The Kenny Family ShopRites of Delaware and the University of Delaware are working to develop a new generation of dietitians.
Sponsored by a grant from the Delaware-based Produce For Better Health Foundation, and slated to start this fall, the Store Tour Training Grant Program will provide dietetics majors at the University of Delaware with real-world experiences.
As part of the grant, students will work with a ShopRite dietitian to lead produce-aisle store tours for customers emphasizing the health benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables. Students will lead the tours at the ShopRite’s of Brandywine Commons, Chestnut Hill Plaza and Four Seasons Plaza.
“We are extremely excited to be working with the next generation of health and wellness experts as well as with the University of Delaware and the Produce for Better Health Foundation,” says Melissa Kenny, director of marketing and sales for The Kenny Family ShopRites of Delaware. “We see this as a terrific opportunity to provide additional services for our community, as well as assist students who share our passion for empowering and inspiring people about the importance of making good food choices.”
Cassandra Umile, retail dietitian for Kenny Family ShopRites, will train the students and oversee their work in the stores. Ms. Umile, who received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from West Chester University, is the in-store Retail Dietitian at the ShopRite of Brandywine Commons in Wilmington.
ShopRite’s retail dietitian program provides free nutrition services to the store’s local community. The services include individual consultations, store tours, community speaking events, wellness programs, cooking classes and much more. The Kenny Family Foundation has also supported over 1,000 charitable organizations since its formation in 2008.
