CULTURAL COMPETENCY:VALUES, TRADITIONS and EFFECTIVE PRACTICE The American population and diet has changed radically in the past century, and most rapidly in the last few decades. We are truly a nation of immigrants, and many heretofore unfamiliar "ethnic" cuisine's have become mainstream. Nutrition, health and fitness professionals are challenged to provide effective nutrition education and counseling to an increasingly diverse clientele. To do so, we must understand the components of new diets and foods, and also must understand the cultures from which they emerge, and arrive at "cultural competency." The purpose of this module is to educate and motivate you to take steps toward developing cultural sensitivity and competency.