Our Mission & Vision
The National Association of Nutrition Educators brings together educators, health coaches, wellness professionals, and community leaders who are dedicated to advancing health, wellness, and longevity through evidence-informed nutrition education.
Our mission is to elevate the standard of nutrition education nationwide by providing rigorous certification pathways, continuing professional development, and community-focused initiatives that support healthy aging and chronic disease prevention.
We envision a future where every person has access to trusted nutrition information, culturally responsive programs, and supportive professionals who help them make confident, sustainable choices for lifelong health.
Our mission is to elevate the standard of nutrition education nationwide by providing rigorous certification pathways, continuing professional development, and community-focused initiatives that support healthy aging and chronic disease prevention.
We envision a future where every person has access to trusted nutrition information, culturally responsive programs, and supportive professionals who help them make confident, sustainable choices for lifelong health.
Our association was founded by a small group of nutrition educators and public health advocates who saw a widening gap between emerging nutrition science and the information reaching individuals, families, and communities.
They observed that many professionals working in schools, clinics, wellness centers, community organizations, and aging services had the passion to help, but not always the structured training, support, or professional recognition they deserved.
The National Association of Nutrition Educators was created to bridge that gap. From our earliest days, we set out to:
They observed that many professionals working in schools, clinics, wellness centers, community organizations, and aging services had the passion to help, but not always the structured training, support, or professional recognition they deserved.
The National Association of Nutrition Educators was created to bridge that gap. From our earliest days, we set out to:
- Establish clear, credible standards for nutrition educators.
- Provide practical training and certification rooted in evidence-informed practice.
- Create a supportive national network where professionals can learn from one another.
- Champion programs that prioritize underserved communities and healthy aging.
Our work is grounded in a set of values that guide every program, partnership, and decision:
Leadership
We cultivate leaders who elevate the quality and visibility of nutrition education in their organizations and communities.
Professionalism
We uphold high standards of practice, ethical conduct, and continuous learning for all who carry our credentials or participate in our programs.
Integrity
We commit to evidence-informed, transparent, and unbiased approaches to nutrition education, free from fad-driven or misleading claims.
Service
We exist to serve our members, partner organizations, and the communities they reach—especially those who have historically lacked access to nutrition resources.
Inclusion
We value diversity in backgrounds, identities, and perspectives, and promote culturally responsive education that respects the lived experiences of the people we serve.
Community Impact
We measure success not only by certifications granted, but by meaningful improvements in health literacy, behavior change, and quality of life across communities.
Leadership
We cultivate leaders who elevate the quality and visibility of nutrition education in their organizations and communities.
Professionalism
We uphold high standards of practice, ethical conduct, and continuous learning for all who carry our credentials or participate in our programs.
Integrity
We commit to evidence-informed, transparent, and unbiased approaches to nutrition education, free from fad-driven or misleading claims.
Service
We exist to serve our members, partner organizations, and the communities they reach—especially those who have historically lacked access to nutrition resources.
Inclusion
We value diversity in backgrounds, identities, and perspectives, and promote culturally responsive education that respects the lived experiences of the people we serve.
Community Impact
We measure success not only by certifications granted, but by meaningful improvements in health literacy, behavior change, and quality of life across communities.
Across the country, our members and partners are delivering practical, person-centered nutrition education in schools, healthcare settings, workplaces, community centers, and aging services programs.
Through our certification programs and professional development offerings, we help thousands of educators and wellness professionals strengthen their skills in areas such as behavior change coaching, motivational interviewing, culturally responsive communication, and program evaluation.
Examples of the impact our community creates include:
Through our certification programs and professional development offerings, we help thousands of educators and wellness professionals strengthen their skills in areas such as behavior change coaching, motivational interviewing, culturally responsive communication, and program evaluation.
Examples of the impact our community creates include:
- Supporting older adults in maintaining independence and quality of life through healthy aging nutrition programs.
- Collaborating with clinics and public health departments to integrate nutrition education into chronic disease prevention efforts.
- Partnering with schools, colleges, and youth-serving organizations to build lifelong healthy habits early.
- Designing community workshops and campaigns that make nutrition information more accessible, relatable, and achievable.
| Role | Overview |
|---|---|
| Board Chair | Provides strategic leadership for the association, convenes the board, and ensures our mission, vision, and values guide all major decisions. |
| Vice Chair | Supports the Board Chair, leads key initiatives, and helps build alignment across committees and strategic projects. |
| Executive Director | Oversees day-to-day operations, partners with staff and volunteers, and stewards relationships with members, funders, and collaborating organizations. |
| Certification & Standards Committee | Develops and reviews competency frameworks, exam content, and quality standards to ensure our certifications remain rigorous, current, and evidence-informed. |
| Education & Programs Committee | Guides the design of courses, workshops, and learning resources, with a focus on practical application and measurable outcomes. |
| Community & Equity Advisory Group | Advises on strategies to advance inclusion, equity, and access in our programs, particularly for underserved communities and aging populations. |
We believe lasting impact is achieved through collaboration. The National Association of Nutrition Educators partners with organizations that share our commitment to health, wellness, and equity, including:
If your organization is interested in partnering with us, we invite you to reach out through our Contact page so we can explore how our missions align and how we can best support the communities you serve.
- Schools, colleges, and universities.
- Healthcare systems, clinics, and private practices.
- Public health departments and community-based organizations.
- Aging services, senior centers, and long-term care providers.
- Workplaces and wellness programs seeking evidence-informed education.
If your organization is interested in partnering with us, we invite you to reach out through our Contact page so we can explore how our missions align and how we can best support the communities you serve.