Welcome to the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation. The Foundation recently updated its mission and vision to further support our community.

Our Mission

The California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics contributes to optimizing the health and nutrition of the public by supporting Community Outreach, and Quality Dietetic Education, Research & Practice.

The Board of the California Academy Foundation is committed to supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Initiatives in our state. We are raising funds to increase scholarships for diverse populations, to engage in community activities that support access to healthy food options, education, and to bring our professional knowledge to ALL communities in California. 

CONGRATULATIONS! PAULINE SCHATZ MEMORIAL UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH GRANTEE

 California State University Fresno, Food and Nutrition Science

The Effect of Nutrition Education on Dietary Habits and Food Security for Students and their Families Enrolled in the Health Institute Program at Washington Union High School; A Service-Learning Approach

Investigators: Shabnam Pooya, PhD, (PI), Lisa Herzig, PhD, RDN, CDCES (Co-Investigator), Ashley Diaz (Student Project Leader), Kaitlynn Watson (Student Project Leader)

Abstract: Service learning, as a pedagogy of engagement, combines teaching and learning strategies that integrate meaningful community service. Several studies showed Service Learning results in greater and more meaningful learning experiences by offering real-world opportunities. This is especially true for lower-division courses as students are seeking different options for their future career(s). One form of Service Learning is students tutoring other students.

In the nutrition field, supervised nutrition education that focuses on the specific needs of the population and respects their cultural preferences and practices will enhance the probability of program success.

Food insecurity is an issue that many students and their families face on a daily basis. Washington Union high school (WUHS) Health Institute students and their families are a population that are at risk for food insecurity; thereby increasing the need for intensive nutrition education with a concentration on healthy and affordable food options, economical and logical food accessibility techniques, and simple cooking techniques with easy to prepare culturally focused recipes.

Healthy California Initiative

The California Academy Foundation of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation is launching a new initiative to support Californians. This is initiative aims to raise at least $20,000 to support activities that inspire healthier communities by supporting education campaigns, films, and California-based outreach. Our goal is to support projects that focus on marginalized communities, communities of color, and access to healthy food. Your donation will go to fund projects approved by the foundation board.

The foundation’s first Healthy California Initiative funds will support Mary Ann Beyster’s Film The Kitchenistas “a film about new beginnings and journeys of change through healthy food traditions. What started as a nutrition project in National City, CA for women seeking healthier diets to address a family crisis of obesity and diabetes, is a Latina-led movement to raise the health, wellbeing, and resilience of a community one healthy dish at a time.”  Mary Ann has partnered with PBS news stations to bring this film to target families and individuals impacted by health disparities in these neighborhoods and the intermediaries: RDNs, Public Health, Educators, and Doctors.  Help us reach our $20,000 end of year goal.

Donate by December 31, 2022 to aid in our expansion of the Healthy California Initiative.

To submit project ideas or questions, email us at CA_academy@dietitian.org

As the philanthropic arm of the CA Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (CA Academy), contributions made to the California Academy Foundation support:

• Healthy California Initiative
• Student and Professional Scholarships
• Grants for Community Outreach
• Operating Funds
• Other

Your contributions can be designated for a specific scholarship or award, or they may be directed to the general/operating fund.