Nutrition Monitoring

Abstract: This hearing discusses the need for a comprehensive system to coordinate the nutrition monitoring activities of the federal government. Although various surveys have been conducted over the years, a coordinated system of surveys would produce information of value to those with responsibility for federal nutrition programs. Testimony was received from several government officials (Dept. of Agriculture and Dept. of Health and Human Services), representatives of the health and nutrition departments at several universities, a representative of public health nutrition directors, and others.

Identifies features of a model nutrition monitoring system & examines approaches to incorporating those features in the National Nutrition Monitoring & Related Research Program. Presents & describes features of a model nutrition monitoring system & shows the strengths & weaknesses of various strategies for achieving four of the model features. Some parts of the program which are discussed are: coordinated sets of activities, continuous data supply, reliable inferences about subpopulations, & support for state & local monitoring activities.

The third report reviews the dietary and nutritional status of the U.S. population, as well as the factors that determine status, based on the data available through the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Program (NNMRRP) by June 1994.

Abstract: This hearing presented testimony concerning legislation "to establish a coordinated national nutrition monitoring and related research program, and a comprehensive plan for the assessment of the nutritional and dieting status of the United States population and the nutritional quality of food consumed in the United States." Several government officials and representitives of private associations testified.