1. Outstanding Dietetics Educator Award (Deadline January 4, 2026) - NOTE: The Outstanding Dietetic Educator Award (ODEA) selection is handled by NDEP. Click here for Criteria and Procedures. Please send nominations to South Central region, ndep@eatright.org. For more details and form see link.
2. Outstanding Dietetics Student Award (Deadline January 4, 2026) 

These include:

1. Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award (up to 1 per district)
2. Recognized Dietetic Technician of the Year Award
3. Emerging Dietetic Leader Award
4. Outstanding Dietitian of the Year Award

The Georgia Academy Awards are listed below.

Click HERE to access the GAND Nomination Form. Please submit nominations for these awards to info@eatrightgeorgia.org

Distinguished Service Award to the Georgia Academy-- The purpose of the Georgia Academy Distinguished Service Award is to encourage member participation in the Association.
Criteria follow:

• The award is based on the activities for the previous two years.
• Only activities/accomplishments, which have significantly contributed to the Georgia Academy, will be considered.
• The nominee may not have received the award in the past 5 years.

Distinguished Service Award to a District
Recognizes a member for dedicated and distinguished service to a district association.
Criteria follow:

• The award is based on the activities for the previous two years.
• Only activities/accomplishments, which have significantly contributed to GDA, will be considered.
• The nominee may not have received the award in the past 5 years.

Special Recognition Award
Special recognition is given to retiring Georgia Academy members over the age of 55 who have been members of the Georgia Academy a minimum of ten years.

Distinguished Service Award by a Legislator
The purpose of this award is to recognize an elected official who has been consistently supportive of the Georgia Academy Legislative Platform, nutrition related issues, and health related issues.
Criteria follow:

• The nominee is a member of the state House of Representatives, State Senate, Governor, or other state-elected official.
• The nominee supports the current Georgia Academy Legislative Platform as demonstrated by his/her voting history.
• The nominee supports the provision of nutritional care by qualified registered dietitians and licensed dietitians.
• The nominee supports improvement of health and reduction of nutritional risk of Georgia citizens.
• The nominee may not have received the award in the past 4 years. (One term for governors, two terms for others.)
• To be reviewed by Legislative Affairs.

Distinguished Service Award to Research or by a Researcher
Recognizes a dietetics professional for their dedication to the dietetics profession through past, current, or on-going research related to food and nutrition.

• Letter stating significance and impact of the work, covering items listed above.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume of the nominee.
• If available, a copy of the researcher’s latest published research and mention of journal(s) submitted to or published in.
• To be reviewed by Chair, Professional Development.

Distinguished Service Award for Media Excellence
The Georgia Academy Media Excellence Award will be given for consistent nutrition reporting which covers current issues and concerns important to the citizens of Georgia; is scientifically accurate; regularly and reliably quotes/positions dietetic professionals of the Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as the experts; offers balance and perspective; and is creative in presentation.
Criteria follow:

• Letter stating significance and impact of the work, covering items listed above.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume of the nominee.
• If available, samples of the nominee’s work such as print materials, audio, and/or videotapes.  Each sample must be labeled with information on date of use of publication.

Distinguished Service Award to a Grassroots Effort
Recognizes a member for a grassroots effort at the local level.

• Letter stating significance and impact of work.