White House recognizes National Dairy Council for pioneering programs to support the next generation of scientists and health and wellness professionals

Contact:
Lisa McComb
Dairy Management Inc./National Dairy Council
Lisa.McComb@dairy.org
630-484-1158

ROSEMONT, ILL., March 8, 2024 - National Dairy Council (NDC) announces its commitment to support the advancement of the next generation of health and wellness professionals and nutrition scientists was recognized by the White House through the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities (the Challenge).

NDC recognizes the pivotal role that emerging leaders play in scientific discovery, nutrition and health advice to improve health. Through expanded programming and new activations that promote nutrition education and workforce development for early career professionals, specifically those from diverse backgrounds and those committed to closing the health equity gap, NDC is dedicated to empowering emerging professionals. This includes equipping them with the tools and resources needed to thrive in their respective fields to benefit health outcomes for Americans across the lifespan.

NDC’s efforts were announced along with 140 other bold commitments from stakeholders across the nation, including health systems, insurers, companies, non-profits, philanthropic groups and academia who all elevated their efforts as part of the White House Challenge.

Key Commitments from National Dairy Council include:

• Establishing an endowed Early Career Investigator Research Award in an effort to promote groundbreaking research and innovation. This prestigious accolade recognizes promising young researchers in the field of nutrition science, providing them with independent funding and support to advance their pioneering work through peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Launching a NextGen Scientist Professional Mentorship Program - a first-of-its-kind, 3-year cohort initiative designed to connect rising academic leaders with seasoned experts for immersive experiences, skill-building and mentorship components. Through mentorship, expert guidance, networking opportunities and a variety of education and communications trainings, participants gain invaluable insights and support as they navigate their career paths.
• Modernizing approaches to novel nutrition education and outreach to reach at least 40,000 medical and health professionals over the next 5 years.
• Expansion of NDC internship and mentoring programs, supporting dietetic students, interns and early career registered dietitians. This immersive program offers participants the opportunity to gain real-world experience, expand their educational opportunities and refine their skills.

"At National Dairy Council, we are committed to fostering the next generation of health and wellness professionals and nutrition scientists, and to be recognized by the White House for these efforts is truly rewarding,” said Katie Brown, EdD, RD, president, National Dairy Council. “When it comes to helping Americans achieve lifelong wellness, addressing health disparities, particularly those related to nutrition, is central to NDC’s efforts. We want to make sure the future workforce is empowered to help improve health outcomes across the lifespan for all people and communities.”

More on the White House Challenge:

The Challenge was a nationwide call-to-action to stakeholders across all of society to make commitments to advance the White House goal to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases by 2030—all while reducing health disparities. The $1.7 billion in new commitments announced build on the $8 billion in commitments announced at the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.

To learn more about NDC's initiatives and programs, visit https://www.usdairy.com/about-us/national-dairy-council.

About National Dairy Council

National Dairy Council (NDC) is the non-profit organization dedicated to bringing to life the dairy community’s shared vision of a healthy, happy, sustainable world – with science as the foundation. NDC provides science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier nation, including health and wellness professionals, educators, school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers and media. For more information visit www.USDairy.com/NationalDairyCouncil.

NOTE: As a national research and education checkoff organization, NDC does not and cannot seek to influence government policy.