Celebrate the seventh annual Registered Dietitian Day on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 with recognition of the professional expertise and accomplishments of Registered Dietitians.

1. Ask the city mayor or state governor to declare March 12, 2014 "Registered Dietitian Day."
• How to Request a Proclamation From the Governor or Mayor
• Sample Proclamation Form
2. Create a banner to honor Registered Dietitians. The Registered Dietitian Day graphic may be requested by sending an e-mail to nnm@eatright.org.
3. Display photos and bios of the RD staff on the company bulletin board, including name, position, length of service, special credentials and alma maters. Note the combined number of years of nutritional expertise of your team.
4. Highlight the contributions of RDs in your employee or community newsletter.
5. Present certificates of appreciation to RDs at a special "thank you" lunch or a reception for all staff. Some suggestions:
• Innovative ideas for improvement of the clinical dietitian department
• Superb abilities in teaching nutrition to children and families
• Excellence in elevating nutritional care to the highest heights
6. Make the handout "Top Ten Reasons Why Consulting with a Registered Dietitian Can Benefit You" available to patients or clients.
• Download Handout
7. Purchase a Registered Dietitian pin or other RD gift for each staff RD from the National Nutrition Month® catalog.
8. Encourage staff members to sign a "thank you" card or write individual notes of appreciation to the RDs in your organization.
9. Provide a free lunch or a restaurant gift card for RDs on their day.
10. Here are some other ideas:
• From the NNM catalog: an assortment of Registered Dietitian Day gifts
• Flowers or potted plant with a note: "Please don't eat the flowers."
• Gift basket
• Goody bag with fruit, chocolates and staff photo
• Chair massage
11. Expressions of appreciation:
• Handwritten note from department head or Vice President of Human Resources
• Announcement in community newspaper or company newsletter
12. Make a tribute gift contribution to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation in the name of an RD. Your friend, colleague or loved one's family will be notified of your thoughtfulness through a personalized acknowledgement card.
• Contribute Now
13. Develop a yearbook of staff RD photos, including professional interest and advanced practice. Include a note about "Why I became an RD."
14. Local TV stations look for nutrition news. Let them know in early February that "Registered Dietitian Day" is approaching.
15. Ask your company to offer a donation to the local food bank in honor of the staff RDs.
16. Encourage your local dietetic association to place an ad in the local paper to help promote the RD as The Nutrition Expert.
17. Don't let RD Day go unnoticed in your workplace. If you are the only RD, create a "Congratulations!" sign for yourself and place it on your — keep it up for a week. That should generate some appreciation from co-workers!

Dietetic Technicians, Registered

Registered Dietitians are encouraged to include DTRs in their planned celebrations to recognize the valuable contributions of DTRs as part of the healthcare team.

Affiliate dietetic associations in states where DTRs work and live are also encouraged to make DTRs a part of their Registered Dietitian Day and National Nutrition Month celebrations.