Member Spotlight - Andrea Luttrell, RDN, LDN

Corporate Supermarket Dietitian

      

2015-04_AndreaLuttrellHeadShot_2014.jpg

Tell us about your job.

My position is based in the corporate setting at Big Y® Foods, a family-owned and operated grocery store in Massachusetts and Connecticut. My roles vary daily, from working with category managers and vendors to fill our Living Well Eating Smart® newsletter, writing the newsletter, answering customer questions, assisting in-store dietitians, writing newspaper columns, managing our Facebook account and taking part in community events – to name a few!

What do you find most interesting about your job?

I love how every day is different, so I’m always learning. I also have the opportunity to stay on top of trends and new products entering the market, learn first-hand about food production and really gain an understanding of how our food system works.

How did you get into this field?

I grew up with my father working in the supermarket industry, so when I found out about the supermarket dietitian role, it seemed like the perfect fit. I was given the chance to intern at my retailer while in school and it perfectly combined my interests of business and dietetics.  It then turned into a part-time job, which eventually lead to a full-time position for me when I became a dietitian.

Where were you born and raised?

In Chicopee, Massachusetts which is located in the Western part of the state. It’s about an hour and a half from Boston. Interestingly, the first Big Y® opened in Chicopee in 1936! 

Where did you go to college and/or complete an intership?

I obtained my Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Holyoke Community College and went on to complete a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetic Internship at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Besides your profession, what are your hobbies?

I love to cook and bake, spend time with my husband and two sons, Jacob (5) and Henry (6 months) and kayak.

What are your favorite foods?

Pasta and chocolate are two of my favorites. I really love Italian food!

What is on your bucket list?

One day I hope to do International travel and experience authentic cuisine from different areas of the world. I would also love to run a marathon.

How long have you been a member of NEP, and why did you join?

This is my first year joining the Nutrition Education for the Public DPG. Since my primary role is to educate our shoppers and community members, I am hoping to network with other health educators, have access to new and exciting research and gain new insights for spreading evidenced-based nutrition messages.