Each March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebrates National Nutrition Month, which focuses on the importance of making healthy food choices. The theme, this year, is to target its original purpose, which is: “To increase the public’s awareness of the importance of good nutrition and position registered dietitian nutritionists as the authorities in nutrition.”
Created in 1973, National Nutrition Week advocates for advancing nutrition and deliver a nutritional message to the public. In 1980, after a growing public interest, was changed from a week-long celebration and expanded to become a month-long.
To celebrate the month, we want to introduce you to our Director of Nutrition Services and Registered Dietitian, Joanne Genest, RD, CSG.
Joanne Genest is a registered dietitian with over 35 years of experience in Long Term Care. She received her BS degree in Nutrition and completed her dietetic internship through Virginia Tech. Most recently, she gained certification as a specialist in gerontological nutrition.
Joanne joined CCR, Inc in September 2010 as their first Director of Nutrition Services. After 7 years in that position, she decided to step back and enjoy more time with her grandchildren and pursue volunteer interests. Joanne maintains her ties with CCR as she at River View on the Appomattox Health & Rehab Center providing nutrition care for patients as well as providing interim coverage at other centers.
During her career, she has participated in the opening of 14 health care facilities throughout Virginia starting with the layout and design of the kitchen, to selecting and purchasing major equipment, hiring and training staff, and finally welcoming residents to the center. She has developed and implemented dietary and nutrition policies and procedures for long term care as well as acute care rural hospitals. Her support of quality patient care has earned her several industry awards for innovation and excellence.