I don’t know about you, but it feels like every time I turn around, rates for the services I use are going up. Just last week, both our utility company and water district announced rate increase “hearings,” on top of recent hikes. My inbox is full of notices that this service or that app will soon cost more. It feels nonstop!
In response, I’ve become far more selective about what I’ll keep. You might even say I’m on a cancellation spree. If it’s not essential to my family or business, it’s gone, especially if prices rise while quality doesn’t.
The same is true for NANP. Our tech service costs have soared since the pandemic. Earlier this year, we switched to new association and learning management software because our previous provider raised rates 20% annually while service declined. As a small-staff association, we simply couldn’t sustain that.
With rising expenses, the NANP Board had to consider increasing membership dues but ultimately decided not to. We’ll hold the line so we don’t add to your burden.
NANP is a FUBU organization, For Us, By Us. Our Board and team members are people just like you, working daily to improve health and nutrition. Trust me, we feel the same pinch.
While others are grabbing what they can, we encourage you to give. With the ThanksGIVING season ahead, here are a few ideas for doing just that.
A TIME TO GIVE
As a member of our community, you share a deep belief in the power of food to nurture, energize, and connect. Look beyond your practice and clients; there are numerous opportunities to extend your skills into the broader community, where they are often most needed.
Across the country, many families and individuals face food insecurity and a lack of access to fresh, nourishing foods. These challenges can lead to cycles of poor health that no one should have to endure. As a holistic nutrition professional, you are uniquely positioned to help break those cycles, not through policy or politics, but through education, empowerment, and community connection.
Teaching Classes That Build Confidence
Consider volunteering to teach a cooking class at a local community center, shelter, food pantry, or school. Simple, budget-friendly recipes that use whole foods can make a profound difference for families who may feel that healthy eating is out of reach. Consider hosting a label-reading class to demystify nutrition facts and help people make more informed choices at the grocery store. These are skills that last a lifetime.
Connecting People to Local Resources
You can also serve as a bridge, connecting people to local farmers, food co-ops, and community gardens. Introducing clients or community members to these resources supports local agriculture while increasing access to fresh produce. Even small efforts, like organizing a “meet your farmer” day or sharing information about local markets, can have ripple effects throughout the community.
Supporting Those Facing Food Insecurity
Not everyone can afford high-quality food or personalized nutrition support. Consider donating your time, whether by offering free consultations through local nonprofits or creating educational materials for food banks. These small steps help ensure that everyone can make positive, informed choices about their health.
A Call to Give Back
Community service not only strengthens our neighborhoods, but it also deepens our purpose as professionals. By sharing our expertise in inclusive and accessible ways, we embody the true spirit of holistic nutrition: caring for the whole person and the whole community.
No matter where you live, there are opportunities to get involved. One small act of service and kindness; a single class, conversation, or connection can ignite change that reaches far beyond the kitchen table.
