Food for thought: New Widener Dining Dietitian is a Resource for Students

Zora DeSeignora ’23, Spanish and Communications
Dietitian Nora Abraham in the kitchen handing a plate of food to student Maritza Garcia ’25
Dietitian Nora Abraham, left, helps student Maritza Garcia ’25 with her meal.

Widener students have an exceptional new health-focused resource available to them beginning this spring, thanks to the Widener Dining program. Registered dietitian Nora Abraham has joined the university community to provide her advice and counsel in the Pride Café. 

We caught up with her to learn more.  

Welcome to Widener! Can you explain your role and what students should know about you?
Hello! My role with Widener Dining is as the campus registered dietitian. I educate students about ways to improve their health and wellness using foods and nutrition that are available on campus. I am also a resource for students who have a dietary restriction related to allergies, intolerances, or lifestyle.

How can students reach you?
I work through Aramark and currently spend my time supporting Widener and two other area universities, so I travel among the campuses. I try to be visible when I am on campus and if students need me when I’m not around, they can always contact me through abraham-nora@aramark.com with any questions. I am able to hold information sessions with students in person, over the phone or online. 

What are some of your goals for the position?
College is such an exciting time when students are learning how to navigate the world on their own. Specifically, many first-year students are away from home for the first time and at a crucial point of developing dietary habits and patterns that will stick with them throughout their lives. I recognize that during this hectic time, the energy spent on making healthful food choices can be overwhelming, so I am here to support students however I can! My goal is to make learning about food fun and to expose students to new experiences through food.

Why did you decide to become a dietitian?
I have always loved food, cooking and science. When I was younger, I could never decide between going to culinary school or going to medical school and ultimately discovered the nutrition and dietetics field. Becoming a dietitian seemed like the perfect fit for me since it combines food and science in perfect harmony. 

What do you love the most about working on campus?
I love working in an environment where people are eager to learn. I am a firm believer that education should not be limited to the classroom setting and that is why I use the dining program as a platform to continue education. My goal is to promote mealtimes as a unique learning experience.

What is your favorite food or meal to make?
My family is Lebanese, so my favorite foods are traditional Lebanese foods like roasted lamb or rice dishes! I absolutely love the flavors that are used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking.

What are some things you do in your free time? 
In my free time, I love to exercise, read, or bake! I like to switch up my exercise and do anything from taking walks, to running, weightlifting or taking yoga classes. Lately I have been baking sourdough bread on the weekend. I can often be found curled up at home with a book and homemade chai latte. 😊 

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