More than 450 members from all parts of the country took part in the Academy's 2011 Public Policy Workshop, February 6 to 8, in Washington, D.C. Members concluded PPW by visiting their Congressmen and Senators on Capitol Hill. For members who could not make it to the nation's capitol, district congressional visits will take place across the country in March.

Members are encouraged to contact their affiliate Public Policy Coordinator for more information on district visits.

PPW 2011 offered valuable professional development and educational opportunities for members to use as they continue the Academy's public policy outreach. Information and photos were posted during PPW to the Academy's Facebook page.

A highlight was a spirited debate on proposed food and beverage taxes between Michael F. Jacobson, PhD, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and Richard Williams, PhD, director of policy research at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. An audio recording of the debate will be available soon.

The Academy presented U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis (D.-Ill.) with the 2011 Public Policy Leadership Award for his support of food and nutrition-related legislation. The award was presented at a sold-out fundraising event for the Academy's Political Action Committee that was held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Academy member Toni Kuehneman, MS, RD, LMNT, received the 2011 Award for Grassroots Excellence for her public policy work with the Nebraska Dietetic Association.

Also at PPW, the Academy launched the new Congressional Quarterly State Track System, which allows members to keep current on state-level legislation and regulations.