Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research

AnnualReport2009

Catalyst for Dietetic& Nutrition Research

A Message fromthe PresidentMary Sue Waisman, PDt, MSc, FDC

The Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research’s year was

marked by tremendous achievements, propelling the Foundation ahead in its vision of enhancing the health of Canadians by contributing new knowledge about food and nutrition. We continued to offer and expand our cornerstone programs, including both our annual grants and knowledge transfer programs. Additionally, we undertook several new activities, like the launch of our New Researcher grant program and the development of on-line educational resources and funding opportunities databases. Please take a moment to see your support dollars at work and read about the progress we achieved in all five pillars of our strategic plan throughout this report. You will see from our financial statements that we registered an extraordinarily positive year – somewhat uncommon in this year of economic uncertainty. Thanks in large part to some shrewd investments and to the continued support of our donors and partners, we ended the year with an unprecedented surplus. These surplus funds will be used to launch a new large-scale research

Advancing Nutrition and Dietetic Research

Funding research and supporting dietetic researchers are cornerstones of the Foundation. Achievements for the past year include the following: � Awarded 7 grants to dietitians and their research teams.

M Launched a New Researcher Grant Program to encourage new dietitians to conduct research and support their profession. Three grants were awarded in June 2009.

M Collaborative research project on dietary sodium intake began in January 2009. This large-

project in the upcoming year. We are grateful to be in this financial situation and excited about the possibilities for this program to fill a specific gap in nutrition knowledge. What is absolutely vital to our progress is our people: the researchers, volunteers, DC member donors and partners who make CFDR the vibrant and successful Foundation that it is. Thanks to all those whose contributions of time, expertise and money have made CFDR a strong catalyst for dietetic and nutrition research.

he Five Pillars of CFDR

M This bullet symbol indicates a new initiative.

scale research project is a collaboration between CFDR and the British Columbia Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport.

� Presented 4 regional Morgan awards and a national Morgan Medal to recognize students for their passion for research.

M Contributed funds and expertise to develop a Knowledge Pathway on quantitative research methods for Dietitians of Canada’s knowledge transfer service: PEN (Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition).

M Created 2 databases to support dietitians doing research: “Researcher Training Resources” and “Researcher Funding Resources” (posted to the CFDR website at www.cfdr.ca/resources.html)

As a new dietitian just starting out in my career, I’m pleased to be able to include research in my prac-tice. It’s a bit intimidating to submit a proposal for that first research project, but having a special program for new researchers just like me made it easier. My project, looking at weight loss interventions for infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, has the potential to make an impact on dietetic practice and to help many women. I plan to continue to include research in my work and I’m grateful to CFDR for supplying the funding that helped get me started.

– Megan MacInnis, RD, Recipient of a 2009 CFDR New Researcher grant, Royal Alexandra Hospital

EnhancingKnowledge Transfer

Funding research is critical to supporting the dietetic profession and to enhancing the health of Canadians. Equally important is transferring the knowledge gained through research so that dietitians can incorporate new knowledge into their practices. This year, we: � Ensured that new research projects were entered into CINDAR, CFDR’s unique searchable database that consolidates ongoing food, nutrition and dietetic research in Canada. The Canadian Inventory of Nutrition and Dietetic Associated Research is posted to www.cfdr.ca/cindar.html.

M Produced and distributed the first annual CFDR Research Report, highlighting the year’s CFDR-funded published research projects and detailing the impact of their results. The report appears at www.cfdr.ca/cfdrresearch.html.

� Presented research at DC’s annual conference. 24 oral presentations, 50 posters and 61 posted intern abstracts allowed conference attendees to learn about research projects and gave presenters an opportunity to showcase their work.

� Hosted two Research Breakfasts featuring CFDR-funded researchers sharing information on their projects. Dr. Catherine Morley’s and Dr. Anna Farmer’s presentations are posted to www.cfdr.ca/presentations.html.

� Recommended 4 strategies for helping dietitians to make research part of their practice. The first was implemented through the new “Research Funding Resource” posted to the CFDR website.

The Connecting Dietetic Researchers Think Tank began as a collaboration between researchers at Ryerson University, Hamilton Health Sciences and CFDR. In the end, 12 dietitians from 5 practice areas participated in this session looking at how CFDR can remove some of the barriers facing potential researchers and facilitate dietetic research. I’m proud of CFDR’s commitment to work collaboratively to advance its mandate.

