03/11/03

Media Advisory - Public Policy Workshop

FOR RELEASE
March 11, 2003

Media contacts:
Lori Ferme, Bridget McManamon, Tom Ryan, Doris Acosta
800/877-1600 ext. 4802, 4769, 4894, 4822
Ronald Smith
800/877-0877

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: American Dietetic Association's annual Public Policy Workshop

WHEN: March 18-20, 2003

WHERE: Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.

WHO: More than 300 dietetics professionals from all parts of the country, including top officials and member leaders of the American Dietetic Association, will attend ADA's annual member update on issues of national food and nutrition policy. With nearly 70,000 members, ADA is the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals.

Senators, members of Congress, Bush Administration officials and expert dietetics professionals will speak on developments in such important areas as obesity, child nutrition and the nutritional needs of the elderly.

Scheduled speakers include (all times Eastern):

Tuesday, March 18

  • 1 p.m.: Eric Bost, Undersecretary of Agriculture for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, speaking on the outlook for child nutrition reauthorization legislation and other issues facing USDA
  • 4 p.m.: U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona, speaking on the government's efforts to address the national epidemic of obesity

Wednesday, March 19

  • 9 a.m.: U.S. Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas), speaking on the outlook for obesity legislation in the new Congress
  • 12:15 p.m.: Dennis Williams, deputy administrator of the Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration, speaking on nutrition programs administered by HRSA
  • 12:30 p.m.: Presentation of ADA Public Policy Leadership Awards to U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) for their support of ADA's priority food, nutrition and health issues

Thursday, March 20

  • 8 a.m.: U.S. Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Aging, discussing nutritional needs of the elderly and long-term care

Note: Speakers and times are subject to change. For more information and a complete agenda, call the American Dietetic Association at 800/877-1600, ext. 4822, 4894, 4769 or 4802 (Chicago headquarters); or at 800/877-0877 (Washington, D.C., office). The American Dietetic Association serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. Visit ADA at www.eatright.org.

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