When Danielle Buonforte first stepped into a ShopRite as a Dietetic Intern, she had no idea she was walking into her future. But something clicked—and nearly a decade later, she’s still right where she’s meant to be: helping her community thrive, one grocery cart at a time.
As the Registered Dietitian at ShopRite of Lincoln Park, Danielle is proof that sometimes the best careers grow from unexpected beginnings. “I wasn’t always sure where I wanted to go as an RD,” she says. “But during my internship at a local ShopRite, everything just fell into place. I felt connected to the community—and I’ve never looked back.”
Before she was helping shoppers navigate their food choices, Danielle was serving others through AmeriCorps VISTA, developing a deep appreciation for hands-on public health work. Now she brings that same passion to her current role—helping people make small, meaningful changes that stick.
Her favorite part of the job? Seeing customers return with success stories. “When someone tells me their blood pressure is down, or they tried a new veggie, or their family loved a healthy recipe—it’s so rewarding,” she says. “These are my regulars. It’s not a one-time conversation. I get to support them over time.”
Danielle’s spring snacking advice? Keep it simple.
Pair a protein with a carb—like fruit and nuts—for a satisfying, longer-lasting bite. And when people ask her how to sneak more veggies into their day, she always suggests starting with breakfast: omelets with spinach, burritos with peppers, or kale in your smoothie. “Set the tone early—it makes a difference!”
When time is tight, cereal is her go-to snack hero. And not just any cereal—she’s a big fan of high-fiber Kashi blends and loves showing customers how to find the best options in the aisle. She’s also quick to recommend better-for-you snacks like rice cakes with peanut butter and chia, Dole Dippers, or Crispy Fruit for something crunchy, naturally sweet, and portion-friendly.
And what’s in her own shopping cart?
“Always a leafy green, fresh berries, and one thing that brings you joy—because food should make you happy!”
As spring blooms, Danielle wants shoppers to know: grocery store dietitians are for everyone.
“We’re trained to support all ages—from kids to grandparents—and we’re here to make mealtime easier, healthier, and a whole lot happier. Just stop by and say hi!”
📸 Don’t forget to check out Danielle in action on LinkedIn or at your next ShopRite visit!
