Reports: Dietitians become a bigger feature in supermarkets

NEW YORK — DSN has reported for many years on the emergence of dietitians in supermarket pharmacies, and an article that appeared in Advertising Age Sunday confirms how big the trend has become.

The advertising industry publication reported that while traditionally found more often at hospitals, dietitians are appearing at supermarket chains like Hy-Vee, Wegmans and Giant Eagle.

The article cited a survey by the Food Marketing Institute showing that while 86% of food retailers employ dietitians in their corporate offices, one-third of stores now have a registered dietitian as well. The job of the dietitian is to help customers find food to improve and protect their health, providing information on weight loss, allergic reactions and other issues.