PANDPAC

What is PANDPAC

PANDPAC is the Political Action Committee of the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It is run by PAND members, for PAND members, to support elected leaders in Pennsylvania who champion nutrition, dietetics, and public health issues. Together, we make sure our profession has a say in laws and policies that affect what we do and who we serve.

2026-2027 Fundraising Goal

  • Target: $20,000
  • Use: candidate contributions, member education resources, and advocacy support.

What We Support

  • Licensure & regulation for dietitians/nutritionists
  • Increasing access to medical nutrition therapy and insurance reimbursement
  • School nutrition and food security programs
  • Legislation to improve public health through prevention and nutrition education
  • Health equity and access for underserved populations
  • Promotion of RDNs and NDTRs as the nutrition experts.

Why Give to PANDPAC

Your investment ensures that dietitians are at the table in Harrisburg. The policies passed there determine professional scope, reimbursement, licensure, and the reach of public health nutrition work. When we support pro-nutrition legislators, we protect the profession and improve outcomes for patients and communities.

Connected PAC: Who Can Contribute

PANDPAC is a connected PAC, governed under Pennsylvania law. This means:

  • Only PAND members (or those in the restricted class defined by our governing documents) can legally contribute.
  • All contributions are voluntary. No one is required to give.
  • The size of your donation does not affect your membership status.

How We Raise Funds

  • Email and digital campaigns to members tied to legislative sessions or elections
  • Fundraising events (district mixers, social hours, auctions)
  • Member meetings/regional meetings where checks or cash can be accepted
  • Mail or in-person check/cash donations
  • Secure online contributions (e.g., PayPal or similar)

Legal & Regulatory Requirements

  • Donations over certain thresholds (e.g., $50- $250) require disclosure of name, address, and, for larger ones, employer/employer address.
  • Contributions are not tax-deductible.

How PANDPAC Benefits You, the Profession, & Campaigns

  • By supporting pro-nutrition candidates, we help shape legislation that benefits RDNs (licensure, reimbursement, scope of practice).
  • Strong PAC contributions give PAND leverage in advocating for meaningful policy changes.
  • Helps protect against harmful legislation or regulatry changes.
  • Encourages civic engagement within our membership -- your participation strengthens PAND's voice.

How to Donate

  • Online via Zeffy
  • Checks or cash at district/regional meetings or PAND Events
  • By mail:
    • PANDPAC
      c/o Ann Conlin
      461 Cochran Road, Box 246
      Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
  • At upcoming events: Check us out at the Annual Conference!

Testimonials 

"As a practicing dietitian in Pennsylvania, I’ve seen how legislation directly impacts my ability to serve patients. Contributing to PANDPAC gave me confidence that my professional voice is being heard at the state level. It feels empowering to know that my donation, even a modest one, helps protect our scope of practice and expand access to nutrition services for those who need them most."

— PAND Member, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

“I donate to PANDPAC because I care about our profession and the political decisions made surrounding the health of consumers in Pennsylvania.”

— Janel Zeigler, MS, RD, LDN, PAND Member

"I chose to give to PANDPAC because I believe in the power of collective advocacy. Alone, my voice can only go so far, but together our contributions create real influence with policymakers. Supporting PANDPAC is my way of ensuring the future of our profession and advancing policies that prioritize food security and public health across the Commonwealth."

— Andrea Barnes, DBH, MSCN, RD, LDN, FAND, ACPMC, ACRPM, PAND Member

"PANDPAC makes my voice count — together we influence the future of nutrition in Pennsylvania."

— PAND Member, NDTR

Meet the PANDPAC Board:

Trustees (regional representation):

  • Dr. Samantha Stavola-Giaconia, DCN, RD, LDN, FAND (Philadelphia)
  • Emily Richters-Fasciana (Northeast)
  • Andrea M. Barnes, DBH, MSCN, RD, LDN, FAND, ACRPM (Lehigh Valley)
  • Beth Chiodo, MS, RD, LDN, CHWC (Philadelphia)
  • Janel Zeigler, MS, RD, LDN (Central)

What is a Trustee?

A trustee for PANDPAC is a PAND member who provides oversight, guidance, and accountability to ensure the PAC operates ethically, legally, and in alignment with its mission. More info HERE.

JOIN US!

We are looking for regional representation from Pittsburgh, the Northeast, Central, the Northwest, and the Lehigh Valley. If you have an interest in serving on the PANDPAC Committee, please contact the Chairperson by email at pand.pac@eatrightpa.org

 

2025-2026 Donors

 

2024-2025 Donors

LEGACY

Karen Kruza

LEADER

Andrea Barnes
Elizabeth Chiodo

SUPPORTER

Maren Callahan
Erin Pover
Robin Skibber
Janel Zeigler

FRIEND

Ashley Abell
Susan Adams
Kim Alessandroni
Brigid Bagdon
Jan Bazewicz
Rebecca Boova
Shannon Brodbeck
Eileen Chopnick
Ann Conlin
Beth Conway
Robin Danowski
Patricia Davidson
Erin Demito
Danielle DiMezza
Cathy D’Orazio
Emily Fasciana
Talia Follador
Lauren George
Kaitlin Gill
Clancy Harrison
Theresa Hedrick
Barbara Jaoudi
Susan Jones
Ashley Lupinacci
Bernadette Matlack
Micheline Orlowsky
Dana Quinn
Aubrey Redd
Martine Scannavino
Angela Scott
Julie Stefanski
Cynthia Stemrich
Bridget Storm
Kara Stromberg
Gina Trignani
Koran Watson
Lyndi Wieand
Joy Wildman