South Carolinian Registered Dietitian Vivian B. Pilant Recipient of American Dietetic Association’s Medallion Award

Registered Dietitian Dr. Vivian B. Pilant, Director of School Food Service and Nutrition for the state of South Carolina, is a recipient of the American Dietetic Association’s (ADA) Medallion Award.

Pilant’s leadership in the dietetic profession was demonstrated by writing ADA’s 2006 Position Paper, Local Support for Nutrition Integrity in Schools, chairing the School Nutrition Services Dietetic Practice Group, and serving on numerous state and national nutrition-related committees.

Pilant has a true vision for and understanding of child nutrition issues at the national and state level. In South Carolina, after 28 years of her leadership, innovative quality programs reach more students with healthful and appealing school lunches and breakfasts than most states in the nation, and state legislation requires wellness polices and nutrition standards in public schools.

Her tenacious public policy skills were exhibited most vividly as the national School Nutrition Association President. When Congress attempted to dismantle child nutrition programs, she spearheaded a national collaborative effort involving organizations including ADA that helped defeat the proposal. She testified many times before congressional committees and appeared on numerous national television programs in support of child nutrition.

Pilant has a commitment for life long learning by completing a doctoral program, as well as offering extensive training for school nutrition professionals.

She also has passion for leadership and advocacy for breast cancer awareness by serving as a reviewer for the congressionally directed Breast Cancer Research Program, teaching nutrition courses for breast cancer survivors, and being a spokesperson on breast cancer awareness. Her positive attitude and courage through her daily interactions and communication as she continues cancer treatment is an inspiration to others. She has distinguished herself by her Arts and Healing artwork. She created a healing icon, Pathway to Healing that has toured America.