Annual Award Information

The Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics honors individuals who have advanced the nutrition and dietetics profession, have exhibited leadership by standing out among their peers, have shown devotion to serving others in both nutrition and dietetics as well as allied fields, and have demonstrated a true passion to fostering a healthy community, state, nation, and/or world. These awards recognize those who are outstanding food and nutrition practitioners. CLICK HERE for the past award winners. 

2021-2022 Award Application (coming soon) - along with the application form please submit a current resume and at least 3 letters of recommendation. No late entries will be accepted.

Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award (RYDY)

The Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year award recognizes the competence and activities of younger dietitians in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and their continued participation in Academy affairs. Members who receive this honor support the promotion of optimal health and nutritional status of the public through demonstrating leadership in legislation, research, education, management or other areas related to the profession. Application Deadline: TBD. Click here for more information

• Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist current member of AND and IAND
• Age limit 35 years or younger as of May 1st of current year
• Not previously selected RYDY
• Demonstrated concern for the promotion of optimal health and nutrition status of the population
• Demonstrated leadership either in the association or employment

Recognized Young Dietetic Technician of the Year Award (RDTY)

The Recognized Dietetic Technician of the Year award recognizes the professional contributions of nutrition and dietetics technicians and their continued participation in the community and Academy activities. Members who receive this honor demonstrate leadership qualities and performance in the Academy or their employment through education, clinical nutrition, foodservice management, public relations, career guidance and legislation. Application Deadline: TBD. Click here for more information

• Dietetic Technician Registered current member of AND and IAND
• Active participation in the academy at the national, state, or district level
• Demonstrated concern for the promotion of optimal health and nutrition status of the population

Outstanding Dietitian of the Year Award (ODY)

The Outstanding Dietitian of the Year award recognizes members who have made distinguished contributions to advancing the profession. Members who receive this honor demonstrate outstanding leadership and service. Application Deadline: TBD. Click here for more information

• Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist current member of AND and IAND
• Member of AND for at least 10 years
• Active participation in the academy at the national, state, or district level for at least 5 years
• Demonstrated concern for the promotion of optimal health and nutrition status of the population
• Demonstrated leadership either in the association or employment

Emerging Dietetic Leader Award (EDL)

The Emerging Dietetics Leader Award recognizes the competence and activities of members, regardless of their age, who are at the beginning of their dietetics careers. Members who receive this honor support the promotion of optimal health and nutritional status of the public through demonstrating leadership in legislation, research, education, management and other areas related to the profession. Application Deadline: TBD. Click here for more information

• Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist or Dietetic Technician Registered and current member of AND and IAND
• Initial practice experience not less than 5 years and not greater than 10 years. Interrupted careers or time periods not in practice are not to be considered or rationed into the 5-10 years of professional practice experience.
• Not previously selected RYDY or RDTY
• Demonstrated concern for the promotion of optimal health and nutrition status of the population
• Demonstrated leadership either in the association or employment

Outstanding Dietetics Student Awards

The Outstanding Dietetics Student Award recognizes the emerging leadership and achievement of students in ACEND-accredited and approved dietetics education programs and encourages their participation in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Application Deadline: TBD. Click here for more information

• Member of the AND. Students must be members by January 1st of the year in which they would receive the award. Students must supply their membership number; membership identification numbers will not be provided to a third party (i.e., educators)
•  Student enrolled in ACEND-accredited dietetics education program (CP, DI, DPD, DT)
• Demonstrated academic achievement as documented by letters from program faculty or preceptor.
• Demonstrated leadership and professional potential; e.g., honors, student dietetic association activities, community service activities, etc.

Recognition

RYDY, RDTY, EDL, ODY recipients receive a congratulatory letter from the Academy president, awards certificate and listing in the fall issues of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (JAND).

If you have questions or concerns please contact Margery R. Ruch, RDN, LDN.
The dates listed above are the dates that the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics must have the application forms turned into the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The forms including application, resume, and three letters of recommendations. Award winners are announced during the Spring Assembly with year long recognition on our website.