RD Close-Up: Paige Green, RD, LD, Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian
By RDBA Executive Director Annette Maggi, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Please describe your role at your retailer.
I am proud to be one of the Corporate Hy-Vee Registered Dietitians in the Des Moines/Ames area. I consult patients both in-person and virtually on a variety of dietary needs, as well perform biometric and A1c screenings. One of the favorite things about my job is appearing as a guest on local TV stations and writing newspaper articles, allowing me to use my creativity at its full potential.
What's the story behind your experience in retail and how you came to work at your retailer?
I started my career at Hy-Vee when I was a dietetic student at Iowa State University. I worked alongside two amazing Hy-Vee dietitians where I helped execute a variety of kids cooking classes, food demonstrations, and in-store health fair and events. Working in this fast-paced, health-focused atmosphere fueled my passion for this field of work. After finishing my dietetic internship, I was offered a job with Hy-Vee and have yet to look back. The retail setting fits my personality perfectly, and I enjoy helping clients right inside the grocery store.
What has been the biggest challenge for you as a dietitian working in the retail industry?
Regardless of how many years dietitians have worked for our company, it’s still a struggle to let our presence be known (who would have thought that you can shop for groceries and consult a dietitian at the same time – crazy, right!?). In addition, we just recently launched our Hy-Vee Dietitian social media platforms, and it can be a challenge to keep up with the digital world we live in. Creating reels and ‘on-trend’ content is a constant learning process.
What is one thing you wish you had known before starting your career in retail?
More of the knowledge of the number of food brands and products we carry at our grocery store locations. Of course, I learned as I went and now know what items I’d suggest in different situations, but it was intimidating at first. Now, I am proud to have this quick resource at my fingertips. There’s nothing like seeing a client light up when they can literally hold the products that can accommodate their condition or concern!
Has there been anything specific that has held you back?
Two words: social media. ☺ It’s part of our world, and it keeps changing (and fast). With social media platforms being significant tools we use to promote our events and services, it’s necessary to find creative ways to get our word out. Getting in front of the camera is the easy part. It’s the video and reel creations that take some precious time and effort, but practice makes perfect.
In a similar vein, has there been anything specific that help you moved forward in your role?
Embrace change with optimism!! Covid-19 lead to a positive aspect within our dietitian team here at Hy-Vee. We launched our virtual health platform where we could and continue to see clients from the comfort of their own home. I see 75 percent of my clients via our safe and secure health platform, Healthie, making this an efficient and effective way to educate clients.
Bio: Paige Green, RD, LD has been a retail Hy-Vee Dietitian for five years. She received her B.S. degree in dietetics from Iowa State University and her B.A. degree in Business Management at the University of Northern Iowa. Her dietetic internship was completed at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. Paige was thrilled to receive FODMAP training from Monash University in 2018. Paige sets out to educate individuals on finding a healthy balance in life. Her hobbies outside of work include, spending time with her family, photography, and finding recipes she can sneak veggies in to accommodate her daughter’s picky pallet. Social Links:
https://www.hy-vee.com/stores/dietitian/default.aspx?s=5
https://www.facebook.com/HyVeeDietitians
