Historic Recognition for VA Medical Center
The Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Jr. VA Medical Center has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first VA facility to receive the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ prestigious Center of Excellence in Nutrition and Dietetics designation. This honor, which spans the years 2026 to 2031, places the VA Memphis Healthcare System alongside just five other organizations nationwide that excel across all four recognized domains.
Edward Payton, executive director of the VA Memphis Healthcare System, emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating, “America’s Veterans deserve the very best care, and this national recognition affirms our commitment to delivering exactly that.” He highlighted the dedication and skill of the Nutrition and Food Services team, noting their role in enhancing the lives of Veterans and showcasing the high standards of care available in Memphis.
Comprehensive Nutrition Services
The Nutrition and Food Services department at the medical center goes beyond meal preparation, focusing on clinical nutrition care, chronic disease management, education for Veterans, community collaboration, and training future registered dietitians. The Academy’s designation acknowledges organizations that exhibit outstanding leadership, evidence-based practices, innovative approaches, and measurable results in nutrition and food service.
For Veterans at the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Jr. VA Medical Center, this designation reassures them that their nutrition care is rooted in quality and continuous improvement.
During the fiscal year 2025, the department provided around 134,000 meals and facilitated nearly 20,000 outpatient nutrition consultations, utilizing both in-person and virtual formats. The department also spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing health outcomes, preventing diseases, and empowering Veterans in managing their health.
Successful Health Programs
The MOVE! program, which focuses on weight management, saw an impressive 88% increase in visits during fiscal year 2026 compared to the previous year, while maintaining a high average Veteran Experience Score of 4.6 out of 5.0. VA dietitians play a crucial role in leading MOVE! and other wellness programs designed to foster better health through nutrition.
The Diabetes Management Program has also surpassed its key performance indicators, with 78% of participants actively monitoring their blood glucose, 89% having multiple documented A1c measurements, and 61% showing improved A1c results, all exceeding established program benchmarks.
Enhancements to Dining Experience
Innovative changes have also positively impacted the inpatient dining experience. The implementation of a room-service dining model in 2024 led to a rise in patient satisfaction scores from 4.2 to 4.6 out of 5.0, with Veterans noting improvements in food quality, menu diversity, and the professionalism of Nutrition and Food Services staff.
The Catherine Austin Dietetic Internship Program at the medical center has graduated 109 dietitians since its inception in 2011, boasting a 100% first-exam pass rate within one year. The program continues to train future nutrition experts through partnerships that blend advanced clinical training with graduate education.
In addressing food insecurity, the recently revitalized Food Hub collaborates with community partners to provide weekly food distributions to approximately 100 Veterans and their families each month, enhancing access to nutritious food and bolstering long-term wellness.
A Dedicated Team of Professionals
Michelle Cunningham, associate chief of Clinical Nutrition, led the application process for the Center of Excellence designation with support from the department’s leadership, including Jennifer Earnest and others. Earnest expressed her pride in the team’s achievement, stating that the designation reflects years of commitment to improving Veterans’ lives through nutrition.
The recognition serves as a testament to the exceptional care Veterans receive at the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Jr. VA Medical Center, illustrating that nutrition care extends well beyond meal provision. Through evidence-based practices, patient education, disease prevention efforts, innovation, and compassionate service, the Nutrition and Food Services team is dedicated to fostering healthier lives while promoting excellence across the Veterans Health Administration.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
