(Alexandria, Va. – November 13, 2008) – Dr. Shelly Nickols-Richardson, AAFCS president and associate professor at The Pennsylvania State University’s Department of Nutritional Sciences, and Dr. Cheryl Achterberg, AAFCS member and dean and professor at The Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology, were recently appointed to serve on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. The 13 members of the Committee are prominent medical and scientific researchers from universities and institutions across America.
Selected for their expertise in dietary intake, human metabolism, behavioral change, and health, the new Committee will advise the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services on any nutritional and dietary revisions necessary to the existing Dietary Guidelines. Following their review of the scientific literature; listening to and receiving public comment; and deliberating in open forums, the Committee will prepare a report that will be submitted to the Secretaries and used in setting the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The Dietary Guidelines are based on the preponderance of scientific, medical, and related knowledge and inform both the general public and government policy makers on ways to improve the overall health of the American public through proper nutrition. As mandated by Congress, the Dietary Guidelines are reviewed for revision every five years. The administrative responsibility for supporting the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee alternates between Departments. The Department of Agriculture has the administrative lead for the 2010 revision; the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion is the agency within the Department that is leading the effort.
Dr. Nickols-Richardson’s expertise focuses on dietary and physical activity determinants of muscle strength and bone density, as well as dietary interventions for obesity and nutrition over the lifecycle from child nutrition to older adults. She served the Institute of Medicine as a consultant on The Essential Guide to Nutrient Requirements.
Dr. Achterberg's research has evaluated the impact of behavior on the dietary patterns of populations, including low-income and elderly Americans. She has served on panels for numerous groups, including the World Health Organization, the Institute of Medicine, and the United Nations as an expert in nutrition education and community interventions.
“Dr. Nickols-Richardson’s background in the science of nutrition and Dr. Achterberg’s work in the behavioral aspect of what people eat exemplify perfectly what’s at the core of the field of family and consumer sciences (FCS)—the integrative nature of addressing basic human needs,” said Carolyn W. Jackson, CFCS, executive director of the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). “Whether it’s in how we determine what food we eat, the money we spend, or the way we raise our children, we know that decisions are not made in a vacuum. And FCS professionals provide a systems approach to help people make everyday decisions that impact their quality of life.”
About AAFCS
Founded in 1909 as the American Home Economics Association, the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) is the only national not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization providing leadership and support to FCS students and professionals in multiple practice settings. FCS professionals help individuals, families, and communities make informed decisions about their well-being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life. AAFCS’ more than 6,000 members are elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educators, researchers, and administrators; Cooperative Extension educators; and other professionals in business and industry, not-for-profit organizations, and government. With national headquarters based in Alexandria, Va., AAFCS has 52 affiliates located across the United States and Puerto Rico.
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Gwynn Mason at 703-706-4600, ext. 4621 or gmason@aafcs.org.