SNEB Commitment to Working with Partner Organizations

The Society of Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) values the opportunity to collaborate with organizations that share our vision: a dynamic, global community of nutrition professionals empowered through professional growth, connection, and resources to lead the charge in advancing nutrition education, behavior change, and a healthier, sustainable, and equitable food future.

Through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, SNEB’s mission is to equip and inspire its members to transform nutrition education and behavior change, creating measurable impact for individuals, communities, and global health. Partnerships and sponsorships with industry, foundations, associations, and other stakeholders provide resources and connections that help us deliver on this mission.

This policy is informed by best-practice frameworks for public–private partnerships in nutrition science, including recommendations published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2015) on transparency, integrity, and accountability.

Principles Guiding Partnerships and Sponsorships

  • Mission Alignment: Partnerships must support SNEB’s mission to equip and inspire members in advancing nutrition education, behavior change, and a healthier, sustainable, and equitable food future.
  • Transparency: All sponsors and their type of support will be publicly disclosed on the SNEB website and in program materials.
  • Independence: SNEB retains full control over scientific content, educational programming, and policy positions. SNEB seeks multiple partners where possible to avoid undue influence by a single sponsor.
  • Equity and Access: Opportunities are inclusive and designed to broaden engagement across diverse communities, advancing both equity and sustainability.
  • Financial Stewardship: All funds received are used to advance SNEB’s mission-driven activities, with deliverables specified in agreements.
  • Ethical Standards: Partnerships must comply with laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines; SNEB will not engage with organizations whose primary activities directly conflict with our mission.

Types of Partnerships

  • Event Sponsorships: Support of the Annual Conference and professional development programs.
  • Sponsored Educational Sessions: Labeled as sponsored, scheduled outside the peer-reviewed program, reviewed by the Program Committee.
  • Sponsored Webinars and Online Education: Non-accredited, transparently labeled, reviewed, and optional for participation.
  • Sponsored Communications: Pre-conference emails, digital ads, or resource distribution, clearly marked as sponsored with disclaimers.
  • Scholarships, Awards, and Fellowships: Support for individuals or programs aligned with SNEB’s mission.
  • Collaborative Initiatives: Joint projects advancing nutrition science or education with SNEB retaining independence.

Safeguards for Sponsored Content

  • Scientific Independence and Separation of Roles: Scientific programming is developed independently and not influenced by sponsors. SNEB reserves the right to present contradictory or competitive material as part of the scientific content.
  • Review Requirement: Sponsored content must be reviewed by the relevant committee for accuracy, integrity, and educational value.
  • Clear Labeling: All sponsored activities are identified as such and distinguished from scientific or accredited content.
  • No Endorsement: Hosting a sponsor or their content does not imply endorsement of their products or services.
  • Professional Representation: Sponsors are encouraged to designate nutrition and health professionals (e.g., RDs, RDNs, MPHs, scientists, researchers) as their primary representatives at SNEB events and educational activities. This ensures engagement is focused on evidence-based dialogue rather than product promotion.

Review and Feedback Process

  • Initial Review: Staff review all sponsorship requests; high-risk categories may be escalated to the Executive Committee.
  • Post-Sponsorship Feedback: Members may provide feedback via surveys or an online form; concerns are logged and reviewed annually.
  • Annual Review: Staff prepare a Sponsorship Review Report summarizing activities and feedback; Board may reconsider agreements if needed. SNEB will assess partnership impact based on transparent, objective criteria such as educational reach, engagement, and member feedback.
  • Transparency: A list of current sponsors and their type of support will be published annually on the SNEB website.

Conclusion

SNEB affirms that constructive engagement across the food system strengthens our ability to influence change. By welcoming diverse partners under transparent safeguards, we ensure that nutrition science and education remain central to shaping healthier food systems, advancing equity, and supporting a sustainable global future. This commitment reflects SNEB’s vision of a dynamic, global community of nutrition professionals and its mission to transform nutrition education and behavior change through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy.

To learn more about partnering with SNEB, please email info@sneb.org.