SD3 - Final Report of the Program on Food and Nutrition
Executive Summary: The Program on Food and Nutrition was established by the General Assembly effective July 1, 1982 (S-274). Purposes were provided in the enacting legislation. The program terminated June 30, 1986. As outlined in the legislation, an Advisory Committee was established. The following representatives were appointed: Ms. Lisa K. Phillips (Virginia Dietetic Association), Ms. Doris Clements (State Department of Health), Ms. Elizabeth Crawford (Office on Aging), Mrs. Jean Goad (State Department of Education), Dr. James Haugh (private citizen); Ms. Susan Simpson (Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service), Ms. Betty Thompson (private citizen), and Dr. Munsey Wheby (University of Virginia Medical School). Dr. Ann Hertzler and Dr. S. J. Ritchey, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, serve in staff roles. The Advisory Committee met twice to provide a basis for the work. The Advisory Committee identified several important issues related to food and nutrition programs within the Commonwealth and to the nutritional health of the citizens. The following issues were considered important: identification of sources of reliable nutrition information, the incorporation of nutrition in the education of health professionals and certain educators, improved utilization of present resources, monitoring of present food programs, control of misinformation and quackery, improved use of currently collected data for evaluation of food and nutrition programs. Nutrition education and coordination of efforts by public and private agencies formed the central thrust of the issues. Increased attention to the issues has excellent potential for reducing the costs of medical and dental treatment of the population; for enhancing the health and well-being of most individuals, particularly those who have high-risk for poor health; and for achieving efficiencies in present efforts through a monitoring effort. Two resolutions were prepared as the outcome of the work of the program and with the support of the Advisory Committee. These resolutions were transmitted to the General Assembly (draft copies are attached). The resolutions were concerned with support for the nutrition efforts in the State Department of Health and for the inclusion of nutrition in the education of health professionals and certain educators. Recognizing that the proposed work of the Program cannot be achieved without support, the Advisory Committee submitted a request for minimum support (copy attached). Efforts to generate support for the program were not successful. The primary sponsor of the legislation, Senator Evelyn Hailey, did not continue in the General Assembly after session in which S-274 was passed. Senator Hailey and I met with Secretary of Human Resources, Dr. Joseph Fisher, and contacted members of the General Assembly in efforts to generate support. However, we were not successful in having the program budget included in the Governor's budget nor in having a member of the legislative body work for support of the program. This report concludes the work of the program unless the General Assembly acts to continue it. |
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