The KAND has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to professional development, community engagement, and public education. Knox News and Journal of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics archives document a consistent pattern of monthly meetings featuring expert speakers and educational programming. These meetings ranged from evening lectures to workshops and collaborative events with organizations such as the Tennessee Dietetic Association and the Greater Knoxville Nutrition Council, highlighting KAND’s partnership with other professional organizations.
In addition to internal meetings, KAND members regularly participated in state and national conferences, further contributing to the advancement of the profession. While published meeting announcements became less frequent over time due to changes in media practices, KAND’s sustained activity is evident through its ongoing programs, including Dial-a-Dietitian, Ask-a-Dietitian, and other community outreach initiatives that reached and educated the public for decades. We hope you enjoy exploring our rich history! Be sure to click on the titles to read the full article. Click here to view all KAND news archives.
For any corrections or additions, please contact Jenna Martin at historian@eatrightknox.org.
Knoxville Dietetic Association (KDA) was officially established in 1949! The Tennessee Dietetic Association (TDA) holds its annual convention in Knoxville, hosted by the local chapter under the leadership of Annie Galbraith, who would later serve as president of the American Dietetic Association (ADA).
St. Mary’s Hospital assistant administrative dietitian Marian Bugg is profiled in a feature highlighting the growing and diverse career opportunities in the dietetics field. Marian would also leave a lasting mark on KAND by co-founding the KDDA Journal Club, which she chaired for 10 years!
Submitted by Sister Mary Agnes Trimble, a dietitian at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Local KDA dietitians, led by president Beth Duncan, act as hostesses for the state convention in Gatlinburg, with Dr. Lura M. Odland, Dean of Home Economics at the University of Tennessee among the speakers.
The KDA learns about the “Basic Four” food groups from an international perspective. Speakers from the Philippines, India, and Jordan present in native costumes and share the dietary staples of their home countries.
The KDA hosts Dr. D.H. Waterman, who shares his unique medical experiences working aboard the famous Ship HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere).
Several Knoxville dietitians attend the 5th International Congress of Dietetics in Washington D. C.
The KDDA officially launches “Dial-A-Dietitian,” becoming the first city in Tennessee and the 19th in the U.S. to offer the program. Spearheaded by Pat Wallin, the service featured a 24-hour hotline where residents could leave nutrition questions for volunteer registered dietitians to answer. Over the program’s life, around 60 volunteer…Read More
FDA consumer specialist Wilhelmina M. Lombardi speaks to the KDDA about food safety, warning about the dangers of lead paint in toys and mercury in cosmetics.
4 KDDA members attend the Western Hemisphere Nutrition Congress.
Pat Wallin is named Outstanding Knoxville Dietitian for her instrumental role in bringing the Dial-a-Dietitian program to the region.
“Dial-a-Dietitian” began February 1971 where Knoxville residents can use the 24-hour nutrition hotline and ask veryday dietary questions answered by the volunteer dietitians.
KDDA member, Mary Lou Brooke, shares snack ideas and recipes.
Baptist Hospital dietitian Mary Lou Brooke wins the prestigious national Sunkist Growers Award at the ADA’s 55th annual meeting in New Orleans for her case study on dietary control of heart disease.
KDDA member Sarah Sue Jordan makes waves at a national ADA meeting in Texas by rallying dietitians to support the National Nutrition Education Act.
A massive workshop is held at St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing to roll out the newly revised Knoxville Area Diet Manual, featuring Mayo Clinic consultants.
Marjorie Reynolds receives Outstanding Dietitian of the Year award form the Tennessee Dietetic Association.
KDDA announces the publication of a member cookbook featuring nutritious recipes, from “Gourmet Spinach” to “Irish Soda Bread”.
Mary Nelle Traylor is named the local and Tennessee Outstanding Dietitian of the Year.
Building on the success of the phone hotline, the KDDA launches the weekly newspaper column “Ask a Dietitian” (or “Dial a Dietitian”), initially penned by Lou Brooke. Over the next 30+ years, the column would continuously publish hundreds of articles answering public inquiries on everything from the safety of artificial…Read More
KDDA members gather to celebrate the 25th year and members bring their favorite recipes to compile a cookbook.
Mary Nelle Traylor, an assistant professor at UT, was named Tennessee’s Outstanding Dietitian at the Tennessee Dietetic Association (TDA) meeting in Gatlinburg. At the same meeting, Dr. Marjorie Reynolds, a nutrition instructor at Presbyterian Hospital, was announced as the new president of the TDA. Additionally, a large delegation of local…Read More
Future ADA President Annie L. Galbraith returns to Knoxville to speak at a massive workshop and banquet commemorating the 25th anniversary of the KDDA’s reactivation.
For National Nutrition Week, the KDDA warned the public that “Food Fads Fool” by distributing educational materials—featuring a caricature of an old-time medicine man—that highlighted the dangers of extreme fad diets, fasting, and self-prescribed mega-vitamins.
