Retail Dietitian Profiles
RD Close-Up: Kim Kockler, RD, LD, CP-FS, Food Safety Manager at Coborn’s Inc.
As the Food Safety Manger at Coborn’s I am responsible for developing food safety policies and procedures for our retail locations which meet or exceed government regulations to ultimately ensure our guests are provided with safe, wholesome food products.
RD Close-up: Shelbi Thurau, RD, Retail Dietitian Supervisor at Wakefern
As a dietitian supervisor at ShopRite, my job is to work with our in-store dietitians located in the Northeast region, assist them with growing their programs, and encourage their growth and development as retail dietitians. I also have a hand in our culinary programs, assisting in curating recipes and classes that fall under the culinary umbrella.
Hy-Vee Sets Pace in Retail Health and Wellness
Hy-Vee was the first company to name a Vice President of Retail Dietetics, and recently created a Group Vice President role overseeing health markets. The company has led the trend of health and wellness engagement at retail, and currently employs the highest number of retail dietitians.
RD Close-up: Lorelle Del Matto, MS, RDN, CD
Metropolitan Market (MM) is an upscale, seven-store grocery chain located in the greater Seattle‐Tacoma area known for its unique product selection and personal service. Each store has a full deli, an artisan bakery, a kiosk staffed with “culinary artists,” a full-service butcher, kitchen shops, an expansive offering of premium wines, fresh local and organic produce.
RD Close-up: Megan Hall, RD, LMNT, LDN, LD, LN, CD, CDN
I am currently the dietitian at Amber Pharmacy, a Hy‐Vee subsidiary. Amber Pharmacy has a sister pharmacy called Hy‐Vee Pharmacy Solutions. Both are specialty pharmacies focusing on long‐term and complex treatment of chronically ill patients.
RD Close-up: Ellen Doyle, RD, Registered Dietitian at LobLaws
I’m an in-store dietitian covering three locations in Nova Scotia, Canada. In my role, I provide a full range of nutrition services, including individual consultations, private “Shop with the Dietitian” sessions, group nutrition workshops and tours.
RD Close-up: Danielle Buonforte, RD, Registered Dietitian at ShopRite of Lincoln Park
As the Retail Dietitian at ShopRite of Lincoln Park, I am the lead nutrition expert in the store and within the local community. I offer individual nutrition counseling based on customer needs, which includes, but is not limited to, diabetes education, combating hypertension, and weight loss
RD Close-up: Alicia Blittner, MS, RDN, FreshDirect
I started at FreshDirect in produce merchandising more than ten years ago. My interest and passion for nutrition has always been strong. Working through various departments and roles over the years helped clarify my desire to pursue the RDN credential.
Interview with Amanda Barnes, MS RD LDN, Retail Consultant in the Philippines
Tell us about your experience in retail and how you came to live in the Philippines. My first job in retail was at Giant Food in Washington, DC as an In-Store Nutritionist. During that time, I became involved in the community, making connections with local food banks, as well at the city food council. That position made me realize I was passionate about sustainable food systems so I enrolled in an online master’s degree program in Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems through University of Wisconsin. So after, I started working for Whole Foods private brand in Austin, TX. I was on their product innovation team as a Nutrition Product Compliance Analyst. During that time, I was long distance from my now fiancé, who I met in DC. He does international development work and was assigned to the Philippines where I decided to join him.