Andrea Luttrell

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Big Y Foods Inc.; Age 36; Education: Holyoke Community College (ABA), UMass Amherst (BS)

As the face of Big Y’s nutrition outreach programs, Luttrell takes on myriad roles in the chain, such as participating in more than 25 community presentations each year — in settings like libraries, schools, senior centers, and cancer-survivorship meetings — where she reaches more than 5,000 people with positive nutrition and lifestyle messaging. She also writes food and nutrition columns for local media, helped create Big Y’s Kids’ Fruit Club, which provides kids with a free piece of fruit while shopping with an adult, and has expanded community partnerships with regional wellness organizations.

What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? I’ve always been introverted and would rather be working behind the scenes rather than in the spotlight. However, working with Big Y has enabled me to push beyond my comfort levels to become confident in myself, whether in front of a camera doing a media interview or speaking to a large group during a community presentation. This personal and professional accomplishment has helped me become the registered dietitian I am today — and I think my story can help inspire others that, with hard work and determination, anything is possible. If you’re not uncomfortable, you’re not growing!

How do you relieve stress? My favorite way to decompress is through baking. There is something calming about it, and I love experimenting with new recipes. Then, I also get to share what I’m making with family and friends — and that brings me a sense of happiness as well. Besides baking, I center myself through reading or simply getting away in nature. You’ll find me taking walks with my boys, spending time at our camp, or out in a kayak. Most recently, I started knitting with a group of girlfriends. This is proving to be a great way to relieve stress.

What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? If I could pick one person, it would by my memere, Yolande Croteau. I was extremely close to my grandmother, and she always believed I would be accepted into a dietetic internship program, which is something that is extremely competitive but also necessary in order to become a registered dietitian. She passed away before I was able to share the news that I did get into my first-choice program, and she would have been so incredibly proud. I would love for her to see where I am today.