Supermarket RDs Becoming More Popular

Although some grocery stores have been employing RDs since the late 80s, it has become increasingly popular within the last few years.  Many grocery store chains have at least a few dietitians on staff through corporate, regional or contract. A survey completed last year by Progressive Grocer showed that 40% of all grocery stores have at least one dietitian on staff and finds it is a growing trend to employ RDS.  This article talks about the importance of having an RD working in a supermarket, by giving conventional grocery stores a competitive edge to the more specialized health food store.  As people becoming increasingly more aware of the link between a healthy diet and chronic disease they seek out more information on well-balanced diets.  In addition, people typically only see their doctors a couple times each year, and are often told to follow certain therapeutic diets.  To have an RD available while these people are shopping for their new diet is an invaluable resource. 
Supermarket dietitians don't just tell people find the healthier options in the stores, they have a wide variety of responsibilities.  Many of them are creating educational programs, cooking demonstrations, working with store managers on shelving placements, developing shelf labeling systems so shoppers can easily pick out heart healthy or low sodium items.  Barbara Ruhs is an RD that is an advocate for getting more dietitians in supermarkets.  She finds the most frustrating part is that shoppers aren't always aware a dietitian is available to them.  Ruhs encourages supermarket dietitians to make themselves known as well as encourages store managers to get the word out about their RDs.  Shoppers need to use the service in order for it to be a real asset. 

Orenstein, B. W. (2014). The Rise of Supermarket RDs. Today’s Dietitian, 16(10):12. Retrieved from: http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/100614p12.shtml

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