SNEB Receives Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations

Status grants SNEB opportunity to expand international reach of the Society and advance the field of nutrition education

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (October 5, 2018) — Effective July 2018, the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) has been granted special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.

“SNEB members are a treasure trove of expertise on nutrition education practice and research,” said SNEB Past President Suzanne Piscopo, PhD, University of Malta, who initiated the process of achieving this status with the ECOSOC. “Through its new consultative role with the ECOSOC, SNEB will be able to have a voice at the table where highlighting the value and need of quality food and nutrition education can make a difference to the wellbeing of people around the world.”

With this status, SNEB will be provided opportunities for direct engagement with ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies, as well as with the United Nations Secretariat, programs, funds and agencies. Specifically, the ECOSOC will contact SNEB for expert information and advice related to nutrition education. SNEB will be informed about the provisional agenda of ECOSOC and SNEB may make requests for items to be added to the provisional agenda or submit position papers related to agenda topics.

Additionally, SNEB will be able to designate an official representative to attend select meetings at the United Nations headquarters in New York, as well as at the offices in Geneva and Vienna. In order to advance issues related to nutrition education, SNEB may be invited to conduct oral presentations and consultations with the ECOSOC.

“SNEB has a global membership comprised of nutrition educators from over 20 countries,” adds SNEB President Jennifer McCaffrey, PhD, MPH, RD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “Additionally, many of the members of our Division of International Nutrition Education work with ethnically diverse populations in a variety of settings around the world. The division works to expand SNEB’s international membership and contribute articles to the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior reflecting an international focus.”

This special consultative status will provide exciting opportunities for SNEB to expand its international reach and to help increase access to evidence-based nutrition education to relevant policy makers, interested NGOs and ultimately citizens, educators and learners globally.

ABOUT THE SOCIETY FOR NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR

The Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior is an international organization of nutrition education professionals who are dedicated to a world where nutrition education is accessible to all and is integral to decisions impacting individual human health, health policy, and environmental sustainability. To learn more, visit www.sneb.org.

Media Contact:

Kayla Jenkins

Senior Communications Coordinator

SNEB

317-328-4627