Leadership for SFS in NDAs
This page has 4 subsections:
- Existing NDA SFS Position Papers & Networks
- Developing NDA SFS Positions
- Sustainability in Dietetics Education for NDAs
- NDA SFS Projects Supported by NDA Grants
1 - Existing NDA SFS Position Papers
National Nutrition and Dietetics Associations (NDAs) are leading the integration of Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) into modern nutrition and dietetics practice. The table below highlights NDAs that have developed SFS position papers. It also identifies NDAs with active SFS networks, committees, or working groups. If you would like to connect with a specific NDA, you may do so through the ICDA NDA page.
2 - Developing NDA SFS Positions
In March 2024, the #ICDAsfsToolkit hosted a peer-to-peer learning session on developing (NDA position statements and other guidance. The learning session focused on discussion and questions in two sessions that spanned different time zones.
Before attending, participants listened to recordings and read the presentations that ICDA SFS Toolkit Advisors had prepared to explain their experience with developing SFS positions/guides. They shared a wide variety of lessons from different countries and situations, ranging from advanced SFS positions that have been implemented for several years and are helping others, to those who are in the process of developing a paper or are just starting to think about it.
Sticky Studio was utilized during the session for people to add their questions directly or to voice their experiences and be added to the document by the ICDA moderators. This allowed us to draw connections between the points.
Download a summary report for the key points from the discussion.
3 - Sustainability in Dietetics Education for NDAs
See the page on Teaching Sustainable Food Systems with Dietetics & Nutrition Students (ICDA 2023, 2025) for the event Global Networking Event on Sustainable Food Systems in Nutrition & Dietetics Education (2023 Jun 7-8).
We developed 2 infographics summarising key messages for Educators and Dietetic Associations based on our article in the British Dietetic Association’s Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, which provides more details.
4 - NDA SFS Projects Supported by ICDA Grants
12 Nutrition/Dietetic Associations (NDAs) were awarded Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) Toolkit grants from 2022-24 and are highlighted by country on the links below.  The grants are now closed, but these are the criteria and application forms used, which were also available in Korean and Spanish. Â
The grants aimed to:
âž› Increase diversity of perspectives, languages, and cultures in the ICDA SFS Toolkit
âž› Spread sustainability (see the Sustainability, Food Systems, and Nutrition Learning Modules)
âž› Maximise participation and learning among NDA membersÂ
âž› Produce new tools and/or learning from the ICDA SFS Toolkit
âž› Increase sharing of solutions and practical implementation for a wide variety of Dietitian-Nutritionists
Overview of the grants
12 Projects
11 Countries
3 Grant Cycles
Multilingual Resources
How the grant projects were developed
Step 1:
Grant Funding (2022–2024)
ICDA awarded toolkit grants to support diverse SFS innovation.
Step 2:
Peer Exchange + Learning
Projects were shaped through workshops, global sessions, and shared learning.
Step 3:
Implementation + Sharing
Outputs are now available for adaptation across NDAs worldwide.
Australia: Â Dietitians Australia (DA) had two grants:
- PlanEATary Quest – an activity for D-Ns and communities to develop their own goals for improving planetary health.
- Pathway to Planetary Health – materials for information, education, and communication to help D-Ns as they and others transition.
German Association of Dietitians (VDD)
VDD increased awareness for German-speaking dietitians in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland towards sustainable achievements in the field of nutrition and dietetics, and how to present these within the ICDA SFS-Toolkit.
Greece: Hellenic Association of Dietitians and Nutritionists
Greece improved the Straight from Nature YouTube Channel.
Hungarian Dietitians’ National Association (MDOSZ)
MDOSZ adapted key #ICDAsfsToolkit resources to the Hungarian language and culture, overcoming the English barrier faced by over two-thirds of dietitians. They provided tools and education to academics, clinicians, food service, and public health professionals.
Italy developed the project “Technical Tests of Counseling in School Foodservice” with climate-friendly menus, educational workshops, a Standardized Food Waste Recording System, and a Dietitian’s help desk.
Nigeria: Â Dietitians Association of Nigeria (DAN)
Nigeria has increased the knowledge of local dietitian-nutritionists about indigenous foods to promote consumption as part of a sustainable diet.
South Africa aimed to increase the knowledge and awareness of local nutritionists and dietitians on household and institutional food waste to promote literacy on food waste among consumers and institutional managers.
Spain finalized a study titled “Transitioning to sustainable diets: a tool to identify people’s barriers and motivators for following a sustainable diet
Sri Lanka reduced food waste and associated food costs in selected hospitals by 33% within 12 months through the development and introduction of a “Minimum food waste tool kit.
Switzerland co-created a position paper titled “Sustainable food systems and the role of dieticians in Switzerland.
Trinidad and Tobago launched a Sustainability Project to conduct an Educational Webinar Series with Dietitians and Nutritionists and develop a draft Position Paper in the process.
Next Page: Â SFS Resources for D-Ns