HEALTHY DINING’S NICOLE QUARTUCCIO NAMED “RECOGNIZED YOUNG DIETITIAN OF THE YEAR”

SAN DIEGO (April 10, 2008) – Today, Nicole Quartuccio, R.D., Healthy Dining’s Director of Nutrition, was awarded The American Dietetic Association’s (ADA) prestigious “Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year” award for 2008. Dietitians receiving this honor have demonstrated leadership qualities and performance in legislation, research, public relations, education, community outreach, management, and other areas related to the profession. Their contributions on the job and in the community have merited this recognition.

“Nicole is an exemplary dietitian making an important impact on the health of Americans,” explains Anita Jones-Mueller, Healthy Dining’s President. “Nicole leads by example and everyone at Healthy Dining finds her enthusiasm for nutrition and dedication towards her work both inspiring and motivating. Her intelligence and organizational skills coupled by her sense of humor and professional demeanor have made Nicole an indispensable asset to our Healthy Dining team.”

Nicole joined the Healthy Dining team in 2002 while working on her undergraduate studies in Nutrition at San Diego State University. Demonstrating strong initiative, sound nutrition expertise, outstanding dedication and utmost professionalism, Nicole became Healthy Dining‘s Director of Nutrition in 2004. In addition to her nutrition roles, she has been instrumental in the development and enhancement of HealthyDiningFinder.com. This site was launched in March 2007 in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Restaurant Association.

Nicole has provided and/or supervised the nutrition guidance and expertise to about 250 restaurant concepts representing more than 50,000 locations. Nicole consults directly with chefs to help them create, identify and/or modify a selection of menu items to meet recommended nutrition criteria. Nicole has provided or supervised the nutrition analysis of more than 6,000 menu items – no other dietitian in the nation matches Nicole’s expertise in restaurant nutrition.

Nicole also contributes to the dietetics field as a board member and President Elect of the San Diego Dietetic Association. Her professional growth is strengthened through her memberships with the California Dietetic Association and the American Dietetic Association, where she participates in the annual conferences.

”As Americans continue to eat away from home at a growing rate, Nicole’s efforts in creating and promoting healthier menu items within the restaurant industry have the potential to make a significant impact on public health,” emphasizes Jones-Mueller.

Contact:
Erica BOhm
858.541.2049
Erica@healthydiningfinder.com