Dietitian Consulting Services vs In-House RDs

Compare the flexibility of dietitian consulting services with the demands of maintaining in-house RDs. Dietary Solutions connects healthcare and community organizations with credentialed nutrition professionals, operational guidance, compliance support, and ongoing leadership. Explore options designed to support resident and patient outcomes, staffing continuity, food service performance, and organizational efficiency across facilities throughout the United States.

Dietitian consulting team reviewing nutrition care plans with healthcare staff

Our Dietitian Consulting Services

Flexible nutrition consulting, staffing, menu, compliance, and food service solutions for healthcare and community organizations.

Consultant Dietitians

Access vetted registered dietitians, diet technicians, food service managers, and culinary experts for interim or long-term assignments, with facility-specific training and ongoing regional support.

Permanent Staffing

Recruit and place registered dietitians, diet technicians, culinary experts, and food service directors into permanent roles after credential verification, screening, background checks, and onboarding.

Interim Staffing

Maintain nutrition and dietary operations during vacancies, employee leave, hiring gaps, or transitions with credentialed professionals trained in your facility’s protocols and supported by regional directors.

Dietary Management

Interim certified dietary managers help lead food service operations, support regulatory compliance, execute initiatives, and maintain continuity while organizations address staffing needs.

Food Cost Consulting

Review cost management systems, procedures, and compliance practices, then apply tailored industry best practices with collaboration among managers, executives, and suppliers.

Menu Systems

Customizable menu and tray card systems support nutritional analysis, menu selection, production reporting, diet identification, resident needs, and food cost visibility.

Flexible Clinical Support

Choose Nutrition Support That Fits

Consulting gives organizations access to specialized nutrition expertise without carrying every responsibility associated with an in-house RD team. Dietary Solutions can provide credentialed professionals for interim, consultant, or permanent arrangements, with credential checks, background screening, facility-specific onboarding, and regional operational support. This model helps healthcare and community organizations maintain continuity, strengthen compliance, and align services with changing operational needs.

Consultant dietitian discussing nutrition services with facility leadership
Trusted Operational Support

Results That Matter

See how people-first nutrition expertise can support compliance, continuity, efficiency, and better resident and patient outcomes.

"For over 15 years, Dietary Solutions has been incredibly accommodating, modifying its training and support plans to meet our specific location’s needs. On many occasions when we were in a pinch for dietitian coverage and/or in a survey crisis, Dietary Solutions has always found a way to help us through..."

Catherine C.

"I have partnered with Dietary Solutions for over 12 years now and highly recommend their professional services. Dietary Solutions consulting services have been dependable, our regulatory compliance has been outstanding, and their rates are cost effective. Kay Lakhi and Dietary Solutions have created a successful corporate culture of Authenticity, Integrity..."

Brent C.

"Dietary Solutions has been a fantastic partner for our organization. They are incredibly responsive and have gone above and beyond to meet whatever needs we have. The quality of work produced by their employees is top notch."

Jeremy L.

"Dietary Solutions has been a great asset to our Dining Services. They provide our life plan community with the best resources to elevate our resident care. Their expertise is highly recommended."

Darrell G.

"I have had the pleasure of working with the Registered Dietitians from Dietary Solutions for more than 10 years, and their service has consistently been exemplary. Their team is not only highly knowledgeable and professional, but also kind, compassionate, and dedicated to the individuals they serve. They bring a level..."

Shannon K.

"I started working with Dietary Solutions in late 2020 and I have consistently had a positive experience with the services and support to our facilities and to the organization. The Registered Dieticians and Dietary Technicians are well trained, knowledgeable on the skilled nursing facility industry, and customer service focused. They..."

Trish Thomas

"Dietary Solutions has given us strategic insight on our nutritional planning. There firm provides reliable support, making them a great partner for any professional food service operation."

Brian L.

"For over 15 years, Dietary Solutions has been incredibly accommodating, modifying its training and support plans to meet our specific location’s needs. On many occasions when we were in a pinch for dietitian coverage and/or in a survey crisis, Dietary Solutions has always found a way to help us through..."

Catherine C.

