Health Commissioner Celebrates Nutrition Month

WARWICK – Orange County Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman recognized National Nutrition Month with the team of registered dietitians from ShopRite stores in Orange County at ShopRite of Warwick on Friday.

“Taking responsibility for what we eat and how we exercise plays an important part in our overall well-being,” Gelman said. “I appreciate that ShopRite’s dietitians continue to spread awareness about how Orange County residents can become healthy and more physically fit. National Nutrition Month gives ShopRite an opportunity to highlight the great services its dietitians provide year-round.”

Gelman and ShopRite Supermarkets, Inc. Vice President of Human Resources Jessica Gasser played a game called “Eat this, not that” with the dietitians in the café section of the store on Friday. The dietitians showed Gelman and Gasser two different brands of the same foods such as cooking oils, yogurts, peanut butters and breads. The “contestants” had to decide which item is healthier.

Gelman and Gasser went a perfect 6-for-6 on their answers.

National Nutrition Month is an education and information campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The initiative, which began as a week-long event in March of 1973, focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

ShopRite’s in-store registered dietitians provide free nutrition programs to residents throughout Orange County, including grocery store tours, corporate wellness presentations, individual and family counseling, and associate programs. The dieticians can also assist residents with their diabetic and weight management needs.

The Orange County Department of Health’s Healthy Orange program addresses vital issues such as improved nutrition, increased physical activity and movement, and a tobacco-free lifestyle to improve the overall health of Orange County residents.

“National Nutrition Month gives us the opportunity to recognize our team of dietitians for their year-round commitment to providing complimentary nutrition programs for their local communities,” said Brett Wing, president and chief operating officer, ShopRite Supermarkets.

“Orange County has been a true partner over the years and has helped foster and support many of the great programs our dietitians offer to local residents, and we are thrilled that Dr. Gelman could join us to honor them for their efforts.”