KDDA member, Julie McDaniel, shares traditional Irish recipes from her family.
KDDA members, Debby Hemphill and Kandy Pearson, offer diabetes-friendly meal tips at a gathering with dietitians, students, and their families.
Anita Hatchett is KDDA’s Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year!
Workshop focused on cost and control in food service.
The KDDA publishes a major new revision of the Knoxville Area Diet Manual (the 11th edition). It becomes so respected that it is listed as a reference for the Chicago Area Diet Manual.
To celebrate National Nutrition Month, the KDDA sends a mascot named “Nutribird” (wearing a costume made by KDDA member Joan Plattsmier) to local elementary schools to teach children about healthy eating.
Katherine Murphy and Betsy Speer are honored as the area’s top dietitians for their work in metabolic support and regional health.
The KDDA launches “Healthstyle ’83,” a massive food and fitness fair at UT featuring aerobics, jazzercise, and computerized dietary assessments.
The state convention is held at the Knoxville Hyatt Regency, featuring world-renowned researcher Dr. David P. Rose speaking on the critical links between diet, fat consumption, and cancer prevention.
Dr. Jane V. White from KDDA, and Dr. William M. Law, MD from Knoxville Academy of Medicine worked with members of the Diet Manual Committee to complete the 1984 revision of the Knox Area Diet Manual. Dr. White and Ellen Neal were editors. Special acknowledgements were given to typist, Ms.…Read More
Joan Plattsmier, KDDA president, is profiled for her groundbreaking work as a pediatric nutritionist saving the lives of premature babies in the intensive care nursery at UT Hospital.
KDDA dietitian answers question on selective eating in weekly “Ask a Dietitian” column.
Dr. Nancy E. Brown served as KDDA secretary and the American Dietetic Association (now Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic) Chair of Council on Education and Delegate.
“Foodstyle” was a TV program developed by KDDA members! Click here to view a “Foodstyle” clip, featuring Janice Kidd, Betsy Bohanan, Doris Thomas, Rachel Farris, and more!
KDDA and Hess’s Department Store teamed up to host “A Day Filled with ‘Healthful’ Information” to celebrate Nutrition Month.
KDDA was an exhibitor in the Fort Sanders Health System and WATE-TV 6 “50 Plus Lifestyles” with over 80 exhibitors!
Jeanne Davis and Rhonda Wiser are honored by the KDDA. Wiser is recognized for coordinating “Foodstyle,” a community television program produced entirely by local registered dietitians. KDDA also successfully nominates News-Sentinel food editor Louise Durman for the TDA Iris Award.
KDDA member, Patty Campbell, shares her family’s daily routine and recipes.
Long-time News-Sentinel food editor and KDDA supporter, Louise Durman, is honored with the Iris Award.
KDDA members Dr. Jane White, Joy Powell, and Susan Fowlkes present findings from an exclusive 15-day Citizen Ambassador culinary and nutrition tour of the People’s Republic of China, sharing insights on Eastern vs. Western medicine, food production, and public health.
Carrie Waldrep and Joan Cook are named to top clinical nutrition management positions at Methodist Medical Center.
Dr. Jane V. White was KDDA President in 1979-1980, and then became the American Dietetic Association (now Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) President in 2000-2001, representing our Knoxville District well!
KDDA member, Katherine Strack-Geoghagan, achieves her Certified Diabetes Instructor credential from the National Certification Board for Diabetes Education.
Dr. Kitty Coffey receives the highest honor given by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for her remarkable service to the dietetics profession!
KDDA member, Jennifer Pingleton, and TDA’s Young Dietitian of the Year shares diet advice.
Lee Murphy, KDDA Board member, is selected for the prestigious Community Leadership Class of 2003.
Susan Fowlkes, KDDA member, is selected for the prestigious Community Leadership Class of 2005.
Teresa L. McCusker, Kim Pryor, and Heather Pierce sweep local and state awards for their outstanding leadership in clinical nutrition.
The KDDA enters the digital blogging era by launching a local blog. The feature “What Does the Dietitian Order” provides restaurant reviews with a five-fork health rating system, grocery tips, and recipe modifications.
Stephanie Welch, KDDA member and Outstanding Dietitian of the Year 2000, is selected for the prestigious Community Leadership Class of 2012.
Susan Brantley, former KDDA President 1983-1984, was elected and served as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics House of Delegates Director from 2016-2019.
KAND Board member, Lee Murphy, represents KAND and promotes National Nutrition Month® with the topic of “Healthy food swaps at the grocery store” on local news TV channel WBIR. Click here to watch!
Susan Brantley receives the highest honor given by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for her remarkable service to the dietetics profession!
KAND Board member, Lee Murphy, represents KAND and promotes National Nutrition Month® with the topic of “How to Make Informed Food Choices” on local news TV channel WBIR.