"I have partnered with Dietary Solutions for over 12 years now and highly recommend their professional services. Dietary Solutions consulting services have been dependable, our regulatory compliance has been outstanding, and their rates are cost effective. Kay Lakhi and Dietary Solutions have created a successful corporate culture of Authenticity, Integrity..."

Brent C.

"Dietary Solutions has been a fantastic partner for our organization. They are incredibly responsive and have gone above and beyond to meet whatever needs we have. The quality of work produced by their employees is top notch."

Jeremy L.

"Dietary Solutions has been a great asset to our Dining Services. They provide our life plan community with the best resources to elevate our resident care. Their expertise is highly recommended."

Darrell G.

"I have had the pleasure of working with the Registered Dietitians from Dietary Solutions for more than 10 years, and their service has consistently been exemplary. Their team is not only highly knowledgeable and professional, but also kind, compassionate, and dedicated to the individuals they serve. They bring a level..."

Shannon K.

"I started working with Dietary Solutions in late 2020 and I have consistently had a positive experience with the services and support to our facilities and to the organization. The Registered Dieticians and Dietary Technicians are well trained, knowledgeable on the skilled nursing facility industry, and customer service focused. They..."

Trish Thomas

"Dietary Solutions has given us strategic insight on our nutritional planning. There firm provides reliable support, making them a great partner for any professional food service operation."

Brian L.

"For over 15 years, Dietary Solutions has been incredibly accommodating, modifying its training and support plans to meet our specific location’s needs. On many occasions when we were in a pinch for dietitian coverage and/or in a survey crisis, Dietary Solutions has always found a way to help us through..."

Catherine C.

"I have partnered with Dietary Solutions for over 12 years now and highly recommend their professional services. Dietary Solutions consulting services have been dependable, our regulatory compliance has been outstanding, and their rates are cost effective. Kay Lakhi and Dietary Solutions have created a successful corporate culture of Authenticity, Integrity..."

Brent C.

"Dietary Solutions has been a fantastic partner for our organization. They are incredibly responsive and have gone above and beyond to meet whatever needs we have. The quality of work produced by their employees is top notch."

Jeremy L.

"Dietary Solutions has been a great asset to our Dining Services. They provide our life plan community with the best resources to elevate our resident care. Their expertise is highly recommended."

Darrell G.

"I have had the pleasure of working with the Registered Dietitians from Dietary Solutions for more than 10 years, and their service has consistently been exemplary. Their team is not only highly knowledgeable and professional, but also kind, compassionate, and dedicated to the individuals they serve. They bring a level..."

Shannon K.

"I started working with Dietary Solutions in late 2020 and I have consistently had a positive experience with the services and support to our facilities and to the organization. The Registered Dieticians and Dietary Technicians are well trained, knowledgeable on the skilled nursing facility industry, and customer service focused. They..."

Trish Thomas

"Dietary Solutions has given us strategic insight on our nutritional planning. There firm provides reliable support, making them a great partner for any professional food service operation."

Brian L.
The Dietary Solutions Difference

Why Choose Dietary Solutions?

Get a people-first partner that combines nutrition expertise with practical operational support.

Deep Experience

Over 30 years supporting nutrition consulting, staffing, food service, compliance, and operational needs.

Credentialed Professionals

Professionals undergo credential verification, background checks, competency evaluations, and facility-specific onboarding.

Regional Leadership

Regional Directors of Operations provide mentorship, oversight, communication, and facility-level operational assistance.

Ongoing Support

Nationwide organizations receive continued training, communication, and 24/7 support beyond on-site consultant hours.

Meet The Dietary Solutions Team

Experienced leaders connect nutrition expertise with practical, people-first service.

Portrait of Kay Lakhi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Kay Lakhi

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Kay Lakhi is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dietary Solutions, bringing 25 years of dedicated experience as a community leader and wellness advocate. Her career has centered on advancing health and wellness services aimed at the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases, giving her deep insight into the challenges facing healthcare and long-term care organizations nationwide. As the visionary behind Dietary Solutions, Kay has built a people-first organization that connects skilled nutrition professionals with facilities across the country. Her leadership reflects a genuine commitment to improving patient and resident outcomes through personalized, compassionate care solutions. Kay's passion for wellness and her decades of community engagement continue to shape the company's mission of delivering real solutions and results that matter to every client and partner organization she serves.

