[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 201 (Thursday, November 18, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SUPPORTING THE NUTRITION INITIATIVE TO REDUCE HEALTH DISPARITIES BY THE 
ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS AND THE NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION 
                                  USA

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                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2021

  Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, in late September, 
leaders of the National Baptist Convention USA and the Academy of 
Nutrition and Dietetics (or the Academy) announced a strategic 
partnership aimed at reducing health disparities for African Americans.
  African Americans suffer disproportionately from COVID-19 deaths and 
other nutrition-related health disparities. Increasing access to 
healthy foods and addressing nutrition as a social determinant of 
health that prevents diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood 
pressure and obesity are the cornerstones of this partnership.
  The joint initiative will consist of developing print and media 
resources that can be used in faith-based health ministries on issues 
such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, 
eating on a budget, and living with kidney disease. The National 
Baptist Convention USA will encourage member churches to incorporate 
these resources into new and existing programs and services, including 
workshops and seminars focused on biblical connections to food and 
nutrition.
  I want to commend and thank Patricia Babjak, Chief Executive Officer 
of the Academy, Evelyn Crayton, a past president of the Academy and the 
current Chair of the National Baptist Convention Task Force on the 
joint nutrition partnership that is comprised of members from the 
National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics and Nutrition, as well as 
religious interest groups for their commitment and leadership to 
addressing health disparities. The Academy has worked closely on this 
significant initiative with National Baptist Convention USA President 
Rev. Dr. Jerry Young and Vice President Rev. Dr. William H. Foster, Jr.
  This partnership recognizes the importance of enhancing the lives of 
African Americans and every racial and ethnic group by improving 
nutrition security. In my Congressional District, there are too many 
food deserts and places where it's easier to get access to guns than 
fruits and vegetables.
  I urge us all to get behind this initiative, and I applaud the 
Academy and the National Baptist Convention USA for their lifesaving 
work.

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