In honor of Black History Month, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation celebrates pioneers who have made a lasting impact.
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Lenora Moragne, PhD, MS, RD 1931 – 2020
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Lenora Moragne, PhD, MS, RD, was a distinguished public servant and registered dietitian nutritionist. A leader in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, she served on the Academy’s Board of Directors. She worked with the Academy’s Foundation to establish the Lenora Moragne Memorial Award with an endowed gift from her estate.
The award honors her career and passion for the profession by encouraging and supporting the development of legislative and executive advancement in public policy and nutrition among the Academy’s membership.
With an illustrious career that spanned 60 years, Moragne held positions in hospitals, industry, nutrition publishing, academia and government. Her positions within the federal government include head of nutrition education and training for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service; nutrition coordinator at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and a professional staff member for Sen. Bob Dole (Kan.), specializing in nutrition. She was the first professional female (of any race or ethnic group) to be employed by the Senate Agriculture Committee.
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From 1970 until she was recruited by Dole, Moragne taught at Hunter College and was the college’s first African American professor. During her years in Washington, D.C., she wrote nutrition legislation, improved school lunch programs and developed a pamphlet titled “Nutrition and Your Health…Dietary Guidelines for Americans 1990.” Moragne often traveled throughout the U.S. to promote nutrition and dietetics and delivered lectures to nutrition professionals.
Hunter College had a small, diverse group of Home Economics majors. It was a privilege to have Dr. Lenora Moragne as a teacher for all the food and nutrition courses. She was an inspiring mentor to all her students, a very caring person who encouraged her students in our quest to become nutrition professionals.
Joanne Friedman, MA, RD
Metabolic Dietitian
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Additionally, Moragne was a voice for nutrition and dietetics policy as the founding editor and publisher of three newsletters: Nutrition Legislation and Regulatory News, the Nutrition Funding Report and the Black Congressional Monitor. She also was featured in a May 1978 Ebony article titled, “The Bright Young Bunch on Capitol Hill, 28 Black legislative aides provide expert advice for members of the U.S. Senate.
Moragne served in many volunteer leadership roles throughout her career. She became an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (then the American Dietetic Association) member in 1955 and served on the Academy’s Board of Directors from 1981 to 1984.
The Foundation is honored to continue Moragne’s legacy and tireless work in nutrition policy through this newly established award. A catalyst for “carrying the flame,” the Foundation provides opportunities for these great pioneers and leaders in nutrition and dietetics to honor their vision and legacy.
If you are interested in learning more or donating to support Foundation funds that promote diversity within the nutrition and dietetics profession, please contact Beth Labrador at blabrador@eatright.org.
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