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Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day
Also known as
Registered Dietitian Day
Observed
on March 10th (2008)
the second Wednesday in March (since 2009)
Dates
Founded by
Member of
Tags
Food & Drink
Health & Wellness
Work & Career
Hashtags
Sources
https://web.archive.org/web/20221130164654/https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/national-nutrition-month/registered-dietitian-nutritionist-day
https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/awareness-campaigns/rdn-day
https://www.eatrightpro.org/about-us/for-media/press-releases/academy-celebrates-registered-dietitian-nutritionist-day-march-8
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day increases awareness about registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) "as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services," recognizes them for their commitment of helping people enjoy healthy lives, and commemorates their dedication "as advocates for advancing the nutrition status of Americans and people around the world." It takes place during National Nutrition Month, which like the day, was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Registered dietitian nutritionists are food and nutrition experts who are committed to improving the health of their patients, clients, and communities. They interpret the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living for those they work with and use their expertise in nutrition to help individuals make positive personalized lifestyle changes. They have degrees in nutrition, dietetics, public health, or adjacent fields from respected institutions, and they do their work in hospitals, public health clinics, nursing homes, schools, fitness centers, and other locations, and also work in private practice.
How to Observe Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day
Take part by recognizing the expertise and contributions of registered dietitian nutritionists. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests participating in the following ways:
- Ask the city mayor or state governor to declare "Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day!" See the National Nutrition Month campaign resources for a sample Proclamation Form.
- Create a banner to honor RDNs. Use the Academy's permission form to request a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day graphic. RDN Day posters are available for purchase in the National Nutrition Month catalog.
- Display photos and bios of the RDNs on the company bulletin board, including name, position, length of service, special credentials and alma maters. Note the combined number of years of nutritional expertise of your team.
- Highlight the contributions of RDNs in your employee or community newsletter.
- Give certificates of appreciation to RDNs. Some suggestions for certificate recognition:
- Innovative ideas for improvement of the clinical nutrition department
- Superb abilities in teaching nutrition to children and families
- Excellence in elevating nutritional care to the highest heights
- Purchase a registered dietitian nutritionist pin or other RDN gift for each staff RDN from the National Nutrition Month catalog.
- Encourage staff members to sign a "thank you" card or write individual notes of appreciation to the RDNs in your organization.
- Provide a free lunch or a restaurant gift card for RDNs.
- Gift ideas include:
- Use the National Nutrition Month catalog to choose from an assortment of Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day gifts.
- Flowers or potted plants with a note: "Please don't eat the flowers."
- Gift basket
- Goody bag with fruit, chocolates, and staff photo
- Chair massage
- Expressions of appreciation:
- Handwritten note from department head or vice president of human resources
- Announcement in community newspaper or company newsletter
- Make a tribute gift contribution to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation in the name of an RDN. Your friend, colleague, or loved one's family will be notified of your thoughtfulness through a personalized acknowledgment card.
- Develop a yearbook of staff RDN photos, including professional interest and advanced practice. Include a note about "Why I became an RDN."
- Local TV stations look for nutrition news. Let them know in February that "Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day" is approaching.
- Ask your company to offer a donation to the local food bank in honor of the staff RDNs.
- Encourage your local dietetic association to place an ad in the local paper to help promote the RDN as the nutrition expert.
- Don't let Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day go unnoticed in your workplace. If you are the only RDN, create a "Congratulations!" sign for yourself and place it on your desk — keep it up for a week. That should generate some appreciation from co-workers!