By Tamas Mondovics
To expand its list of services, Lakeland-based Publix Super Markets Inc. has launched a new service named Publix Dietitian Services.
According to Publix spokesperson, Shannon Patten, the service at the Winthrop Town Center store in Riverview, with registered dietitian, Jamie Stolarz at the helm, is designed to assist customers with every aspect of good nutrition, including interactive tours, lively discussion, one-on-one shopping assistance, meal planning and pantry makeovers just to name a few.
“Our customers are asking for these services,” Patten said during an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony that welcomed customers and local officials.
“Our Publix registered dietician is an expert on nutrition, translating food science into practical solutions that will help our customers achieve their dietary goals,” Patten said.
With the expectation that customers will utilize this service and see the value in the expertise that a Registered Dietitian can provide to help them find the healthy foods they are looking, Stolarz is ready to make the new service a permanent addition.
As a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Florida Dietetic Association and Tampa Dietetic Association, Stolarz earned her bachelor of science degree in food science and human nutrition, as well as her Master of Science in nutrition, from the University of Florida.
That Stolarz enjoys turning science into practical information to make nutrition information fun and educational there is little doubt as she clearly takes a creative approach, using visuals and interactive techniques to make lessons memorable, Publix officials said.
“I am excited to help our customers learn what they need, make eating right fun and best of all make a plan that’s customized to their lifestyle,” Stolarz said. “What better place to have a dietitian than at the point of purchase.”
The dietitian office at our Winthrop Town Center location in Riverview first opened on Tuesday, January 22.
Publix officials said that the current test includes 11 Publix stores in the area in which it is offering select services such as shopping tours and classes.
For more information, area residents and customers are encouraged to visit Stolarz at her office inside the Publix at 11109 Winthrop Market St. in Riverview.