RD Close-Up: Erin Good, RD, LD, Hy-Vee, Inc
By RDBA Executive Director Annette Maggi, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Please describe your role at Hy-Vee.
I’m one of 30 corporate Hy-Vee dietitians where I serve as a media spokesperson providing credible nutrition information (in-person and virtually) to customers and the community via TV commercials, local news interviews, social media, radio interviews and newspaper articles. In addition, I provide 1:1 and group counseling for customers on specific dietary needs, deliver presentations on various health and nutrition topics, perform biometric and A1c screenings and collaborate with pharmacy and various departments within Hy-Vee to promote Hy-Vee’s health brand.
What's the story behind your experience in retail and how you came to work at your retailer?
While a sophomore at Iowa State University, I contacted numerous Hy-Vee dietitians hoping to gain job experience during my summer vacation. I was hired 20 hours/week at a Hy-Vee store in West Des Moines, Iowa where I worked under the store’s registered dietitian helping build endcap displays, provide in-aisle food experiences, and execute their Kids ‘n’ the Kitchen cooking classes. My passion to help others feel their best and manage their health via nutrition continued to grow, and while nearing the end of my dietetic internship I landed my full-time RD job with Hy-Vee. I now have the BEST teaching tools right at my fingertips!
What has been the biggest challenge for you as a dietitian working in the retail industry?
As our marketing strategy has shifted from in-store to digital, one of the biggest challenges we face is learning how to effectively market Hy-Vee’s dietitian services on social media where we compete with nutritionists and celebrity influencers from all over the world. We also compete against misinformation spread on social media that comes from sources of all kinds. Ultimately, I hope RDs shine as THE nutrition experts nationwide!
What is one thing you wish you had known before starting your career in retail?
Marketing and networking are crucial to becoming a well-known, trusted expert within your local community. You’ll often feel challenged and uncomfortable initiating meetings with Chamber members, doctors’ offices, and local gyms, but it’s a great skill to build and continue growing your customer base and reputation.
Has there been anything specific that has held you back?
Staying relevant and up-to-date with the latest social media trends is an ongoing challenge. I still don’t have a Tik Tok account, but I recently attempted to record my first reel on Instagram which felt like a win!
In a similar vein, has there been anything specific that help you moved forward in your role?
What’s helped me most in moving forward in my career is not being afraid to take on opportunities and try new things. In March 2020, I received a phone call inviting me to join Hy-Vee’s corporate dietitian team of 30. I had previously been working as an in-store RD for more than seven years. This transition has provided me more opportunities on a larger scale for increased media and social media exposure.
Is there a program or initiative of which you are most proud?
Right before COVID-19, I was given the opportunity to appear in a weekly cooking commercial series called “Hy-Vee Healthy You.” This two-minute segment airs across Hy-Vee’s eight-state region during the evening news, Dr. Oz, Ellen, and Rachael Ray shows. I have since recorded more than 74 segments. You can find most of the segments on Hy-Vee’s YouTube Channel: Hy-Vee Healthy You.
Please provide a short bio as well as your social media links.
Erin Good, RD, LD has over nine years of experience as a retail dietitian for Hy-Vee, Inc. based in West Des Moines, Iowa. Erin received her Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics and a Spanish minor from Iowa State University. She is also a proud alum of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center’s dietetic internship program in Peoria, Illinois. Erin accomplished additional training in 2013 and received her Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management. You can find Erin appearing weekly on the local news and on Hy-Vee’s YouTube channel in Hy-Vee’s “Healthy You” series where she provides healthy and deliciously simple meal and snack inspiration. Outside of work, Erin enjoys hot yoga, bike riding outdoors, traveling and visiting new restaurants with family and friends.
