VAND

dietitians take Richmond for 2016 Legislative Day

Diana Gulotta, UVA Health System Dietetic Intern


These days, Virginia is looking just a little bit healthier, in part thanks to the work of
many Virginia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (VAND) members. On Wednesday, February
24, over 100 members braved the windy and rainy weather to travel to Richmond for
Legislative Day, where they spent time making their voices heard to state legislators. Although
numerous people such as Angie Hasemann, Andrew Lamar, Lesley McPhatter, Amy ScottMacLean, Kelsey Guth, Faye Krause, Alex Wahlbert, District Legislative Representatives, and
other passionate nutrition professionals work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure dietitians
are well-represented by the law and to advocate for public policy aligning with the priorities of
RDs, Legislative Day gives RDs a chance to discuss such things with state senators and
delegates.

Attendees gathered at the Virginia State Capitol in the morning to hear from Senator
William Stanley, Jr. of the 20th District. Representing a largely rural portion of Virginia, Senator
Stanley discussed the important role dietitians play in raising awareness about issues such as
food insecurity and access to healthcare. He mentioned that one third of his constituents are at
or below the poverty level, making it nearly impossible for them to feed and clothe themselves,
let alone worry about consuming a balanced diet. Senator Stanleys take home message was
that we as dietitians must fight for policies we believe in, not only on Legislative Day, but 365
days a year.

The rest of the morning was packed with personal visits to various state legislators.
VAND members aimed to inform legislators about VANDs mission and goals, educate them
about the role of dietitians in the community, and make them aware of bills that VAND is
following. BRAND members, in specific, were able to sit down with roughly 20 state legislators
throughout the day. Many legislators were extremely engaged, discussing the bills with VAND
members and explaining their stance on the issues.

After wrapping up legislator visits, members got the opportunity to attend either the
Senate or the House Gallery Shout-Outs to be recognized. For the House, Delegate Eileen FillerCorn of the 41st District spoke on VANDs behalf, thanking members for traveling to Richmond.
At Senate Shout-Outs, Senator Stanley performed this duty. During Shout-Outs, VAND members
were in awe of the organized chaos they observed as various issues were discussed on the
floor; at this time, many of the legislators were even scarfing down their lunches!

Around 1:00 p.m., members retreated to the Hilton hotel down the street for lunch and
a talk by Heidi Hertz, the Obesity Prevention Coordinator of the Virginia Foundation for Healthy
Youth (VFY). Although not directly involved in public policy, VFY is committed to creating
effective campaigns to promote a healthier Virginia. To do so, VFY conducts extensive data
analysis on various health-related issues, the results of which legislators are very interested in.
For example, the new Breakfast After the Bell funding for school breakfast was born of a VFY
study showing that many children do not eat breakfast because they dont have the time or
access to it. Ms. Hertz emphasized that any partnerships we can make as dietitians will help our
message spread further.