– Sharon Wong, PhD, RD,Assistant Professor, School of Nutrition, Faculty of Community Services, Ryerson University and Chair, 2009 CFDR Scientific Review Committee

Raising Awareness and Demonstrating Value

CFDR does some remarkable work and we are eager to share information about the Foundation with our key constituent groups. This year we:

M Redesigned the CFDR website for greater impact and readability; www.cfdr.ca

� Distributed Keeping in Touch, our newsletter published three times a year to keep our partners, donors and friends updated on the latest news at

The guidelines for our MScFN (Internship Stream) clarify the interns’ responsibilities regarding dissemination of their research. We expect our MScFN interns to submit their research projects to CINDAR. In addition, we encourage our interns to submit abstracts and posters to the CFDR day at the DC annual conference. We hope that our graduates appreciate that this aspect of dissemination is a way to give back to the profession while acquiring valuable recognition during the start of their careers.

– Kayla Glynn, MHSc, RD, Internship Coordinator, Graduate Program in Foods & Nutrition, Brescia University College (at the University of Western Ontario)

Collaboratingfor Greater Impact

CFDR is a small, lean Foundation. To make the greatest impact possible in advancing nutrition knowledge, we recognize the importance of collaborating with others. To that end, we achieved much this year with the following: � Liaised with dietitians and researchers from Ryerson University and Hamilton Health Sciences. A small group discussion about how CFDR might facilitate dietetic research evolved into a larger project.

M Hosted Connecting Dietetic Researchers. This half-day Think Tank brought together 12 dietitians from various practice areas to look at the barriers to doing research and suggesting how CFDR might remove those barriers. M This bullet symbol indicates a new initiative.

CFDR. � Contributed a monthly column to DC’s newsletter, Members in Action, sharing CFDR projects and activities with the nearly 6000 members of Dietitians of Canada.

M Conducted a branding exercise and developed a new communications and marketing plan. Extensive research of our corporate partners and DC members – our two biggest constituent groups – helped us to refine our key messages.

Raising Funds

As a charitable foundation, CFDR is dependent on donations and successful fundraising events to carry out its mandate. We registered a year of successes: � Inspired the support of the corporate community. CFDR

received over $220,000 in funds from more than 20 corporations which provide either long-term pledges or annual donations. Corporate partners contributed not only finances, but also human resources support to our Board and volunteer committees.

� Ignited the imaginations of individual DC members. Dietitians know the value of practice-based research in providing a solid base to their profession. Members of DC donated more than $25,000 to CFDR this year.

� Hosted two very successful major fundraising events: the Corporate Golf Challenge held in September 2008 raised a net total of nearly $60,000. The Fun Run/Walk held at the DC conference in May raised a net total of over $25,000.

M This bullet symbol indicates a new initiative.

Nestlé Healthcare Nutrition is a Founder level supporter of CFDR. Nestlé Healthcare, like CFDR, believes that nutrition and dietetic research is important in contributing to the health of Canadians. We are proud to support CFDR in the quest for the advancement of nutrition. If it was not for CFDR, new nutritional research would not be conducted. Our partnership is very important to us and is aligned to our company’s mission of advancing nutrition.

– Paul Bruhn, Country Business Manager, Nestlé Healthcare Nutrition

orporate artnersCorporate partners demonstrate their leadership of CFDR by providing financial and human resources support to the Foundation.*

Founder ($125,000+)Dairy Farmers of CanadaDietitians of CanadaNestlé Healthcare Nutrition

Benefactor ($75,000)The Centrum Foundation and

Wyeth Consumer Health Care Inc.

Sponsor ($50,000)Campbell’s Food Service and

Campbell Company of CanadaCoca-Cola Ltd.Compass Group CanadaKraft Canada Inc. McCain Foods (Canada)McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada

LimitedUnilever Canada Inc.

Patron ($25,000)Abbott Nutrition CanadaAlmond Board of CaliforniaARAMARK Canada Ltd.Canola Council of CanadaEgg Farmers of CanadaGeneral Mills Canada CorporationKellogg Canada Inc.Mead Johnson NutritionPepsiCo Canada

* donations generally pledged over multi-years

Annual DonorsBritish Columbia Ministry of

Healthy Living and SportComputrition, Inc.

Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research

SUMMARIZED BALANCE SHEET

AS AT AUGUST 31, 2009

2009 2008

Assets Cash $ 319,027 $ 103,829 Investments - at fair value 2,134,042 2,105,423 Sundry receivables 30,144 68,262 Prepaid expenses 8,995 5,038 2,492,208 2,282,552

Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 59,002 47,098 Deferred revenue 46,639 105,430 Due to Dietitians of Canada 3,953 1,522 109,594 154,050

Balance of funds 2,382,614 2,128,502

SUMMARIZED STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENSES AND FUND BALANCES

YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2009

Revenues Donations – corporate 223,513 215,888 Donations – individuals 27,973 40,966 Investment income - unrealized capital gains 135,696 62,699 - interest and realized capital gains 149,021 25,617 Revenues from fund-raising activities 125,788 139,347 Special research projects 49,541 10,320 711,532 494,837

Expenses Research program - grants awarded 79,653 101,635 - expenses 45,841 43,513 - special research projects 49,541 10,320 Research communications 70,950 45,707 Fund-raising 53,780 52,197 Governance 59,334 49,582 Administration 57,568 59,374 Expenses on fund-raising activities 40,753 51,258 457,420 413,586

Excess of revenues over expenses for the year 254,112 81,251

Balance of funds - at beginning of year 2,128,502 2,132,670

Change in accounting policy - (85,419)

Balance of funds - at end of year $ 2,382,614 $ 2,128,502

Note: The above information has been summarized from the 2009 audited financial statements. The complete set of financial statements, audited by Clarke Henning, LLP, including the auditors’ report and notes to the financial statements are available from the Foundation upon request.

CFDR Research Grants

How can all Canadian infants get the Vitamin D needed for optimal health?Sina Gallo, PDt, RD, MSc McGill University

The project examines how children of vegetarian parents can get the vitamin D they need through supplementation, recognizing that most preparations for infants contain animal derived vitamin D3. Study results will enable dietitians to provide the best advice to parents to ensure optimal health for their infants while still adhering to their own belief systems.

What are beginning dietitians’ experiences in the first years of practice? Jacqui Gingras, PhD, RDRyerson University

The researchers will explore new dietitians’ life experiences in the context of dietetic practice.

Understanding the process of becoming a dietitian can inform practice standards, recruitment and curriculum development, and provide insights into ways to improve career resilience and retention.

Can thiamin supplementation help patients with heart failure?Mary Keith, PhD, RDSt. Michael’s Hospital

The researchers will look at the prevalence of thiamin deficiency in ambulatory patients with heart failure, and will determine an effective dose of thiamin supplementation that will restore red blood cell thiamin levels, leading to better health for patients with heart failure.

What is the history of dietetics education in British Columbia?

Laura Cullen, RD, MBA, and Catherine Morley, PhD, RD, FDC

The research will document the history of dietetics

education in British Columbia to

inform dietetics education planning in the province and to serve as a pilot to developing similar histories in other parts of the country.

The following three grants are the first grants awarded under CFDR’s New Researcher Program, launched in 2009:

Do a mother’s metabolic abnormalities in pregnancy affect breast milk and subsequent infant metabolic development? Sylvia Ley, RD, MSc, PhD (Cand)University of Toronto

Evidence indicates that offspring of women with gestational diabetes have an increased risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes. This research will look at the impact of metabolic abnormalities on milk hormones and infant development. This research may assist health professionals to develop diabetes prevention strategies.

Can diet result in weight loss and impact infertility in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome? Megan MacInnis, RDRoyal Alexandra Hospital

Over half of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are overweight or obese. The researchers hypothesize that nutrition counseling will result in significant weight loss and affect fertility outcomes in these women. Results from this study will provide information regarding the efficacy of dietary intervention in infertile women with PCOS.

CFDR’s 2009 Research grants will provide answers to these questions:

National Morgan Medal Recipient Roxanne Laughlin and CFDR Executive Director Isla Horvath

VisionEnhancing the health of Canadians by contributing new knowledge about food and nutrition.

MissionThe Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research is the catalyst for dietetic and applied nutrition research by funding research and disseminating new knowledge in support of evidence-based decisions.

ValuesThe Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research demonstrates the following values:Innovation: fosters creativity and support for the emergence of new knowledge in an environment that embraces both freedom of inquiry and unrestricted dissemination of research results. Integrity: functions with honesty, fairness, transparency and objectivity. Respect: operates inclusively and collaboratively, leveraging the wisdom and diverse perspectives of board members, corporate partners and individual donors to achieve results. Accountability: manages resources responsibly by operating with the highest level of ethical conduct in decision making and supporting desired outcomes. Excellence: promotes high standards in research. Relevance: demonstrates value to Foundation supporters in its applicability and significance to dietetic practice and corporate priorities in relation to the nutritional health of Canadians.

