Communicating Nutrition and Dietetics Issues: Balancing Diverse Perspectives

Abstract

As we race towards the 21st century, the challenges to our nutrition communication efforts seem to grow, as does the diversity of viewpoints and perspectives on nutrition issues. These diverse perspectives are represented by the growing number of sectors and disciplines that play a role in public policy development and in nutrition program planning and delivery. Consumers, dietetics professionals, other health educators, researchers, government agencies, industry, and the media all play a role, but all represent somewhat different perspectives on nutrition issues. Understanding the needs, values, strengths, and limitations of each of these groups as stakeholders will undoubtedly help us respect and balance their diverse perspectives. Such balance is essential to allow us to work toward harmonizing nutrition programs to benefit the public.