Book excerpt: Poor quality dietary habits are one of the most pressing public health concerns of our time. As a society, we are faced with the paradox of malnutrition and overconsumption existing side-by-side. Many people in our communities deal with the stark reality of food insecurity coupled with a reliance on inexpensive, nutrient-poor calories that contribute to the nationwide prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. As a resource for both students and practitioners, Public Health and Community Nutrition provides an overview of how social determinants of health3⁄4socioeconomic factors that influence a population’s or an individual’s well-being3⁄4contribute to the existence of health disparities in the United States. Now more than ever, diet and health experts are needed to address these 21st-century public health challenges that require specific professional competencies related to nutritional assessment, knowledge of food assistance and support options, and nutrition education skills that are appropriate for targeted audiences.