American Society for Nutrition publishes comprehensive summary of historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health

Rockville, MD – The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) today published a comprehensive summary of the landmark convening, titled “Driving Transformative Change to End Hunger and Reduce Diet-Related Diseases and Disparities: The White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health,” in its prestigious the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, convened on September 28, 2022, was an important milestone in addressing hunger and nutrition security in America.

“The White House Conference represented a transformative step in identifying solutions and mobilizing action to ambitiously end hunger and increase healthy eating and physical activity by 2030,” said ASN president Martha Belury, PhD, RDN, who provided perspectives during the development of the summary. “As evidenced at the Conference and in the Administration’s National Strategy, nutrition research will continue to play a pivotal role in understanding how we can effectively reduce diet-related disease and improve nutrition security in America. I applaud ASN for playing a central role in ensuring the Conference dialogue is continued.”

The Conference, as well as the Administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, outlined numerous insights and recommendations – building on President Biden’s call for bold, sustainable actions and innovative partnerships that engage a whole-of-society approach, with an emphasis on perspectives from those with lived experiences. In response, ASN has made commitments to build on many of the Conference and National Strategy’s five pillars:

• Improve food access and affordability;
• Integrate nutrition and health;
• Empower all consumers to make and have access to healthy choices;
• Support physical activity for all; and
• Enhance nutrition and food security research.

“With one of the strategic pillars devoted to the importance of enhanced nutrition research, and as the leading global professional organization for nutrition researchers, ASN is eager to help advance these recommendations, including increasing research funding and diversity in our field,” said ASN Chief Executive Officer, John Courtney, PhD. “Increasing scientific discovery, including greater emphasis on diversity that reflects those with lived experience, can help us effectively uncover evidence-based solutions to help ensure all Americans have access to affordable, nutritious meals every day.”

The published summary was authored by Sarah Ohlhorst, MS, RDN, ASN Chief Science Policy Officer; and ASN members and Nutrition On Demand partners, Tricia Psota, PhD, RDN; Shelley Maniscalco, MPH, RDN; and Michelle Kijek. In addition to Dr. Belury, ASN Board-At-Large Member Amanda MacFarlane, PhD, also reviewed the commentary. Team members from the Domestic Policy Council, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Department of Health and Human Services, as well as White House staff, provided input during its development as well.

About the American Society for Nutrition (ASN)
ASN is the preeminent professional organization for nutrition research scientists and clinicians around the world. Founded in 1928, the society brings together the top nutrition researchers, medical practitioners, policy makers and industry leaders to advance our knowledge and application of nutrition. ASN publishes four peer-reviewed journals and provides education and professional development opportunities to advance nutrition research, practice, and education. Since 2018, the American Society of Nutrition has presented NUTRITION, the leading global annual meeting for nutrition professionals.