In House Joint Resolution No. 306, the General Assembly "encourages" the Secretary of Human Resources to create an Interdepartmental Council on Food and Nutrition. The Resolution was passed on February 2, 1981. On July 22, 7981, the Honorable Jean L. Harris, M.D., Secretary of Human Resources, requested appointees to the Council from six Virginia State agencies and departments, four Virginia universities and one private organization. Simultaneously, Secretary Harris contracted through the Faculty Executive Exchange Program a registered dietitian to serve as staff person to the Council. The newly-formed Council held its first meeting on September 3, 1981. Initial members of the Interdepartmental Council on Food and Nutrition and the organizations, institutions, or agencies they represent are as follows:

William F. Bedwell
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Phyllis Bowen, Ph.D., R.D.
Chairman
Virginia Dietetic Association

Sharon T. Carter
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Doris Clements, R.D.
Virginia Department of Health

Elizabeth Crawford
Virginia Office on Aging

Ann A. Hertzler, Ph.D., R.D.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

John F. Miller
Department of Education

William W. Miller, M.D.
Virginia Commonwealth University

J. Rainer Poley, M.D.
Eastern Virginia Medical Authority

Margaret Smith
Virginia Department of Welfare

David P. Beuhler
Virginia Division for Children

Munsey S, Wheby, M.D.
University of Virginia

Mary Gitschier McCarthy, R.D.
Staff

The Council has worked diligently during the past three months to consider the need for a Council and to formulate a plan for its organization, budget, and operation as mandated by the General Assembly.

The report which follows outlines the necessity and purpose of a Council on Food and Nutrition in the State of Virginia, the long-term objectives of the Council, and its Program of Action for 1982. Also included in this report are the organizational and budgetary requirements for maintaining the Council. Finally, the report lists the recommendations which need immediate action if a Council is to continue to serve the State.