National Nutrition Month Spotlight: Foundation Communities RN Case Manager Rita DeBellis

Created in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month is an annual campaign in March that encourages healthy eating habits, physical activity and proper self-nourishment. To celebrate the yearly campaign, Rita DeBillis, the RN Case Manager at Foundation Communities, reflects on her seven years with the organization, how her expertise in nutrition improves and supports health conditions Foundation Communities residents may be living with, and the partnership with Keep Austin Fed.

DeBellis was raised in a large family and her parents, both of which were farmers. From a young age, she learned about the importance of valuing food and its role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Fast-forward to now, DeBellis proudly passes along her experience with nutritious food to the dozens of Foundation Communities residents – something she takes great pride in.

“I enjoy the relationships that I’ve built and had with the residents. The way I’m able to support them and allow them to have positive experiences with healthcare,” DeBellis says. “I feel very honored that they trust me with their health concerns. I love working where they live, as well. It’s so helpful in terms of the care because I really get to understand how they live their life.”

During National Nutrition Month, DeBellis lays out the goal she has in mind for encouraging nutritional awareness to the individuals she helps on a daily basis.

“If I had a goal for the month, it would be to keep that awareness at the forefront of how nutrition plays into disease processes, talking to people about that, and reminding them about Keep Austin Fed,” DeBellis says.

Keep Austin Fed has partnered with several Foundation Communities properties throughout Austin and has provided fresh produce and ready-to-eat food since 2018. With accessibility and financial restrictions being an obstacle to some of the residents, the consistent food donations have provided some food security, and even some excitement to try new foods.