Josephine (Jo) Rogers AM

May 6, 1925 - September 3, 1996

Jo Rogers was a foundation member of the Australia Nutrition Foundation (ANF) and became its second and longest serving chairperson (1983 to 1993). During that time, Jo guided and developed the ANF into an organisation that is respected throughout Australia for its commitment to disseminating accurate, scientifically based nutrition information.

She introduced the concept of the Healthy Diet Pyramid (now known as the Healthy Eating Pyramid), a food selection guide used extensively in nutrition counselling and nutrition education programs throughout Australia. Jo was also involved in the development of the Healthy Weight Range graph based on the Body Mass Index (BMI); the majority of ANF information sheets and booklets were either written by Jo or produced under her direction.

The membership of ANF grew steadily as Jo encouraged links with organisations and individuals with an interest in nutrition and health. She was well known to members of the food industry, home economics and teaching professions as well as dietitians and nutritionists for her nutrition knowledge. Jo was an eloquent spokesperson and was frequently sought by the media for opinion and comment on topical nutrition issues.

Jo worked at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for over 40 years retiring in 1989. She became Chief Dietitian only 3 years after completing her dietetic training and also took on the role of Food Service Manager in 1968. Under her leadership the Nutrition and Dietetics Department became the largest and most progressive in NSW. She encouraged dietitians on her staff to specialise and undertake research. In the late 1960s, Jo was instrumental in having the University of Sydney agree to provide postgraduate training of dietitians, a course in which she lectured for many years. She is the only person to whom the University has awarded an honorary degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. She also served an honorary degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. She also served as a council member of the University’ s Nutrition Research Foundation for 17 years.

During the career, Jo held many of the senior offices in the dietetics profession. She was president of the Dietitians’ Association of New South Wales, Chairperson of the NSW Institute of Dietitians, President of the Australian Dietetic Council and Chairperson of the dietetics panel of the Council on Overseas Professional Qualifications.

Jo greatly influenced nutrition policy throughout Australia. She served on the Nutrition Committee and the Food Standards Committee of the National Health & Medical Research Council. A major contributor to the development of nutrient labelling for Australian foods, she was a member of the Nutrition Taskforce of the Commonwealth’s Better Health Commission (CBHC) As its Chairperson in 1987, she was in charge of Australia’s most influential report on public health nutrition.

Jo’s work in community nutrition extended beyond the ANF. She was a leading member of the NSW Education Department’s School Canteen Committee and a Dental Health Foundation Council member.  She also served on many other NSW Health Department Committees.

Jo co-authored five books on nutrition and many scientific papers and articles as well as nutrition articles for the popular press. Her book 'You and You Food', written with the late Dr. Fred Clements, went to six editions and is still in print being used in schools and tertiary institutions throughout Australia.  She was also editor of the very popular 'What Food Is That? And How Healthy Is It."

For her services to nutrition and the community, Jo was awarded membership of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1980.

Jo was friend and mentor to her students, staff and colleagues. She was always willing to listen, giving advice and help. She was a very approachable and "down to earth" person with a great sense of humour. For Jo, good nutrition was also about enjoying food. Her enthusiasm and energy inspired all those who knew her.

Jo died on 3^rd September 1996 of multiple myeloma, after being lovingly cared for in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, the hospital for which she worked so hard.

[ANF National Newsletter January 1997]