Dietitian's Corner
Meet Beth Rosenberger, R.D. from Dartmouth Dining Services
Q: What is your role as a Registered Dietitian at
A: It’s an evolving position. My main job is to oversee Home Plate although, as an R.D., I meet on an ongoing basis with students that have special dietary needs.
Q: How many years have you worked at the College?
A: I’ve been with
Q: Are you the “goto” person at DDS for special dietary requests?
A: Yes and I am I’m connected with students through different referral sources such as The Dean’s Office, Office of Residential Life, Health Services, and Claudette Peck, Coordinator of Nutrition Programs. I also get calls from parents to discuss how DDS can provide for a student prior to their arrival at
Q: What are some of the most frequently asked questions by students?
A: (I don’t really identify any FAQs.) I meet with students individually because each case is different. Last year, for example, we had ten students who needed to follow a gluten- free diet. This year, I have met with two students that are gluten- free. Additionally, we have about ten students with a host of food allergies and sensitivities including shellfish, dairy, soy, fresh fruits, corn products and nuts.
Q: What are some different types of request that you’ve been able to fulfill at
A: Depending on the allergies or special dietary needs, DDS will shop and buy goods for students. If a student is on a restricted diet, we typically ask “What do you really miss from home?” We attempt to find those item(s) and place them conveniently in our dining locations on campus. In doing so, we try to make dietary requests as seamless and transparent as possible.
Q: Are you seeing an obvious rise dietary needs and trends that students are seeking at
A: Absolutely. When I first started working at the college, I didn’t see anyone with dietary issues. I’d say it was five to six years ago when I started to meet with one to two students per year. Every year since then the number of students with diagnosed food sensitivities has increased.
Q: How can
A: By e-mail, Elizabeth.A.Rosenberger@Dartmouth.edu. All information is confidential in this exchange, by the way. I understand that students don’t necessarily want to draw attention to themselves in a communal dining setting. However, I can be a resource to help identify the offerings available in our different dining venues of which they might not be aware.
Q: Finally, what’s your favorite part of the job at DDS?
A: There are two parts of the job that I love. One is meeting and working with students. The other is our “Theme Nights” at Home Plate. That’s the” foodie” in me coming out!