The 91st Annual Conference of the NJAND is in the rearview mirror. From all indications, it was a success. And much of that success can be attributed to the Chair of our Annual Meeting Committee, Caitlyn Mitchell, who took on this role to fulfill the desire to pay it forward to a profession that has been a true fit for her in many ways.
Very often in life moments of opportunity come shrouded as adversity. One such for Pinkin Panchal was the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis that her dad received when she was 15 years old. “The importance of nutrition and its impact to the treatment of GI conditions led me to the field of nutrition,” said Pinkin.
Are you getting enough calcium? National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month brings attention to osteoporosis — a condition characterized by weak, porous bones — and provides an opportunity to learn more and educate others about this condition that primarily affects older adults. Known as a “silent disease,” the first indication of osteoporosis often is when a bone breaks.
It is said that “sometimes in life, a sudden situation or a moment in time, alters your whole life and forever changes the road ahead.” Such is the story of young RDN Alyssa Smolen who chose this field as a way to pay it forward after prevailing in a battle with an eating disorder. “I unfortunately, like a lot of dietetics students, found this career through an eating disorder. Following my recovery, I became really passionate about proper nutrition and properly fueling the body. I feel strongly about educating others on the importance of nutrition and myth busting common nutrition misconceptions. I don’t want people to make the same mistakes I made.”
Every March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages the celebration of National Nutrition Month. Every year, a unique theme is adopted. The ultimate goal is to invite and encourage everyone to learn more about developing healthy habits and making informed food choices. The theme for the 2024 National Nutrition Month campaign is “Beyond the Table.” This emphasizes sustainability efforts, addresses the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition, and showcases the expertise of Registered Dietitian-Nutritionists (RDNs) and Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered (NDTRs).
February is Black History Month, established in 1926 by Black historian Carter G. Woodson to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and recognize their central role in U.S. history. In addition to learning about Black registered dietitian nutritionists’ contributions to the nutrition and dietetics profession — such as Joncier Greene, MS, RD; Solona C. McDonald, RD; Lenora Moragne, PhD, MS, RD; and Sarah Wilder, PhD, RD.
It is said that “sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing more good.” And for Chesha Hodge, the freshly minted Sustainable Food Systems Program Manager with the City of Newark, the “good” is helping to establish sustainable food systems and nutritional practices in a city she has been serving in many capacities for over a decade.
This is National Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week. And so, we invite you to help us celebrate the work of Elizabeth Goldstein, RDN, who specializes in using medical nutrition therapy to treat these conditions. She is also actively helping the AND to establish a GI specialist credential.
There are so many things to look forward to this time of year: holiday movie marathons, winter sports, spending time with loved ones and other festivities. It is essentially a season of celebration. And with each celebration, there are also so many foods we look forward to—maybe foods we only get to have once a year. So, imagine the devastation you may feel if you were told you could no longer enjoy your favorite holiday dish. For people living with celiac disease or other medically necessary dietary restrictions, this disappointment is unfortunately all too common. In fact, foods easily become the centerpiece at the table (no pun intended) and mealtimes may be more stressful than they are pleasurable.
November is quite a busy month! Some of us see it as the perfect time to slow down and embrace the chilly fall mornings, vibrant foliage, and earlier nights. Others see it as the start of another holiday season and feverishly begin their preparations.
The New Jersey Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics is the state’s leading professional organization for registered dietitian nutritionists, nutrition professionals, and students, representing over 1,500 members across the state.
© 2026 New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
