WHAT SHOULD BE NEXT FOR NUTRITION EDUCATION

Nutrition education is a process by which we assist people in making decisions regarding their eating practices by applying knowledge from nutrition science about the relationship between diet and health. Multiple factors affect food choice, all of which must be assessed if effective educational approaches and nutrition messages are to be developed for all segments of the population. Research enhances practice; however practice must inform research and guide its direction. There is still a need to improve our understanding of the food decision-making process, as well as the processes in and influences on changing eating behavior. Research will need to be directed into many areas in the next decade and beyond. For example, the commonalities and differences between the different ethnic groups, income levels and literacy levels in the population demand attention. Innovative techniques for reaching diverse population groups and rural areas will need to be created. Nutrition education in the future will undoubtedly involve greater collaboration both within the USDA as well as between the USDA and other agencies. Research efforts will be enhanced as will the practice of nutrition education by greater collaborations, partnerships, and linkages.