Aramark Healthcare+ and Aramark Student Nutrition are collaborating to provide dietetic interns with a comprehensive 8-week food service management, production, and retail internship in the Texas K-12 space.
The partnership aims to enhance training and professional development of future registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs).
Over the spring, a group of dietetic interns began their rotations in school districts, including Prosper ISD, Lewisville ISD, Round Rock ISD, Pflugerville ISD, and McKinney ISD. Aramark reports Interns are gaining valuable experience in various aspects of food service, preparing them for successful careers in dietetics. Interns are learning how to build menus to USDA standards, manage food waste, conduct program safety assessments, and promote student engagement activities like health fairs, food sampling, and student viewpoint surveys.
The most rewarding experience was a quality audit and having the opportunity to educate staff about the importance of proper food safety practices. It was incredibly rewarding to see their willingness to learn.
“One of my favorite activities during this Student Nutrition rotation includes serving breakfast to students of all ages K-12. I also enjoy working with the school food service staff and learning about their passions related to serving the youth of America,” says Tatiana Ramos, Aramark Dietetic Intern. “The most rewarding experience was a quality audit and having the opportunity to educate staff about the importance of proper food safety practices. It was incredibly rewarding to see their willingness to learn.”
“This program reflects our commitment to fostering the next generation of dietitians and reinforces the essential role dietitians play in promoting student health and wellness within our K-12 communities,” adds Beth Ann Engelland, Vice President of Aramark Student Nutrition. “Additionally, it is a fantastic career accelerator for these interns, many of whom become nutrition managers for our business.”
Accredited since 1991, the Aramark Healthcare+ Dietetic Internship program has been instrumental in shaping the careers of thousands of future RDNs. The program ensures that interns experience a supportive and respectful environment, and interns are guided through clinical and management rotations by dedicated preceptors, helping them meet state licensure and certification requirements. Many graduates of the program are now employed as clinical dietitians and nutrition managers who continue to embrace Aramark’s values.
Roxanne Kingston, Healthcare+ Dietetic Internship Director, tells FM Magazine: “This partnership represents months of logistical planning and training, and we believe it will be a significant milestone for both businesses. The program enables our interns to acquire the necessary supervised practice hours to sit for the RDN credentialing exam, and we are hopeful that this experience will be a bright spot in their professional journeys.”
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