Empowering Members to be Virginia's Food and Nutrition Leaders
Southwest Virginia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (SVAND)
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The Southwest Virginia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (SVAND) is a region affiliate of the Virginia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (VAND). Our membership is made up of registered dietitian nutritionists, registered dietetic technicians, students, and retirees residing in southwestern Virginia.
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The mission of SVAND is to promote optimal nutrition, health, and well-being of the public by advocating for the organization’s members. Any VAND member residing in the Southwest Region is automatically registered as an SVAND member at no additional cost.
Benefits of Membership
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​Reduced rates for continuing professional education events
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Networking opportunities with other nutrition and dietetics professionals
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Eligibility for annual awards and scholarships offered through VAND
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Subscription to the SVAND listserv that provides relevant news and announcements
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Eligibility to be an SVAND board member and help further impact dietitians in the community
Upcoming Events
Celebrate RDN Day with SVAND!
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Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Time: 5pm – 7 pm
Location: Parkway Brewing (739 Kessler Mill Rd, Salem, VA)
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Light fare will be provided with beverages available for individual purchase.
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RSVP Here by Friday, March 13
Continuing Education Webinar: Approved for 1.0 CEU
"Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods: Science, Health Outcomes, and Effective Patient Counseling" with Dr. Brenda Davy, PhD, RDN
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Time: 12pm – 1 pm
Free for SVAND members and all VAND student members
$10 for non-SVAND members
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Register for this zoom webinar here.
Meet The Board
Emily Myers, PhD, RDN
Regional Director
Laurel Romano
Region Legislative Representative
Julia Calabrese
Undergraduate Student Liaison - Virginia Tech
Molly Parker, PhD, RDN
Past Regional Director
Vacant
IDEA Representative
Samantha Harris
Undergraduate Student Liaison - Radford University
Amy Meadows
Member Services Representative
Wenjing Yu
Graduate Student Liaison
Awards
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VAND offers annual awards for outstanding students and professionals. Please find more details and deadlines for each award on the designated VAND webpage.
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If you would like to nominate an individual or yourself to represent the SVAND Region for one of these awards, please contact the Region Director at svandpres@gmail.com.
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2025 Award Winners from the Southwest Region
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Abbey Stone received the Outstanding Dietetics Student-Graduate Program (ODS-GP) award
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