Press Release
ADA to Host 2011 Public Policy Workshop
2011-01-17
Media Contacts: Ryan O'Malley, Allison MacMunn
800/877-1600, ext. 4769, 4802 media@eatright.org
WHAT: | American Dietetic Association’s 2011 Public Policy Workshop |
WHO: | With approximately 71,000 members nationwide, ADA is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. Five hundred American Dietetic Association members, primarily registered dietitians, from all parts of the country will attend. |
WHEN: | February 6-8, 2011 |
WHERE: | Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H Street N.W., Washington, D.C. |
WHY: | The nation’s food and nutrition experts will gather to address the hot topics that will affect legislation and policy in the upcoming year, including health-care reform, the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Older Americans Act, the upcoming Farm Bill and licensure of nutrition professionals. |
DETAILS: | The centerpiece of ADA’s 2011 Public Policy Workshop will be the “Food and Beverage Tax Debate: Point/Counterpoint,” at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, February 6. |
State and local governments have passed or are considering legislation to tax sweetened beverages and other snack items to reduce their consumption. Research conducted at the University of North Carolina indicates policies aimed at “altering the price of soda or ... pizza may be effective mechanisms to steer U.S. adults toward a more healthful diet and help reduce long-term weight gain or insulin levels over time.” A report by authors including the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a 1-cent-per-ounce tax on sweetened beverages would reduce consumption and be “the single most effective measure to reverse the obesity epidemic.” Food and beverage companies and associations say the government should not tax people’s food dollars to solve budget problems. There is also the question of how to decide which foods are taxable, who should do this and where the revenue should go.
Experts for and against beverage and food taxes will debate the issue, followed by questions from ADA members in attendance.
Other ADA Public Policy Workshop sessions will examine the impact of legislation and policy on the dietetics profession. Speakers will include members of Congress and policy experts.
MORE INFORMATION: E-mail media@eatright.org or call 800/877-1600, ext. 4769 or 4802.