The Sahan Journal joins us for an Open Arms’ Delivery
August 3, 2022
Nutrition
Nutrition Services
Proper nutrition is important for everyone, but it becomes absolutely essential when you’re living with a serious illness. Good nutrition helps your body heal and repair itself, supports your immune system, and enables you to maintain a healthy weight.
We know that eating well while managing the complexities of a serious illness can be challenging, so Open Arms strives to make good nutrition easy and convenient for you. Read more about our food and find information on how our team of registered dietitians and dietetic technicians can help you below.
Nutrition News
Culturally Specific Meal Project
July 13, 2022
Open Arms is now SHIPPING meals to individuals in greater Minnesota!
December 1, 2020
Try our Lunch & Learn recipes!
September 30, 2020
Nutrition Education & COunseling
Our team of registered dietitians (RDs) and dietetic technicians (DTRs) help plan and approve the medically tailored meals you receive and are educated on the science-based nutrition needs of the many illnesses we serve. They are also trained to provide advice and counseling about diet, food, and nutrition. They each have completed at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics and have a combined 15+ years of experience.
What can the Open Arms RDs and DTRs do for you?
Here are just a few examples:
- Recommend a menu based on your needs/preferences and provide details about our meals.
- Suggest additional food resources if you need them.
- Provide meal and snack ideas, according to your likes/dislikes and medical needs.
Free-of-Cost Nutrition Coaching
Open Arms RDs and DTRs are also available to provide one-on-one support while you’re on service. We want to help you reach your health goals! Here’s how the process works:
Step 1: Schedule Your First Call
Appointments with an RD or DTR take place over the phone. Virtual appointments may be available upon request. Due to COVID-19, we are not offering in-person appointments at this time.
Step 2: Nutrition Assessment
This step involves a series of questions that give us a better idea of your health history, food likes/dislikes, current eating habits, and goals.
Step 3: Nutrition Education & Counseling
Dive into detail about a nutrition concern or health goal that’s most important to you. Written materials may be offered to help you apply new knowledge and strategies to benefit your overall health. You can schedule additional appointments for follow-up support or to discuss other topics.
Step 4: Provide Feedback & Get a Thank-You Gift
We value your feedback! If you complete and return our program evaluation survey, we will send you a free cookbook, Good and Cheap, by Leanne Brown.
Meet the Nutrition Team
Brianna Tobritzhofer, MS, RD, LD
Brianna is our Director of Nutrition Services and has been with Open Arms since 2016. Before working at Open Arms, she worked in a clinical and corporate wellness setting. She received her B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and completed her dietetic internship and Master’s Degree through Mount Mary University.
Rachel Jambois, RD, LD
Rachel has been with Open Arms of Minnesota since the beginning of 2019. Rachel received her B.S. in Dietetics from Minnesota State University, Mankato and completed her dietetic internship through Aramark Healthcare at Maple Grove Hospital and North Memorial Health Center. Previous to her position with Open Arms, Rachel worked in the inpatient clinical setting.
Jade Bryngelson, RD, LD
Jade has been with Open Arms of Minnesota since the beginning of 2019. She received her B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and spent a year in Los Angeles completing her dietetic internship at various sites through Pepperdine University.
Kalley Hakes, RD, LD
Kalley joins us from Hy-Vee where she was a dietitian. Kalley completed both her undergraduate degree and her dietetic internship at Iowa State. She is originally from Minnesota, where she enjoys any opportunity to spend time at our beautiful lakes waterskiing! She also loves being in the kitchen and cooks up a mean black bean taco.
