What is the Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MAND)?

Updated

The Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MAND) is a non-profit professional organization representing Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTRs), and dietetic students in Maryland. It operates as an affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. MAND is structured as a 501(C)(6) organization, and membership is open to AND members who either reside in Maryland or choose Maryland as their affiliate.

Who MAND serves

MAND's membership base centers on three groups:

  • Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) — credentialed nutrition professionals
  • Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTRs) — support-level nutrition practitioners
  • Dietetic students — those training to enter the field

If you fall outside these categories, MAND is not a direct membership fit, though its public resources (such as finding a dietitian) may still be useful to you.

Mission and vision

MAND states its purpose in two parts:

Element Statement
Mission Empower members to be Maryland's food and nutrition leaders
Vision Optimize the health and well-being of Marylanders through food and nutrition

In practice, this means MAND positions itself as a state-level hub for professional development, networking, and public-facing nutrition resources rather than a direct provider of clinical services.

What MAND offers

For professionals and students

  • Job postings — a board where employers can post openings and professionals can search for positions across Maryland
  • Events — educational programs, professional development sessions, networking events, and social gatherings at various career stages
  • Scholarships — the MAND Foundation, the organization's charitable branch, raises funds for member scholarships

For the public

  • Find a Registered Dietitian in Maryland — a directory-style resource for people seeking personalized, science-grounded nutrition advice

Organizational structure

MAND has two distinct legal arms:

  • MAND (the Academy) — a 501(C)(6) professional association
  • MAND Foundation — a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that funds scholarships for MAND members

The 501(C)(6) designation means MAND is organized as a business league for professional members; the Foundation's 501(c)(3) status allows it to accept charitable contributions for scholarship purposes.

Key dates and events

The site highlights several time-sensitive items:

  • MAND Meet-up in Rockville — October 15th
  • FNCE (Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo) — October 26th
  • Annual Scholarships — applications open September 15 through January 15 for the 2026–2027 cycle

Event details are posted on MAND's Event Page, so check there for current scheduling and registration.

How to decide if MAND is relevant to you

  • You're an RDN, DTR, or dietetic student in Maryland → MAND is your state affiliate; membership runs through AND.
  • You're an AND member living elsewhere → You can select Maryland as your affiliate if you choose.
  • You're an employer hiring nutrition professionals → The job postings board is your entry point.
  • You're a member of the public seeking nutrition guidance → Use the "Find a Registered Dietitian" resource rather than joining.
  • You're a student needing financial support → Watch the scholarship window (September 15–January 15).