Nutrition specialist joins Ohio-based produce distributor

Shannon FitzGerald has joined DNO Produce as its new Snacktime Explorers specialist. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, FitzGerald will help lead the 15-week school nutrition program.

Fitzgerald currently serves as chair of the School Nutrition Services Dietetic Practice Group within the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, contributes to the American College of Culinary Medicine, and is a fellow at the Nutrition & Obesity Policy Research and Evaluation Network (NOPREN). She’s also an adjunct professor at the University of Mississippi, where she teaches child nutrition.

“Shannon brings an incredible mix of passion, expertise and leadership to Snacktime Explorers,” DNO Produce president and chief operating officer Alex DiNovo said in a news release. “Her ability to connect the dots between nutrition science, education and school operations makes her a perfect fit for this role.”

Snacktime Explorers complements the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program and operates in partnership with Pilot Light Chefs.

“I’m honored to be part of Snacktime Explorers and to work with DNO and Pilot Light Chefs to grow this important initiative,” FitzGerald said. “Empowering students with hands-on food education and access to fresh fruits and vegetables has been at the core of my work, and I look forward to helping even more schools integrate these opportunities into their classrooms.”

Ohio-based DNO Produce provides bulk and fresh-cut produce in 16 states.