Food Directions

At Food Directions, we recognize the unique value Registered Dietitian Nutritionists bring to the table when it comes to food and nutrition policy — shaping key roles in government, the food industry, and within public health organizations. Today, we’re proud to celebrate our very own Food Directions RDNs and all RDNs making a difference on this #RDNDay! Allison (Allie) Graham MS, RDN, Alison (Ali) Webster, MS, RD, Maggie Sommers Gentile, MS, RD, LD #NationalNutritionMonth #Dietitians #FoodPolicy

Confirmation hearings for key positions across federal health agencies are already underway! Last week, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee held nomination hearings to consider Dr. Marty Makary for FDA Commissioner and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya for NIH Director. If confirmed, both will play key roles in advancing the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) agenda and join HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on the newly formed MAHA Commission. During these hearings, Dr. Makary outlined his priorities for the FDA, including his commitment to reviewing food chemicals, conducting an independent assessment of FDA?personnel, and upholding a 'gold standard' of science. Meanwhile, Dr. Bhattacharya shared his five goals at the NIH with a focus on chronic disease prevention and ensuring that the agency has the necessary resources to carry out its mission. What’s Next? → The Senate HELP Committee is scheduled to vote on whether to send both nominations to the full Senate for a vote this Thursday, March 13th. Also, stay tuned as the Senate HELP Committee and the Senate Finance Committee hold nomination hearings to consider remaining health agency leads, Dr. Dave Weldon, to serve as CDC Director and Dr. Mehmet Oz as CMS Administrator, on Thursday, March 13th, and Friday, March 14th. #foodpolicy #nutrition #administration

Mark your calendars! Next week, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee scheduled nomination hearings to consider key leadership positions at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes for Health (NIH). ?? March 5th: Dr. Jay Bhattacharya for NIH Director? ?? March 6th: Dr. Marty Makary for FDA Commissioner With HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins already confirmed, all eyes are on how these nominations may shape the future of food and nutrition policy under the new Trump administration. The Food Directions Team will be tuning in to understand how these leadership appointments could influence FDA and NIH decision-making, food safety regulations, nutrition initiatives, and overall public health policy in the years ahead!? #foodpolicy #fda #nutrition?

The “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement is here – and its influence on the future of food and nutrition policy is already beginning to take shape. Earlier this month, President Trump signed an Executive Order to create a Commission to investigate the cause of childhood chronic disease, including the impact of food production, ingredients, and chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and pesticides. To further advance these efforts, the Senate MAHA Caucus is also preparing a suite of legislative proposals to align with the Administration and the Commission's goals. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) later reinforced this commitment to examine ultra-processed foods and artificial additives during his first address to the Department – central to the MAHA agenda. ? With expected collaboration between USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and HHS Secretary RFK Jr., the Trump Administration’s MAHA agenda could include stricter oversight of food additives, reassessment of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans process, and/or potential restrictions on what foods can be purchased under federal food assistance programs like SNAP, and more. What does this all mean for the future of food policy? Food Directions is tracking every move. Connect with us for insights on how MAHA is shaping the Trump Administration’s food policy agenda today! #foodpolicy #nutrition #administration

This year, the re-election of former President Donald Trump has marked the beginning of a transformative chapter for food and nutrition policy. With key cabinet nominees set to shape regulatory action across agencies like the FDA, USDA, The National Institutes of Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Administration is expected to bring various health topics into the spotlight like never before. Central to these efforts is the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, led by HHS Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The initiative, focused on improving nutrition and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases, is anticipated to drive certain food and nutrition policy issues forward. In recent days, the MAHA movement is already gaining momentum, with the establishment of the new Congressional Make America Healthy Again Caucus set to further advance these efforts. As the Administration’s food policy agenda takes shape, navigate the food policy landscape in the New Year with Food Directions’ 2025 Crystal Ball. Our annual report offers insights and an outlook into these key nominees and their potential impact on topics impacting the food industry. Access the link below to purchase our Crystal Ball today! ? https://lnkd.in/gxqMHUKu

As leadership shifts in Washington, understanding the implications for key food policy issues has never been more critical. Food Directions’ analyzed the landscape and have in-depth insights on where emerging decision-makers may stand on topics that matter most to your business. Want to stay ahead of the curve? Contact us today for exclusive details on the current landscape and what to expect under the Trump Administration. #foodpolicy #nutrition #administration

At Food Directions, we anticipate that a new administration will usher in a new phase of food policy — and we have our finger on the pulse! Just last week, Food Directions’ Alexa Smith joined Laura Abshire for a panel discussion on this evolving food policy landscape and restaurant-related food policy trends at the 2024 Council of State Restaurant Associations / National Restaurant Association's Fall Government Affairs Conference. They explored key legislative trends at the state and local levels, examined how these policies are impacting restaurants, and highlighted critical ways that restaurants and industry leaders can stay on top of food policy in 2025 and beyond. Curious about the potential impact of the administration and legislative trends on food and nutrition policy? Contact the FD team to stay at the forefront and best prepare for these upcoming changes! #foodpolicy #industryinsights #nutrition

Happy 3rd Food Directions anniversary to Alexis Settineri! Thank you for your dedication and endless contributions to our team and clients. We're incredibly grateful for all that you do and your efforts to better empower our partners in navigating the ever-evolving food policy landscape. #workanniversary #teamappreciation #foodpolicy

We are thrilled to spotlight Maggie Sommers Gentile, MS, RD, LD, who joined experts Emily A. Callahan, MPH, RDN, Annette Maggi, MS, RDN, LD, FAND (she/her), and Kelly Hanson at the National Grocers Association Executive Conference and Policy Summit. On the "Food as Medicine: The Future of Nutrition and Wellness" panel, they explored how NGA can leverage the Food as Medicine movement to improve health outcomes and enhance the overall well-being of the consumer. At Food Directions, we see this movement rapidly evolving across both industry and federal agencies alike. For instance, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently underscored its commitment by releasing a new Food is Medicine Virtual Toolkit to advance the agency’s Food is Medicine Initiative, further solidifying?federal support and highlighting the growing interest in the topic. Curious about what’s next in the Food is Medicine space and its influence on the food and nutrition regulatory landscape? Connect with our team today! #NGAExec24 #foodismedicine #foodpolicy?

This week, our very own Maggie Sommers Gentile, MS, RD, LD represented Food Directions at the SNAC International Executive Leadership Forum. Here she moderated a panel with two world-class experts on the critical topic of Nutrition, Science, and the Health of the Consumer. Given all of the research ongoing in these areas, together with Dr. Siddhartha Angadi and Dr. Richard Mattes, they helped make sense of what is facing the snacking industry and identified what they can expect in the future. Interested in the impact of GLP-1 drugs or the ongoing dialogue on ultra-processed foods? Contact our team for more expertise on these issues or on other hot-button topics impacting the food industry today! #ELF24 #foodpolicy #nutrition