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Our Vision

Empower members to be nutrition leaders through professional development and growth.

three women sitting around table using laptops

Our Mission

Nutrition professionals are the trusted resource for their expertise in transforming health and promoting well-being for the public.

Key Objectives of NJAND

Advocacy and Public Policy

NJAND works to promote and advocate for policies that improve nutrition and health in New Jersey. It supports legislation related to nutrition, health care, and wellness.

Professional Development

The organization offers resources and events for continued education, networking, and professional development for its members. This includes volunteer offerings, conferences, workshops, and seminars.

Public Awareness

NJAND works to increase public awareness of the important role of nutrition and dietetics professionals in promoting health and well-being. It provides resources and information to help educate the public on nutrition-related topics.

The association aims to ensure that New Jersey residents have access to credible, evidence-based nutrition and dietetics services through its community of trained professionals. Members include registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), dietetic technicians registered (DTRs), and allied health professionals working in various settings such as hospitals, schools, clinics, and private practice.

About the organization

New Jersey Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (NJAND) was founded on October 5, 1932 in New Brunswick, New Jersey and later became affiliated with the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AND) on October 4, 1933.

Timeline of the organization

1932

Alberta Dent was the first president of the New Jersey Dietetic Association (NJDA) with a total of 41 members.

1933

The first annual meeting was held at the New College for Women in New Brunswick, NJ.

1937

The first newsletter was printed. Throughout the years, it was called The Flyer (1956), Tidbits a la Carte (1960), NJDA Newsletter (1983), News & Views (1993). Today, there is the NJAND Weekly E-blast and Jersey Digest through a partnership with MultiView (2023).

1941

Sophia Morris was the first delegate to represent the state association at the House of Delegates.

1942

All members of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) residing in NJ automatically became members of the state association. This led to a large increase in membership from 56 to 200 members.

1950s- 60s

NJDA focused on four sections to address their members’ needs: Food Administration, Diet Therapy, Professional Education, and Community Nutrition.

1953

NJDA organized five local units: Newark Area, Middle New Jersey, Northeast New Jersey, Trenton Area, and South New Jersey. These were renamed the Northern, Metro, Central, Southern, and Western Districts. Today, three regions continue to plan educational programs for members to expand their knowledge.

1968

Governor Richard J. Hughes proclaimed the first Nutrition Month in New Jersey. The first National Nutrition Week was launched in 1973. Articles on nutrition written by NJDA representatives were published in newspapers, and members tabled at malls to disseminate nutrition information.

1968

Membership chairs Sandra Grenci and Diane Barravecchio, with the assistance of Francine Grenci (an aspiring artist), created a new state logo.

1969

The registered dietitian (RD) credential was first granted to the 19,000 active members of the ADA. The first national RD examination was given in 1970.

1970

NJDA became incorporated under President Caroline Addison.

1980

The first ADA-established dietetic internship was at Perth Amboy General Hospital. Dorothy Addario was the internship director and also served the NJDA as its 49th president. Winifred Collins developed the Dietetic Technology Program at Middlesex County College and served as the founding director.

1994

The board of directors of the ADA Foundation voted to establish a scholarship fund in Carolyn Sebastianelli’s name. Carolyn was an active member of the Academy at the state, regional, and national levels. Her contributions included mentoring students and dietitians. Through her efforts and encouragement, many NJAND members became leaders in the profession.

1997

For the first time, NJDA combined efforts with the NJ Hospital Association to host the Healthcare Congress at the 65th Annual Meeting. This exciting new forum offered attendees a wide array of topics, exhibitors, and opportunities to network with hospital administrators, dietitians, and allied health professionals.

2008

The first National Registered Dietitian Day was celebrated. Members partnered with the Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC). The program champions healthy and active living to improve the overall health of communities throughout NJ.

2009

A proclamation supporting National Nutrition Month (NNM) was obtained from the Governor, as well as from 10 mayors of NJ municipalities. A joint legislative resolution from the Senate and General Assembly supporting NNM was also obtained. This practice continues today.

2012

The American Dietetic Association changed its name to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

2016

A new state logo was unveiled to reflect the name change to the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NJAND). In 2022, the logo was updated again.

2020

Governor Murphy signed into law the Dietetics & Nutrition Licensing Act with support from Denise, Rosemary, and membership. The Dietitians on the NJ Licensure Board for Dietetics and Nutrition are Julie O’Sullivan Maillet, Felicia Stoler, and Christina Freski.

2023

The first Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, Registered (NDTR) Day was celebrated to honor the contributions and experience of NDTRs.

2024

NJ is home to 5 Dietetic Internship Programs, 1 Coordinated Program in Dietetics, 1 Future Education Model Graduate Program, 1 Dietetic Technician Program, and 3 Didactic Programs in Dietetics.