Aramark Healthcare+ and Aramark Student Nutrition have officially launched a groundbreaking joint initiative aimed at enriching the training experience for aspiring Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). Through this innovative collaboration, dietetic interns now have the opportunity to participate in an immersive eight-week rotation in Texas school districts, providing them with real-world exposure to food service management, production, and retail operations within the K-12 education system.
The new program is designed not only to meet academic and credentialing requirements for future RDNs, but also to offer a dynamic, practical learning environment where interns can apply their classroom knowledge in real-life scenarios. By placing interns in active school nutrition programs, Aramark is ensuring that the next generation of dietitians receives both the theoretical and hands-on training required to thrive in the field.
“This program reflects our commitment to fostering the next generation of dietitians and reinforces the essential role dietitians play in promoting student health and wellness within our K-12 communities,” said Beth Ann Engelland, Vice President for Aramark Student Nutrition. “Additionally, it is a fantastic career accelerator for these interns, many of whom become nutrition managers for our business.”
This spring, the pilot cohort of interns began their rotations across multiple school districts, including Prosper ISD, Lewisville ISD, Round Rock ISD, Pflugerville ISD, and McKinney ISD. During their placement, interns are engaging in a variety of projects and tasks that cover the entire spectrum of school nutrition services. These include creating nutritious, student-friendly menus that comply with USDA regulations, conducting safety audits, managing food waste, and organizing health-related events such as food fairs and student surveys.
Interns are also learning the critical importance of collaboration and communication in managing a successful school nutrition program. By working closely with school food service staff, interns develop leadership skills and gain insight into the logistical challenges of feeding hundreds—or even thousands—of students each day. They also have the chance to explore creative outreach and engagement strategies that help improve students’ eating habits and foster lifelong wellness.
Tatiana Ramos, one of the current Aramark dietetic interns, expressed how meaningful her experience has been. “One of my favorite activities during this Student Nutrition rotation includes serving breakfast to students of all ages K-12. I also enjoy working with the school food service staff and learning about their passions related to serving the youth of America,” she shared. “The most rewarding experience was a quality audit and having the opportunity to educate staff about the importance of proper food safety practices. It was incredibly rewarding to see their willingness to learn.”
Aramark Healthcare+ has long been recognized for its commitment to education and development in the dietetic profession. Since its accreditation in 1991, the Aramark Healthcare+ Dietetic Internship program has successfully trained thousands of interns, many of whom have gone on to build meaningful careers as clinical dietitians, nutrition managers, and healthcare leaders. The program is known for providing a supportive and respectful learning environment in which interns are mentored by experienced professionals during both clinical and management rotations.
“We are excited to launch this collaboration between Aramark Healthcare+ and Aramark Student Nutrition,” said Roxanne Kingston, Director of the Aramark Healthcare+ Dietetic Internship Program. “This partnership represents months of logistical planning and training, and we believe it will be a significant milestone for both businesses. The program enables our interns to acquire the necessary supervised practice hours to sit for the RDN credentialing exam, and we are hopeful that this experience will be a bright spot in their professional journeys.”
The integration of student nutrition services into the existing healthcare-focused internship model offers a fresh and holistic perspective to the interns. Traditionally, dietetic internships have focused heavily on clinical settings such as hospitals and long-term care facilities. While these experiences remain critical, Aramark recognizes the increasing importance of early-life nutrition and the powerful role dietitians can play in schools—helping children form healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime.
Through this program, interns not only get to witness the challenges and opportunities in school nutrition firsthand, but also contribute meaningfully to student wellness initiatives. From assessing food quality and safety to engaging directly with students during mealtimes, interns are becoming a vital part of the school food ecosystem. Their work is helping to shape better food practices and student outcomes while offering a fulfilling, purpose-driven career path.
Another unique aspect of the internship experience is the mentorship model employed by Aramark. Interns are paired with seasoned preceptors—professionals with years of experience in food service and nutrition—who offer continuous guidance, feedback, and encouragement. This mentorship not only helps interns meet state licensure and national certification standards but also fosters long-term professional relationships that often extend beyond the internship itself.
In addition to hands-on experience, the program also emphasizes reflection and professional development. Interns are encouraged to assess their strengths, identify areas for growth, and think critically about the role of nutrition in public health. This introspective approach helps cultivate well-rounded professionals who are not only technically proficient but also passionate about service, equity, and advocacy in the field of dietetics.
Looking ahead, Aramark plans to expand this initiative to other regions, offering even more dietetic interns the opportunity to gain essential skills in diverse school settings. By continuing to bridge the gap between healthcare and education, Aramark is positioning itself as a leader in innovative, socially impactful internship programming.
The success of this program reinforces Aramark’s broader commitment to improving community health through nutrition. Whether in hospitals, schools, or other institutions, Aramark’s dietitians are leading the way in delivering high-quality, inclusive, and accessible food services that support well-being at every age.
As the program continues to grow, it promises to create a lasting legacy—empowering interns to become the next generation of compassionate, skilled, and visionary nutrition professionals dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.
Let me know if you’d like this formatted for publication or turned into a press release or report!