AboutCFDR

Do cultural beliefs and attitudes towards foods have an impact on acceptance of dietary recommendations for the management of Type 2 Diabetes?Zsolt Toth, RDNoojmowin Teg Aboriginal Health Centre, Little Current, Ontario

This research will look at culturally shared local beliefs towards foods that may impact glycemic control. An understanding of attitudes towards foods will allow for a better patient-provider interaction and can promote healthier dietary intakes amongst aboriginal community members with diabetes.

The following is a collaborative research project of CFDR and the British Columbia Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport.

Dietary Sodium IntakeAn ecological view of the perceptions and motivations of dietary sodium intake: A state of the knowledgeAnna Farmer, PhD, MPH, RD,University of Alberta

Excess sodium in our diets can contribute to many serious health risks, yet Canadians have been reluctant to shake the salt habit. Current food intake surveys suggest that Canadians eat more than twice the amount of sodium actually needed for good health. The researchers are investigating Canadians’ understanding of sodium and their willingness to reduce their intake of salt. In addition, the research will examine what information is promoted to Canadians about sodium by food producers, government, health professionals and others.

CINDAR – A Valuable ResourceThe Canadian Inventory of Nutrition and Dietetic Associ-ated Research offers valuable information about ongoing dietetic and nutrition research projects in Canada. Visit this vibrant, searchable database at www.cfdr.ca/cindar.html.

Volunteer Committees

CFDR relies on the dedicated efforts of many volunteers to carry out its work. Thanks to our 2008-9 volunteers.

Corporate Fundraising Committee Co-Chairs: Helen Ann Dillon, Lisa BeausoleilMembers: Brenda Brown, Peter Rick, Phyllis Tanaka

Corporate Golf CommitteeCo-Chairs: Lisa Salonen McKay, Erin HallinanMembers: Lisa Beausoleil, Maria D’Agostino, Barb Ledermann, Jonathan Hughes, Glen Nelson

DC Conference Abstracts Review CommitteeChair: Jennifer TaylorMembers: Candice Rideout, Kimberley Hernandez

Finance and Audit CommitteeChair: Marsha SharpMembers: Carol Hotchkiss, Peter Shin

Fun Run/Walk CommitteeChair: Nancy Fong

Morgan Medal Judging PanelChair: Catherine MorleyMembers: Tanis Fenton, Noella Leydon, Kerry Grady-Vincent, Debra Reid, Patti Simpson

Nominations CommitteeChair: Doris FosterMembers: Nathalie Savoie, Mary Sue Waisman

Scientific Review CommitteeChair: Sharon WongMembers: Donna Barnes, Michi Furuya Chang, Christiana Liu, Kerry Grady-Vincent, Penni Kean, Michele McCall, Helen Toews, Julia Wong

2008-2009 Board of Directors

The work of CFDR is overseen by a strong and committed Board of Directors. Board members also lead and serve on the Foundation’s committees.

Mary Sue WaismanPresident All About Food Nutrition ConsultingFall River, NS

Lisa BeausoleilLeader, Health Channel Development Nestlé Nutrition North York, ON

Helen Ann DillonRegistered Dietitian Ancaster, ON

Doris FosterDirector of Nutrition Services ARAMARK at Toronto Rehab Toronto, ON

Michi Furuya ChangDirector, Canadian Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Kraft Canada Inc. Don Mills, ON

Cathy Paroschy HarrisDirector, Nutrition & Food ServicesThunder Bay Regional Health Sciences CentreThunder Bay, ON

Sharon McDonaldPresident, Morrison HealthcareCompass Group CanadaMississauga, ON

Caroline RuzickaTechnical Management Director Unilever North America Toronto, ON

Nathalie SavoieAssistant Director, Nutrition, National Programs Dairy Farmers of Canada Montreal, QC

Marsha SharpChief Executive Officer Dietitians of Canada Toronto, ON

Sharon WongAssistant Professor School of Nutrition Ryerson University Toronto, ON

Staff: Isla Horvath, Executive Director

Canadian Foundation for Dietetic ResearchFondation Canadienne de la recherche en diététique

480 University Avenue, Suite 604Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V2

T: 416 596 1294 F: 416 596 0603E: cfdr@dietitians.ca W: www.cfdr.ca

Charitable Registration No. 89270 2150 RR0001

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