2023 Ambassador Award - Kristine Smith, RD

Congratulations, Kristine Smith, RD!

Kristine Smith is a registered dietitian and Senior Director of Nutrition Services at Neighborhood House Association (NHA) in San Diego, CA. NHA is a $100M social services and multi-purpose human services agency, operating more than 25 social services programs, such as Head Start, Adult Day Health Care, and various mental health programs.

A champion for innovation and food social justice, Kristine has combined these passions to strategically design a highly sought after and award-winning foodservice and transportation operation. Her team prepares approximately 1M healthy and made-from-scratch breakfasts, lunches, and snacks annually for some of San Diego’s lowest income and sometimes homeless individuals. Her work has been researched by collegiate and other health professionals and named a “best practice” by State and national officials.

Kristine has always placed high value on the CDM, CFPP credential, as the supporting education is deeply aligned with the dietetics field and greatly encompasses leadership of the foodservice profession. Kristine demonstrates this by encouraging her staff to obtain the CDM, CFPP and supports them by allowing the time they need to prep for the exam as well as mentoring them through the preparation process. Additionally, Kristine ensures her staff has the financial resources for organization memberships and attendance at ANFP events.

Kristine’s philosophy is that budgeting, management, and nutrition are key foundations to effectively overseeing foodservice operations, and the CDM, CFPP is the perfect individual to do that job. Kristine further values ANFP as an outstanding organization that supports the education and credentialing of a wonderful profession.