Data Foundation Awarded $750,000 Grant to Strengthen National Nutrition Data Infrastructure

Washington, D.C. – November 25, 2024 – The Data Foundation announces a $750,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to strengthen America's data infrastructure for nutrition and food security policy insights and decision-making. This two-year initiative will create a pilot open data repository and develop a cross-sector learning agenda to advance evidence-informed decision-making across government, business, and research communities.

"As Congress and federal agencies consider critical decisions about nutrition and food security programs in the years ahead, access to high-quality data will be essential," said Nick Hart, President and CEO of Data Foundation. "By leveraging the framework of the Evidence Act and working with partners across sectors, we're creating a sustainable model that will transform how researchers, policymakers, and practitioners access and use vital data to improve outcomes for communities."

The project has two primary objectives:

• Creating a pilot data repository to increase access to obesity, nutrition, and food security data
• Developing a cross-sector research and learning agenda to advance evidence-informed federal and state food and nutrition policies

Key activities include developing an inventory of relevant data assets, facilitating stakeholder engagement through roundtables and forums, and creating case studies demonstrating successful applications of data-driven approaches. The Data Foundation will engage stakeholders from federal and state agencies, research institutions, advocacy organizations, and the private sector to ensure the resulting infrastructure meets the needs of diverse data users.

"This initiative exemplifies our commitment to building the evidence base needed for creating healthier, more equitable communities," said  Jamie Bussel, Senior Program Officer.   "By strengthening our national data infrastructure and evidence-building capacity, we can better understand and address the complex factors that influence nutrition and food security.

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About the Data Foundation: The Data Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that seeks to improve government and society by using data to inform public policymaking. Our research and educational activities proactively and rapidly address relevant, emerging data-related needs in the country with the goal of devising realistic solutions, accelerating policy coordination, and advancing innovation. The Data Foundation values diversity and transparency in pursuit of an equitable, data-informed society. In 2024, the Data Foundation was recognized by Candid Guidestar with the Platinum Seal of Transparency and received 4-Stars from Charity Navigator. To learn more, visit www.datafoundation.org.

About the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: RWJF is a leading national philanthropy dedicated to taking bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime. Through funding, convening, advocacy, and evidence-building, we work side-by-side with communities, practitioners, and institutions to get to health equity faster and pave the way together to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right.

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Data Foundation
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