Meet HSM Board Member, Mary Pat Raimondi, MS, RD

Mary Pat Raimondi has a passion for both nutrition and marketing and works in both worlds. She also is committed to see hunger ended in the world. She is currently an Associate Program Director for Health and Wellness at the University of Minnesota where her responsibilities include coordinating the Minnesota Food and Nutrition Network, a group committed to providing healthful food access and nutrition education to local income Minnesotans. Prior to that she had her own consulting business that specialized in helping clients get new products, services and messages to the market while devising effective strategies with the research to support the decisions.

She honed her marketing skills in the management of specialized nutritional products for malnutrition for a Fortune 100 Company. Prior work experience includes working with the public-funded nutrition programs, WIC, HeadStart and Congregate Dining and as a clinician in the areas of diabetes and high-risk pregnancy.

When did you join the HSM board and what interested you about the position?
“I had been familiar with the work of Hunger Solutions for many years. I joined the board two years ago and it has been a very wonderful experience. Dick Goebel got me interested in this board and its mission. Dick is the former Executive Director of the St. Paul Food Bank and is a pioneer in fighting hunger in Minnesota and nationally. I cannot think of an opinion I value more in working towards ending hunger than his.”

What do you find most rewarding about being involved in hunger relief?
“I get energized by being involved in policy changes, like the 2008 Farm Bill increased funding to reduce hunger. It’s rewarding to work with older adults living in low income housing and talking to them about new healthful foods they can enjoy. I also enjoy working with a friend and trying to find fun ways to market school lunch to the children that might need it most. I guess there are many things I find most rewarding!”

What do you find most challenging about working to end hunger in our state?
“I think because we have lower hunger numbers than some states, often it is thought we have no hunger in Minnesota. We know that is not the case. Even one person is one too many.”

What do you enjoy doing when away from work?
“There is life outside of work? Actually, I enjoy being with my friends and family just hanging out. Being with them and listening to music, and throw in some travel? Well, life could not getter better for this volunteer.”

Mary Pat is currently the Vice Chair of the HSM Board and she will take her position as chair in January of 2010. She can be contacted at mpr@umn.edu.