British Columbia Nutrition Council

The British Columbia Nutrition Council

What is the British Columbia Nutrition Council?

The British Columbia Nutrition Council (BCNC) is an organization of nutritionists, dietitians and home economists working together to promote good nutrition for all British Columbians.

When was BCNC founded?

The organization was founded in 1945 by a group of nutritionists who began to meet on a regular basis. The group originally called itself “The Vancouver Nutrition Group”. Later in the 1960s, it changed their name to “The British Columbia Coordinating Committee”. The current name (i.e. The British Columbia Nutrition Council) came about in the 1970s.

What is the role of BCNC?

The primary purposes of the British Columbia Nutrition Council are:

• To promote optimal nutritional health in the Province of British Columbia

• To facilitate the exchange of valid nutritional information

• To promote communication among members who are concerned with nutrition
education

• To facilitate the coordination of nutrition policies and programs within the
province

What are some of BCNC's major accomplishments?

• Release of the Survey of Food Costs in BC in 1990, the first of a series of “ Cost of
Eating in BC” annual reports

• Organization of an Eat Better Eat Together campaign to promote the benefits of
family mealtimes

• Promotion of Nutrition Month

• Creation of a “recommended nutrition books” list

Why join BCNC?

Members of the BCNC hold key nutrition positions throughout the province in education, business, government and the community. By joining BCNC, you become part of an extensive network of health professionals with whom you can share information and take action.

You also get to participate in the organization's ongoing activities, such as:

• Attending continuing education activities such as the Speakers Program

• Participating in Ad hoc campaigns (e.g. bean festival, preschool events, eat
better eat together)

• Sponsoring the Jackie McConkie-Bridges Communication award, an annual
award that recognizes outstanding contributions to nutrition education and
communications

Additional benefits of joining BCNC are:

• Receiving a quarterly newsletter that updates you on nutrition issues and local
nutrition events

• Participating in one or more of the working committees

How can I join BCNC?

• If you are a full time student in an accredited university program in Nutrition,
Dietetics, Home Economics, you can join BCNC as a Student member

• If you have a degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Home Economics or the equivalent
from an educational institution acceptable to the Council, you can join as an
Active member

• If you are working as a dietitian in a hospital, you and your colleagues can join as
a Group member

• If you are nominated by the executive committee for your outstanding
contribution to the Council, you can join as an Honorary member

Contact Rola Zahr at rzahr@bcdf.ca to get an application form.

How much is the annual membership fee?

• Active Member…………. $20

• Group Member………......$30

• Student Member……….....free

• Honorary Member…..........free

Non-members can drop-in and attend BCNC's continuing education activities for a $5 fee.

Please note that membership fees and profits or benefits accrued through the Council's activities are used to promote the organization's objectives.

2007/ 2008 Executive members:

• Jennifer Setianto, Chairman