Retail Dietitian Profiles
RD Close-Up: April Sins, MS, RDN, LDN, Rouses Retail Dietitian
My role as Corporate Retail Dietitian varies from interacting with our corporate office, to working with our in-store teams, vendors, distributors, along with communicating and educating our customers on health topics and new products at Rouses. I coordinate our Eat Right with Rouses initiative which is geared toward helping customers find foods that meet their health goals. Much of my communication efforts have changed and evolved since Covid-19 to more Facebook lives on Rouses Markets Facebook page, zoom classes, and news segments across the regions to reach a broad audience.
RD Close-Up: Joni Rampolla, RDN, CSOWM, LDN, Regional Nutritionist at The GIANT Company
I was hired as an In-Store Nutritionist covering one store and one community for three years. My role transformed and now, I am one of the Regional Nutritionist with The GIANT Company who works with 30+ GIANT and MARTIN’s stores and the communities surrounding our stores to help shoppers make healthier choices for their families. My region includes south central PA, MD, VA, and WV. In addition, I support our associates on their health journey and work with our corporate teams to plan and execute healthier systems for our customers.
RD Close-Up: Dana McLaughlin, RDN, Manager of Health & Wellness, Inserra Supermarkets
I am the Manager of Health and Wellness for Inserra Supermarkets. I oversee our Retail Dietitian program. We currently have 15 full-time registered dietitians on staff who provide nutrition and wellness services to customers, associates, and community partners of our 23 ShopRite stores in New York and New Jersey.
RD Close-Up: Deanna Scheid, RD, SpartanNash
In my current role as the Health & Wellness Dietitian at SpartanNash, I coordinate their health and wellness strategy, initiatives, and programs. I work with merchandising, communications, and distribution marketing to bring health and wellness programs like Kid’s Crew, Nutrition Pathways, and Store Tours to the forefront of our stores.
RD Close-Up: Lisa Coleman, MS, RD, LDN, Director of Healthy Living at Giant
In my current role as Director of Healthy Living, I’m responsible for Giant’s overall strategy related to nutrition, health and wellness. I work with cross-functional teams in Merchandising, Pharmacy, Sustainable Retailing, and Store Operations to embed Healthy Living into Giant’s strategic initiatives.
RD Close-Up: Ana D’Escrivan, RDN, LD, CDE, H-E-B Contract Dietitian
I am a bilingual retail contract dietitian with the H-E-B Nutrition Services department. I provide nutrition education and nutrition counseling to H-E-B customers and partners. While I mostly see patients in a 1-1 setting, we do offer group nutrition education opportunities as well. These include grocery tours, cooking demos, webinars, etc. I see patients ages two and up and for a variety of nutrition-related health conditions.
RD Close-Up: Bridget Wojciak, RDN, LD Director of Nutrition & Dietetics at Kroger
As the Director of Nutrition and Dietetics, it’s my job to bring Kroger Health’s Food as Medicine philosophy to life through a dedicated, educated, and personalized approach to food and nutrition for our shoppers.
RD Close-Up: Kelly Thornton, MBA, RDN, LD, H-E-B Nutrition Services
I wish that I had known more background information about industry trends. If you are thinking about moving into a retail role, get connected! Join professional organizations, follow companies and industry professionals on LinkedIn, and research new health and wellness trends, products, and services.
RD Close-Up: Joanne Heidkamp, MS, RDN, Hannaford Dietitian
My role at Hannaford is to be a friendly and knowledgeable resource our customers as they make food choices to support their health and wellness goals. This might take the form teaching them to read the nutrition facts label, helping them figure out ways to get more legumes into their eating routine, or discussing the pros and cons of milk alternatives. All of my services are offered free of charge.
RD Close-Up: Andrew Akhaphong, RD, LD, Pn1, ACTION-CPT, Mackenthun's Dietitian
I am Mackenthun's sole registered dietitian covering three stores. My approach to delivering programming is different for each store. One store serves a community of middle-class families while the other two stores serve low-income communities that are in food deserts.