Holly Ellison, RD, LD /MNSU – Mankato Campus Dietitian
Provide us with a brief description of your job: As the on-campus dietitian at MNSU – Mankato, I create and implement health & wellness programming, establish relationships with a variety of campus groups and organizations and counsel individuals with dietary needs and/or nutrition concerns. Additionally, I conduct group presentations, host health promotions and events, lead nutrition education sessions, and answers general questions regarding nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle.
What do you love about what you do? I love that every day is different, and I get to dabble a little bit into clinical, foodservice and community dietetics each day.
What are the challenges? Given students’ fragmented schedules and lack of time, the challenge is to create nutritional messages that reach them. In addition, most college students have grown up in families that don’t often eat together; with activities and jobs, they’ve grown up as “on-the-run” eaters. As a result, portability is a key feature in food choices. Finding a way to offer delicious and nutritious food they can toss in a backpack and eat hours later can be a challenge!
How has your MAND membership benefited you? Over the years MAND has been a reliable source for resources, has provided fun opportunities for networking, and has been a wealth for continuing education.
What do you think is the future of nutrition and dietetics? I believe dietitians carry a unique set of skills that positions them front and center for the coming paradigm shift with increased consumer demand for food that has greater transparency while being farmed both locally and sustainably. RDs adept at food-system production stand the greatest chance of leading the next wave of consumer awareness.
What are your favorite activities/hobbies? In my spare time, I enjoy baking, gardening, biking, reading, and spending time with my family and friends (of the human and animal kind).
What is your favorite restaurant in Minnesota? Nolabelle Kitchen + Bar is a restaurant in Mankato, Minnesota. They serve traditional American cuisine with a rustic twist using locally sourced ingredients.
Please share your Instagram handle (and any other social media handles that you would like us to share): @RDMNSU
About MAND
Minnesota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MAND) is an affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. We are the largest professional organization of nutrition health professionals in Minnesota, dedicated to optimizing Minnesotans' health through food and nutrition.