2022 Gem Award

Iowa Academy Public Policy Team:

Lexie Stoneking, Susie Roberts, Tracey Sauke, Kristy Carr, Leah Reed and Caitlyn Pote

The Public Policy Team has made significant contributions to the profession of dietetics by supporting the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Iowa Academy. They have worked diligently to make Iowa dietitian voices heard by state legislators and to showcase the value that dietitians bring to the health of Iowans. They organized two virtual Advocacy Days to inform Iowa dietitians about legislative priorities and they created resources to help dietitians when meeting with their legislators. They met with state legislators personally and as representatives of the Iowa Academy and coordinated meetings with Senators Grassley and Ernst. Recently, members of the Public Policy Team and other Iowa Academy members met with key Iowa legislators to share the importance of maintaining dietetics licensure in Iowa.

In 2022, the Public Policy Team partnered with the IDEA team to help develop opportunities to enhance equity in the dietetic profession and among Iowa’s communities. They have identified food security as a priority to be addressed and advocated. During the Advocacy Days they provided attendees with policy-focused action steps to become advocates for underserved populations with low or no access to nutrition care.

As quoted by a letter of support, "they are helping to empower our members to be Iowa’s food and nutrition leaders,not only in hospitals, kitchens, and schools but also in policy, which impacts all other areas."

For more information about Iowa Academy awards, scholarships, and grants, please visit:

https://www.eatrightiowa.org/awardsscholarships

The Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Awards Committee is excited to highlight the 2022 Gem Award winner, Iowa Academy Public Policy Team!

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Purpose: To recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations who have made significant contributions to the profession of dietetics in Iowa.

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Number of possible awards: 3 (1 for each category – Individual, Business, and Organization)

Criteria for Selection:

• Significant contributions to the profession of dietetics by supporting the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

• Help members optimize the health of Iowans through food and nutrition.

• Assist with empowering members to be Iowa’s food and nutrition leaders.

• Promote ethics and research-based practice in the state of Iowa.

• Embrace change with creativity and strategic thinking.

• Not previously selected for this award.

• Preference is given to non-dietitians; however members of the Iowa Academy are eligible for this award.

Nominations may be submitted by members of the Iowa Academy.