US National Nutrient Databank Conference-A look to the past and the future

The United States (US) National Nutrient Databank Conference (NNDC) has been held annually since 1976 to provide a venue for the presentation and exchange of information about food composition data and databases and dietary assessment software. NNDCs have been held in 19 US states, Washington DC, and Canada. The yearly Conference is guided by a Steering Committee with elected officers. The Steering Committee identifies potential hosting organizations, and annual meetings are organized by Program and Arrangement Committees. The NNDC began gathering information about available databases at its second meeting and subsequently produced a Nutrient Databank Directory that went through nine editions under the leadership of a Database Committee. The directory is currently available on-line as the 2006 International Nutrient Databank Directory. The NNDC website (http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/conf/) provides a link to the Directory as well as information about prior and future NNDCs. Many of the individuals who were instrumental in conceptualizing, organizing, and developing this Conference have retired or are nearing retirement, and younger professionals are moving in to continue to nurture and guide the group. This brief history of the NNDC is provided to preserve the past of this organization and to encourage newer attendees to contribute to its future.