March 12th is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day! That’s a mouthful to mean that today we set time aside to think about our nutrition- the foods we eat, how we nourish our bodies, and where we can go if we need extra support. Today’s blog will look at the difference between Nutritionists and Dietitians, what insurances will cover, and where to look if you need help getting access to healthy food.
Nutritionists Vs. Dietitians
According to the Cleveland Clinic, it comes down to training. A Dietitian is a recognized medical professional. The term Dietician is regulated and is “reserved for people who complete specific education and licensure requirements.” The title Nutritionist is not regulated; anyone can call themselves a nutritionist because there’s no specific training or licensure.
Benefits of seeing a Dietitian
- Assistance with managing a chronic condition (e.g., diabetes).
- Support for living with a food allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity (e.g., Celiac’s Disease).
- A Registered Dietitian can assist with some issues related to aging, such as food and medication interactions, changing taste buds, changes in appetite, and proper hydration.
- Assistance with overall healthy eating.
Getting Insurance to Cover It
- Registered Dieticians are more likely to be covered by insurance.
- Medicare Part B covers “nutrition therapy services” if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or kidney disease, or if you’ve had a recent kidney transplant (within 36 months).
- All Marketplace health plans must cover preventative care, including diet counseling for adults at high risk for chronic disease. The service must be delivered by a doctor in your plan’s network, otherwise you’ll incur additional fees.
- Not sure if your insurance covers Dietitians?
- Check your Summary of Benefits and Coverage.
- Visit your insurance’s website and use the search terms like “Dietitian,” “Nutritionist,” or “nutrition therapy” and see if anything pops up.
- Call your insurance company and ask them directly.
- Questions to ask your insurance provider:
Food Resources in Washtenaw County
Nutrition
- AgeWays Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less Program (833) 262-2200
- Free 15-week program led by a registered Dietitian Nutritionist. It is designed to put participants on a healthier path by helping them think differently about eating and exercise.
- Chelsea Wellness Center Nutritional Counseling (734) 214-0220
- Clark Professional Pharmacy Registered Dietician Services (734) 369-8782
- Dexter Wellness Center Nutritional Counseling (734) 580-2500
- Eagle Nutrition Services (EMU) (734) 487-6572
- Offers individualized nutrition counseling with EMU dietetic students under the supervision of Registered Dietitians.
- Cost: $25-$40 for non-students/community members.
- Health & Fitness Center @ WCC Nutrition Counseling (734) 975-9950
- Offers five 30-minute sessions with a nutrition educator for $150.
- Michigan Medicine Nutrition Services (734) 539-5006
- Nutrition counseling for non-hospitalized patients. Most services are covered by insurance.
- MSU Extension Cooking Matters Classes (734) 997-1678
- Trinity Health Nutrition Counseling (734) 761-2581
- Available in both group classes and one-on-one sessions, are led by registered dietitians.
- U of M Nutrition Clinic (734) 764-8320
- Non-students need a referral from their doctor. There may be a deductible/copay.
- Washtenaw County Community Mental Health Dietary Supports (734) 544-3050
- Staff help patients determine appropriate meals and supports patients during mealtime. The Nutritionist may also help manage health conditions including diabetes and obesity.
Food Pantries
- Aid in Milan (734) 439-8420
- Back Door Food Pantry (734) 662-2449
- CCWC Northside Food Pantry (734) 662-4462
- Calvary Bible Church (734) 434-4044
- Christian Love Fellowship Ministries (734) 483-7967
- Community Action Network
- Bryant Community Center: (734) 477-0292
- Brick Community Center: (734) 263-1629
- Compassion Ministry of Milan (no phone number)
- Faith in Action
- Chelsea: (734) 475-3305
- Dexter: (734) 426-7002
- Hope Clinic (734) 484-2989
- Call ahead to make an appointment for pantry shopping.
- Can get walk-up groceries at the Farm Stand (454 Harriet Street) without an appointment.
- Fresh produce available at the Farm Stand (must call ahead to reserve a spot).
- Can send neighbor/family member to pick up your groceries during regular distribution hours.
- JFS Specialty Pantry (734) 762-0209
- Offers conventional groceries and produce, but also culturally specific (e.g., halal, kosher) and medically customized (e.g., allergy friendly, gluten free, low sodium) options.
- Manchester Community Resource Center (734) 428-7722
- Packard Health (Hosts multiple sites. Visit website for more information)
- Saline Area Social Service (734) 429-4570
For a complete list of food pantries in the area, visit the Food Gatherers website.
Food Delivery
- Hope Clinic– If you are unable to pick up groceries due to mobility, transportation, or heath concerns, Hope Clinic offers grocery delivery. Must call (734) 484-2989 to reserve a delivery. Phone is operated Mon-Thurs from 9 AM – 4 PM.
- Manchester Community Resource Center– Has limited delivery options available to people with mobility or transportation issues. Call (734) 428-7722 for more information.
On-site Meals
- Washtenaw County Senior Cafes
- These agencies provide healthy meals that have been nutritionally approved by AgeWays (formerly the Area Agency on Aging 1-B).
- Visit the website to find a senior cafe near you or call your local senior center to see if they participate.
- Meals on Wheels- the agencies below offer home-delivered meals that have been nutritionally approved by AgeWays (formerly the Area Agency on Aging 1-B). Visit the agency’s website for more information, including eligibility requirements and delivery schedule.
- Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels (734) 998-6686
- Chelsea/Manchester Meals on Wheels (734) 475-9242
- Dexter Meals on Wheels (734) 253-2370
- Jewish Family Services (Kosher & Halal options) (734) 769-0209
- Milan Meals on Wheels (734) 508-6229
- Northfield Township Meals on Wheels (734) 449-2295
- Saline Meals on Wheels (734) 429-9274
- Note: This is a privately funded program and, although they offer nutritious meals, are not affiliated with AgeWays.
- Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels (734) 487-9669
