This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Nutrition Factor, a revolutionary book that was authored by Alan Berg and influenced generations of nutrition scientists.
Alan served from 1973 to 1995 as the senior nutrition officer of the World Bank where he was called “the conscience of the Bank on hunger issues.” During the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, he co-chaired a White House Task Force on Nutrition and was actively involved in expanding the scope of the U.S. Government’s Food for Peace program. He then served in India where he headed the U.S. Government’s first international nutrition program. In 2008, Berg was honored as one of the first recipients of the United Nations Achievement Award for Lifelong Service to Nutrition and was introduced on that occasion as “a global giant in nutrition history.”
The Nutrition Factor, written while Alan was a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, marked a turning point in the understanding of the vital importance of nutrition in national development, and the emergence of nutrition programs as essential components of the international development agenda. The book built bridges among decision makers in health, food policy, economic theory, education, and agriculture and created a space for intersectoral analysis and action. Importantly, The Nutrition Factor launched national institutions and university programs to train generations of nutrition “doers” who would create policies and programs to prevent malnutrition in many different countries and sectors.
A featured session (Monday, July 24 at 4 PM ET) will recognize Alan’s contributions and the enormous value The Nutrition Factor has had in laying the groundwork for many international nutrition pursuits. Alan is being inducted into the ASN Class of 2023 Fellows, the highest honor that the Society bestows in recognition for his lifetime achievements.
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to save up to $175 on registration to NUTRITION 2023, July 22-25, at the Sheraton Boston, and the opportunity to secure housing in ASN’s Official Hotel Block! Please Note: Registration is required to reserve housing in ASN’s Official Hotel Block. Rates increase after the advanced registration deadline this Friday, June 9 at 11:59 PM CT. Register today!
