Policy Update Mary Pat Raimondi MS RD Vice President Strategic Policy and Partnerships

What is on the Hill –2012 Farm Bill Reauthorization –Older American’s Act Reauthorization –MNT/ Prediabetes Coverage –Drug/TPN Shortages 2

Farm Bill…Why Do We Care The Farm Bill influences what consumers purchase and eat Shapes our diets Where is our food coming from…field to table We promote good nutrition and food most often is the vehicle

Assumptions Americans should have access to safe healthy food The safety of the US food supply should remain a top priority of the US government Food policy matches health policy

Academy Position-Process ADA Legislative and Public Policy Committee (LPPC) research the issue with a member committee- Karen Ehrens Matched discussion with core values DPG input Web presentations from experts JADA Journal articles Weekly conference calls

Key Discussion Points Dietary Goals vs. reality-Not hitting the mark on goals Only 1/3 eat what we recommend and not getting better Fresh fruits and vegetables increased by almost 40%, price of fats and sugars declined Choice in SNAP Benefits Food deserts

Recommendations 1.Protect SNAP, TEFAP and CSFP 2. Maintain current funding for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program 3. Ensure funding for a variety of community- based and regional agriculture

4. Maintain funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grants 5. Maintain funding for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). 6. Support farm practices and policies that conserve soil, water, air, habitat and biodiversity, foods

Income Spent On Food

Calories Per Dollar Spent Drewnowski A, University of Washington

2012 Farm Bill Reauthorization Set to be reauthorized before Memorial Day Key leaders Senator Stabenow (D-MI) – Chairwoman Senator Roberts (R-KS) – Ranking member Congressman Lucas (R-OK) – Chairman Congressman Peterson (D-MN) – Ranking Member Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees 11

Older Americans Act Reauthorization Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) – Chairman of Primary Health and Aging Subcommittee January 23 rd – Designated date of introduction Targets Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pension (HELP) Committee Policy focus Meals on Wheels Program Congregate Dining Program 12

OAA Reauthorization Continued Passed to address inadequate community social services for older persons. Major emphases was nutrition two programs were created: congregate dining home delivered meals Important access to healthy food options major vehicle for social and nutrition services to this group Often a group overlooked 13

MNT/Prediabetes Coverage (HR 2741) This bill will allow RD’s to be reimbursed through Medicare/Medicaid for providing MNT to individuals with pre-diabetes. Targets Energy & Commerce Committee The Diabetes Caucus GOP Doctors Caucus Prime Sponsors Congresswoman DeGette (D-CO) Congressman Whitfield (R-KY) 14

MNT/Prediabetes Continued Problem 79 million people are pre-diabetic $174 billion/year = Cost of Diabetes to the system Treating someone with diabetes = $11,744 Treating someone without diabetes = $6,649 Nutrition-related diseases associated with diabetes include: stroke, heart disease, blindness, kidney disease and amputation MNT is effective As part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, MNT showed a 58 percent reduction in patients developing type-2 diabetes 15

Drug/TPN Shortages (HR 2245/S 296) Require drug companies to notify the government of drug discontinuances or interruptions that would result in a shortage. Targets Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pension (HELP) Committee House Energy & Commerce Committee – Health Subcommittee 16