ANFP-PAC
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The Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals Political Action Committee (ANFP-PAC) is a member-sponsored political action fund which supports Federal congressional candidates who care about the ANFP mission and the work our members do. ANFP-PAC is the tool by which our Association builds its strength in Washington and expands our visibility among elected officials. ANFP-PAC carefully supports those members of Congress who support legislative positions that are favorable to ANFP and its members.
Originally launched as the DMA-PAC in 1990, the ANFP-PAC works to ensure ANFP has a strong voice on Capitol Hill. View the ANFP-PAC committee here.
The ANFP-PAC is coordinated by the Government Affairs Committee in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer, and other staff as well as the Washington Legislative Counsel. Together, these individuals will carefully review the voting records and positions of prospective recipients of ANFP-PAC funds and make decisions on how to expend precious ANFP-PAC resources. Input from ANFP members who know their local Federal candidates is welcome and encouraged.
ANFP-PAC would not exist without the voluntary contributions of its members. It is the way our association stands united in support of pro-ANFP federal candidates. However, ANFP-PAC is relatively small compared to the PACs of other national associations; for example, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics PAC routinely raises over $200,000 per two-year election cycle and spends nearly that much in support of Members of Congress and congressional candidates. ANFP-PAC has a great deal of growing to do, so for more information on ANFP-PAC and how you can help, please contact Mindy Theesfeld or Jennifer Karson, CAE, at ANFP.
ANFP-PAC has created the grassROOTS campaign. Show your support of CDM, CFPPs cultivating ROOTS by donating today! Together we will cultivate, grow and REAP!
The main purposes of the ANFP-PAC are to:
Aggregate and pool the support and resources of the members of ANFP for the collective good of the Association, and to enable the membership to have one strong political voice on issues of importance;
Provide a means by which all members of the Association can participate in some way to help with the political efforts of the Association;
Support and help elect candidates who understand and share our concerns, visions and philosophy;
Act as a rallying point for ANFP members to become engaged in the political process at all levels from making a contribution to meeting with elected officials;
Provide an important strategic tool for ANFP to make itself heard and understood on Capitol Hill – it is not a magic answer which will guarantee results, but it is an incredibly important vehicle to aid in the accomplishment of positive results; and,
Give ANFP more visibility in Washington and allow it to be more competitive among other associations which often may have conflicting goals.
History
In January 2008, the DMA Board of Directors voted to create the new DMA Political Action Committee (DMA-PAC) as part of the Association’s efforts to increase its legislative advocacy efforts and presence in Washington, D.C. Now called ANFP-PAC, it is a member-sponsored political action fund which supports Federal candidates who care about the ANFP mission and the work that ANFP members do. ANFP-PAC is the tool by which our Association builds its strength in Washington and by which ANFP will continue to expand its visibility among elected officials.
Since Members of Congress and candidates for Congress are prohibited by Federal law from accepting contributions directly from corporate trade associations like ANFP, there is no way for ANFP as an association to directly support those Members of Congress who take legislative positions favorable to ANFP and its members. This includes legislative efforts to secure Federal recognition of the Certified Dietary Manager credential. What ANFP itself cannot do with respect to political contributions, ANFP-PAC can, and that is why ANFP-PAC is a critically-important resource that our Association can use to support the election of representatives who support our efforts and share our philosophy and our attitudes about government.
About the GrassROOTS Initiatives
ANFP has joined forces on Capitol Hill with The Opportunity America Jobs and Careers Coalition (OAJCC), focusing on two major bills in Congress: the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which was signed by former President Trump on July 31, 2018, and will incentivize industry-recognized credentials like the CDM, CFPP; and the Promoting Real Opportunity, Success and Prosperity through Educational Reform (PROSPER) Act, which would reauthorize the Higher Education Act with resources for industry-led "earn-and-learn" programs and more flexible Pell Grants to help students pay for competency-based programs offered with community colleges. In addition, ANFP will continue to foster partnerships with other Healthcare Associations to cover the need for qualified CDM, CFPPs in healthcare communities.
Join the cause and become a member of the ANFP GrassROOTS network and please consider giving to ANFP’s political action committee, ANFP-PAC, which is integral to our visibility and success on Capitol Hill. Finally, please support your state chapter and spokesperson, become a CDM, CFPP Brand Ambassador, and mentor and educate new CDM, CFPPs!
ANFP-PAC FAQs
Who may contribute to ANFP-PAC?
By law (the Federal Election Campaign Act), ANFP members are eligible to make contributions to the association’s Political Action Committee, ANFP-PAC. Members include professional, certified, retired, and allied professional members.
How much may I contribute to ANFP-PAC and who do I make my contribution to?
ANFP-PAC may receive up to $5,000 per year from any one individual. Contributions in excess of $200 must be reported to the Federal Election Commission with the identifiable information requested on the ANFP-PAC Contribution Card.
Is my Contribution Tax Deductible?
A donation to ANFP-PAC, although not tax deductible, gives ANFP members a voice in Washington. Your ANFP-PAC donation will help ANFP in its mission to provide optimal safety and nutritional care to our nation’s elderly.
How is my Contribution Used?
Voting records and positions of prospective recipients of ANFP-PAC funds are carefully reviewed by the ANFP Government Affairs Committee, ANFP Chief Executive Officer, Government Affairs Staff Liaison, and the Legislative Counsel, who then decide how to allocate ANFP-PAC funds. Input from ANFP members who know local candidates is welcome and encouraged.
Who do I Contact if I Have Questions?
Questions regarding how to support ANFP-PAC, should be directed to Mindy Theesfeld.
ANFP-PAC could not exist without the voluntary contributions of its members. It is the one way our Association stands united in its support of pro-ANFP political candidates. It always means more to a politician if a substantial contribution is made from an organization representing thousands of members across the country. ANFP-PAC is a member service of ANFP and is only as effective as the resources contributed by members.
ANFP-PAC is an important strategic tool that can be used to promote Grass Roots initiatives on Capitol Hill. It is the voice of ANFP in Washington - its strength lies in the number of members who contribute. Stand united by making a voluntary contribution to ANFP-PAC today!
ANFP-PAC is a committee registered with the Federal Election Committee (FEC) and a copy of the ANFP-PAC report is available upon request. Corporate contributions cannot be accepted; only personal contributions can be made to ANFP-PAC. Contributions to ANFP-PAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.