On the second Wednesday of March, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Day commemorates the dedication of RDNs as advocates for advancing the nutrition status of Americans and people around the world. The Hunger Heroes behind the meals, RDNs work everyday in schools and communities across California with parents, educators and school nutrition staff. They help create healthy food climates in schools, engage students and parents in eating healthfully, and develop healthy food habits. Join No Kid Hungry in expressing our gratitude to the registered dietitians working to ensure kids get the nutrition they need to learn and succeed.
Meet some of the Registered Dietitians fighting to make no kid hungry a reality.
Involved, Resilient, and Deserving
Lynwood, CA – Vanessa Jones is a Los Angeles native and the Director of Child Nutrition Services at Lynwood Unified School District. Vanessa became a Registered Dietitian in 2012 because she wanted to facilitate change in under-resourced communities of color as it relates health and wellness. Throughout her career, Vanessa worked in the public health field and in the healthcare industry. In 2017, Vanessa transitioned to school nutrition and served as the director of nutrition services at Lowell Joint School District in the Whittier, CA area. Her ultimate goal in her current role is to impact the Lynwood community by providing nutrition education and expose students and families to healthy food options and behaviors.
What role do RDs and RDNs play in the lives of children and their families?
Dietitians play a pivotal role in a child’s development by exposing them and their families to healthy lifestyle choices. Nutrition is the foundation for a child’s ability to learn and retain information that they are taught. What people do not know about RDs is that most of us rarely get into our field of work for huge financial gains. Most of us are looking to make a positive impact on people’s lives, through nutrition.
Who has served as an inspiration or hero in your life and career as an RD?
I believe we’re all heroes and we inspire others that we serve. I’ve had so many inspirational people in my life as an RD. One in particular is one of the first Black dietitians, Lenora Moragne, PhD, MS, RD. She was the head of nutrition education and training for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services and nutrition coordinator at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Also, she was the first professional female (of any race or ethnic group) to be employed by the Senate Agriculture Committee.
To follow Vanessa’s journey and the work of Hunger Heroes at Lynwood USD, catch them on Instagram @lusd_nutrition_services
Driven, Dedicated & Thoughtful
Redlands, CA – Robin Hernandez is the School Meals Access Manager for the No Kid Hungry California team. Robin provides technical support to school districts and community organizations and leverages partnerships to increase school meal participation. Robin is a Registered Dietitian and holds a degree in Nutrition and Food Science from California State University, San Bernardino. Previously, she worked as the Nutrition Specialist at Redlands Unified School District where she planned and implemented the Summer Meals Program, CACFP, Special Diets Program, and collaborated with city and community agencies.
Currently, you can find Robin co-leading an “All About Summer Meals 2023” meeting series with the San Bernardino and Riverside Counties’ Nutrition Access Partnership (CNAP). In partnership with the two Inland Empire Departments of Public Health, the “All About Summer Meals” meeting series brings together school and community leaders together to connect, share ideas and best practices, and strategize how to fight hunger during the hungriest time of the year. If you’re interested in joining the conversation and chat with your peer districts in the Inland Empire, register for the next meeting.
What is important for families to know about RDs and RDNs?
It is important for families to know that RDs and RDNs are credentialed, educated professionals who are working in their best interests when it comes to their health. Dietetics is a science and as such we are bound by our profession to consider evidence-based treatments and data when working with our clients. Families can trust that we care deeply that adults and children are equipped with the information, resources and care they need to achieve a high level of overall health and well-being.
Who has served as an inspiration or hero in your life and career as an RD?
My previous boss, Dr. Betty Crocker, SNS, RDN always has and continues to inspire me to push myself to give more to the dietetic profession and community at large. She leads by example and has always reminded me to be fearless in working toward bold change in any setting if it is the right thing to do.
Take some time to share some gratitude and appreciation to the Registered Dietitians and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists at your school and in your community.
Last reviewed: March 9, 2023