Welcome back to our blog series, the No Kid Hungry New York Partner Spotlight. Behind every successful summer meals program are dedicated professionals—and the next generation of nutrition leaders learning alongside them. This week, we’re spotlighting Nikki Desmarais, a dietetic intern whose summer experience offered valuable insight into the operations, impact, and importance of summer meals programs.
Dietetic interns are emerging nutrition professionals completing supervised practice experiences as part of their pathway to becoming registered dietitians. Through hands-on training in community nutrition, food service management, clinical nutrition, and public health, interns gain real-world experience while helping improve access to healthy food and nutrition education. Many support school and summer meals programs, where they play an important role in promoting child nutrition, strengthening food service operations, and connecting families with resources that help children thrive year-round.
Tell us a little about yourself and your path to becoming a registered dietitian. What inspired your interest in nutrition?
My name is Nikki Desmarais. I am originally from Dalton, Massachusetts and have been living in the Capital Region for the last two years. I have a Bachelor’s Degree from North Carolina State University in Applied Nutrition and a Master’s Degree from Russell Sage College in Nutrition and Dietetics. I am currently continuing my education with Russell Sage as a Dietetic Intern. I have always enjoyed food and cooking as well as science and anatomy. When I was first introduced to nutrition science in high school, it felt like the perfect marriage between my passions and I’ve been working hard to become a Registered Dietitian ever since.
How did you first become involved with school meals or summer meals programs?
I learned a lot about school meals and summer meal programs during my education at Russell Sage. As a student, we talked a lot about the meal requirements and got to practice creating our own school meals that were both creative and met those requirements. My first real hands-on experience with summer meals was during my community rotation of the dietetic internship, in which I was placed at Schenectady City School District. Schenectady Schools collaborates with Sycamore Collaborative to provide food at nine different sites around the city, where I would frequently visit.
What does your role look like this summer? What kinds of activities or projects are you supporting?
Visiting the summer meal sites was one large piece of my role as a dietetic intern. Faculty from the Nutrition Department at Russell Sage are very involved with the community and passionate about food insecurity. One project that I participated in included collecting data from both kids and parents to find out how programs can make summer meals more culturally responsive.
What has been the most rewarding part of your experience working with a summer meals program so far?
The most rewarding part of my experience working with the summer meals program has been interacting with both participants and volunteers. Every one that participates in summer meals has a story, and I love to sit and talk to hear those stories. There is a reciprocal connection of gratitude between employees, volunteers, and participants that has been very rewarding to be a part of.
What would you say to other dietetic students or interns who are considering working with school nutrition or community nutrition programs?
The message that I would like to give to other dietetic students or interns who are considering working with school or community nutrition programs is this; some days may not always go as planned, but you always have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s day. Let that be a positive one.
At No Kid Hungry New York, we are honored to highlight Nikki’s summer experience and the valuable contributions she made while supporting child nutrition programs. Her passion for helping others and commitment to nutrition are inspiring, and we have no doubt she will make a meaningful impact throughout her career. We wish Nikki every success as she completes her training and embarks on the exciting journey ahead.
