranchised popula­tions will be promoted. The Society is working closely with Ellen Haas, Assistant Secretary of Food and Consumer Services,

on the appropriate role for SNE to advance USDA's agenda. There was an SNE mem­ber on each of the four panels of the Forum.

Surgeon General's Report

Due to the longstanding efforts of SNE members in promoting a healthier diet for all Americans, the Society was involved in the process to require a regular report on nutrition and health. In addition to writing a letter to Secretary Donna Shalala request­ing the Surgeon General of the United States to examine several issues relating to the nutritional health of our children, Congressman Wyden has introduced leg­islation that will require the Surgeon Gen­eral to prepare a regular report on the relationship between nutrition and health. SNE's Board has approved and is support­ing efforts that would require the United States Surgeon General to produce such a report.

In its recommendations on the draft bill, the Society focused on two issues that encourage the development of a functional document. First, the Surgeon General's report must be useful to practitioners and policy makers. Allowing adequate time for the development, review and approval of each report is required. Including policy recommendations and examples of inno­vative effective programs meets the needs of nutrition, education and health practi­tioners and researchers, and policymakers. Second, the release of a nutrition and health report must be in coordination with other health and nutrition-related reports. This effort keeps the nation focused on

nutrition issues during the health care re­form process.

Health Care Reform

The Position Statement on Nutrition Services in Health Care Reform has been made widely available to SNE members. Since its mass distribution, the Society asked several organizations to join the coalition by endorsing the Position State­ment. Recognizing the diet-disease rela­tionship in cancer and heart disease, The American Cancer Society, the American Institute for Cancer Research, and the American Heart Association signed on to the statement. Other health-oriented, consumer advocacy, and anti-hunger or­ganizations who signed on include Ameri­can Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Federation of America, Food Research and Action Center, National Consumers League, Public Voice, and United Church of Christ. Use of this powerful, unified position on the need for nutrition services in quality health care is encouraged at the local, state and regional levels.

Nancy Chapman, R.D., M .P.H. SNE Public Policy Director

Karen Probert, M.S., R.D. SNE Public Policy Coordinator

1723 U Street, N. W. Washington, DC 20009

Tel. (202) 659-1858 Fax (202) 387-5553