KAND Member Awards

Award applications are now open! Deadline for applications is November 2, 2026!

Applicants must:

  • View the list of available awards below – paying careful attention to eligibility criteria, deadlines, and required application materials.
  • Complete the linked application form in its entirety to be considered for the award.
  • Request each letter of recommendation to include the referee’s full name, email address, phone number, and affiliation to the applicant.
  • Confirm all letters of recommendation are submitted directly to KAND by the individuals supplying the references.

Nomination Guidelines

  • To nominate your peer for a KAND award, please email your nominee in mind, and copy the KAND inbox. Here is a template to help. We recommend recommendation emails be sent in October to give the nominee time to submit all needed materials.

 

Emerging Dietetic Leader

  1. Active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
  2. Initial practice experience not greater than 10 years. Interrupted careers or time periods not in practice, are not to be considered or rationed into the 5-10 years of professional practice experience.
  3. Active participation in the national, state, or district association for at least 5 years.
  4. A registered dietitian nutritionist or a nutrition and dietetics technician, registered.
  5. Demonstrates exceptional leadership ability and skill to successfully manage projects, staff and/or program.
  6. Demonstrated leadership, in the Academy, Affiliate, local, non-Academy professional associations (demonstrating leadership in nutrition, dietetics, and foodservice), community and/or employment.
Apply Here

KAND’s Outstanding Dietetic Educator

  1. Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  2. Educator and/or Program Director in an ACEND®-accredited dietetics education program:
  3. Demonstrated Active Learning Strategy/ Student-centered Techniques
  4. Demonstrated Dietetics Mentoring Experience (Outside of role as faculty or director-not including current students/interns. Includes previous students/interns now considered professionals)
  5. Demonstrated leadership in Education and Dietetics; e.g., national, state, or district dietetic association activities, community service, honors received, scientific and professional presentations, publications, etc.

This award is a KAND specific award and not the DPG administered award.

 

Apply Here

Outstanding Dietetic Student

  1. Active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Students must be members by January 1st of the year in which they would receive the award.
  2. Student enrolled in ACEND-accredited dietetics education program.
  3. Demonstrated academic achievement as documented by letters from program faculty and/or preceptor(s).
  4. Demonstrated leadership and professional potential, e.g., honors, student dietetic association activities, community service activities, etc.
Apply Here

Outstanding Dietitian of the Year

  1. Active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
  2. Active participation in the national, state, or district association.
  3. Is a Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist or the equivalent in their own country if an international member.
    Not previously selected for this award in current or any other affiliate.
  4. Demonstrated leadership, in the Academy, Affiliate, local, non-Academy professional associations (demonstrating leadership in nutrition, dietetics, and foodservice), community and/or employment.
  5. Exceptional performance in area of practice with significant contributions to the achievement of practice.
Apply Here

Recognized Dietetic Technician (NDTR) of the Year

  1. Active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
  2. Active participation in the national, state, or district association.
  3. Is a Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, Registered.
  4. Not previously selected for this award in current or any other affiliate.
  5. Demonstrated leadership, in the Academy, Affiliate, local, non-Academy professional associations (demonstrating leadership in nutrition, dietetics, and foodservice), community and/or employment.
  6. Exceptional performance in area of practice with significant contributions to the achievement of practice.
Apply Here

Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year

  1. Active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Age limit as of May 1 deadline, 35 years or younger.
  2. Active participation in the national, state, or district association.
  3. Is a Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist or the equivalent in their own country if an international member.
  4. Not previously selected as an RYDY in current or any other affiliate.
  5. Demonstrated leadership, in the Academy, Affiliate, local, non-Academy professional associations (demonstrating leadership in nutrition, dietetics, and foodservice), community and/or employment.
  6. Exceptional performance in area of practice with significant contributions to the achievement of practice.
Apply Here

Congratulations to our 2025 Award Recipients!