Public Policy/ Nutrition Services Payment

Public Policy

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is committed to improving public health and advancing the dietetics profession through research, education, and advocacy.
Public policy (not to be confused with politics) is how we communicate our legislative recommendations to our elected officials.

Why It Matters

Understanding public policy empowers you to:

  • Support your community

  • Promote better public health outcomes

  • Strengthen and protect the profession of dietetics

How Government Works

Federal Level
Congress is made up of:

  • Senate: 2 members from each state

  • House of Representatives: Number of members varies by state population. Connecticut has 5 congressional districts.

State Level
Connecticut’s legislature, the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA), includes:

  • State House of Representatives: 151 members

  • State Senate: 36 members
    Each Connecticut resident is represented by 1 State Senator and 1 State Representative, all serving 2-year terms.

Get Involved

Becoming a policy advocate is easier than you think—and it makes a real impact.

Ways to Advocate

Sign Up for Action Alerts
Get notified when action is needed. Responding takes just a minute, but it helps push meaningful legislation forward.

Join the Academy’s Affinity Groups
Connect monthly with fellow members around shared interests—like Nutrition Security, Maternal and Child Health, or MNT Expansion.

Advocate Within Your Circle
You’re the expert! Talk about the importance of nutrition with peers, students, healthcare professionals, and your community.

Volunteer with the Public Policy Committee
This group meets monthly to:

  • Plan initiatives

  • Organize Legislative Day

  • Meet with congressional reps

  • Train student advocates

  • Provide legislative testimony

Interested? Email eatrightct@gmail.com.

Vote
Make your voice heard. Vote in every local, state, and federal election.

Tools & Resources

  • Find Your Legislators
    Learn who represents you and how to contact them.
  • State Legislative Tracking Map
    Track active state legislation tied to the Academy’s priorities.

Nutrition Services Payment

The CT Academy Nutrition Services Payment Committee helps members navigate reimbursement and coverage challenges.

How They Help

  • Answer local-level questions about coding, reimbursement, and payer policies

  • Assist in advancing member efforts with third-party payers

Have a question or want to join the committee? Email eatrightct@gmail.com

National Resources from the Academy

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