Supermarket Dietitians'

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       In the March issue of Today’s Dietitian, Denise Webb highlights a newer and upcoming career path for dietitians!  According to a Food Marketing Institute survey, 85% of supermarkets have a dietitian on staff and include stores like Hy-Vee, Wakefern, and HEB.  RD’s are able to bridge the gap in community health by the following: influencing customers to purchase healthier options, educating on cheaper/healthier foods, increasing exposure to new foods by having taste tastes/samples, and providing shopping lists for those families with health concerns (diabetes, celiac, hypertension, etc.).

       It has been difficult to assess the effectiveness and impact that dietitians play on customers.  Most retailers will assess RD’s through social media impressions, coupons redemption, inventory measures, sales, and customer feedback.  Some stores are taking it a step further and offering HDL, LDL, and blood pressure assessments to customers who attend the workshops, classes, and cooking demonstrations provided by dietitians.  Wakefern Supermarket hires the dietitians to partner with local schools, hospitals, senior centers, local businesses, wellness programs, and libraries to provide nutrition and food shopping education.  HEB is a supermarket chain located in Texas and Mexico that has their dietitians’ partner with the medical community to conduct weight loss classes/challenges. 

          The idea of having a dietitian within the supermarket makes so much sense!  Why not influence the community in the location in matters the most: where the buy their food!  According to the article, the impact dietitians’ play in the supermarket is huge and improving public health.

Webb, D. (2015, March). Retail RDs’ impact on public health. Today’s Dietitian, (17)3, 40-43.

-DH

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