State Group Honors Brevard Schools Dietician Nelson

By  //  April 28, 2012

Outsanding work recognized

BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA – A Brevard Public Schools dietician has been honored as Florida’s Young Dietician of the Year.

District dietitian specialist Lori Nelson was named as the winner of the award Friday.

The Florida Dietetic Association has chosen Lori Nelson of Brevard Public Schools as its "Young Dietician of the Year." (Image courtesy of Brevard Public Schools)

Nominees are members of the Florida Dietetic Association, be under the age of 35 and registered as dietitians in Florida.

“The Office of Food and Nutrition Services is very proud of Lori and her dedication to serving the students of Brevard, said Kevin Thornton, Director of Food Services.

“Our nutrition education programs continue to expand due to her creativity and hard work.  We are appreciative of Lori’s commitment and pleased that she is receiving this honor.”

The Florida Dietetic Association is the advocate of the dietetic profession serving the citizens of Florida by empowering its members to promote optimal nutrition and health for all people.

The association was founded in 1935 in Jacksonville and is currently comprised of more than 3,000 members and 15 district associations.

Since 1988, FDA has maintained its headquarters in Tallahassee.  Members of the association include registered dietitians, licensed dietitians/nutritionists, registered dietetic technicians and students.

Instrumental In Creating Nutrition Education Programs

Hired by Brevard Public Schools in 2008, Nelson has been instrumental in creating nutrition education programs, helped realize 31 school gardens, as well as promoted awareness of grant funding and resources for making more outdoor classrooms.

She has been a driving force behind the district receiving 10 Fuel Up to Play 60 grants sponsored by the Dairy Council and the NFL, totaling $33,000, to implement nutrition and wellness activities in our schools.

Additionally, Nelson manages two USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Programs, and expanded participation and involvement of family wellness nights throughout the district.