Portrait of Ashwin Lakhi, Vice President of Security and Infrastructure

Ashwin Lakhi

Vice President of Security & Infrastructure

Ashwin Lakhi serves as Vice President of Security & Infrastructure at Dietary Solutions, where he oversees critical projects that support the organization's continued growth and operational stability. He applies innovative project management techniques and cross-collaboration strategies to enhance business efficiency across the company's nationwide network. His work ensures that Dietary Solutions maintains the infrastructure and security necessary to reliably serve healthcare, senior-care, and community nutrition clients across the United States. Ashwin's strategic approach to organizational development helps the company scale its services while maintaining high standards of operational integrity. His contributions are integral to the company's ability to deliver consistent, dependable support to the facilities and professionals it partners with every day.

Portrait of Melissa Baumbach, Vice President of Operations

Melissa Baumbach

Vice President of Operations

Melissa Baumbach is the Vice President of Operations at Dietary Solutions, leading customer service initiatives and personalized nutrition strategies for organizations nationwide. She brings specialized expertise in regulatory compliance, nutritional excellence, dining program development, and food cost management. Melissa is also well-versed in QAPI (Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement) and PDPM (Patient-Driven Payment Model), making her an invaluable resource for healthcare and long-term care facilities navigating complex regulatory environments. Her operational leadership ensures that clients receive tailored, effective nutrition and food service solutions that align with both compliance requirements and resident satisfaction goals. Melissa's commitment to operational excellence and her deep understanding of the industry's regulatory landscape make her a trusted partner for organizations seeking to improve their nutrition and dining programs.

Portrait of Denise Fedorek, Regional Director of Operations

Denise Fedorek

Regional Director of Operations

Denise Fedorek serves as a Regional Director of Operations for Dietary Solutions, bringing extensive experience as a nutrition and dietetics professional. Her background spans clinical nutrition, food service management, cost control, training, education, menu development, and gerontological nutrition. Denise plays a key role in providing regional leadership, mentorship, and facility-level support to organizations across the country, helping them maintain compliance while optimizing their nutrition and food service operations. Her comprehensive expertise allows her to address the diverse needs of skilled nursing centers, assisted living facilities, and other healthcare settings that rely on Dietary Solutions for consulting and staffing support. Denise's dedication to gerontological nutrition and resident-centered care reflects the company's core mission of delivering real solutions and meaningful results for every client she supports.

Portrait of Chauntel Horaney, Director of Human Resources

Chauntel Horaney

Director of Human Resources

Chauntel Horaney is the Director of Human Resources at Dietary Solutions, where she leads talent acquisition, onboarding, training, and professional development initiatives for the company's nationwide team. As a Certified Human Resources professional, she brings specialized expertise in organizational processes and employee experience, ensuring that Dietary Solutions attracts and retains top nutrition and dietary professionals. Chauntel's focus on building strong organizational foundations supports the company's ability to deliver consistent, high-quality staffing and consulting services to healthcare and community organizations across the United States. Her commitment to fostering a positive employee experience helps maintain the people-first culture that defines Dietary Solutions, ensuring that every team member is well-equipped to serve clients with professionalism and care.

Portrait of Marcy Cook, Regional Director of Operations

Marcy Cook

Regional Director of Operations

Marcy Cook serves as a Regional Director of Operations at Dietary Solutions, bringing extensive experience as a dietetics and post-acute care leader. She specializes in supporting regulatory compliance, client service, and professional education, all while prioritizing the health and well-being of residents and patients. Marcy's regional leadership provides essential mentorship and facility-level support to organizations across her service area, helping them navigate the complexities of nutrition and food service management in post-acute care settings. Her dedication to combining clinical expertise with operational excellence ensures that client facilities receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs. Marcy's contributions align closely with Dietary Solutions' mission of delivering real, people-first solutions that produce meaningful results for the communities and organizations she serves.

Portrait of Dawn Howard, Regional Director of Operations

Dawn Howard

Regional Director of Operations

Dawn Howard is a Regional Director of Operations at Dietary Solutions, bringing valuable experience as a nutrition and dietetics professional with a strong background in clinical nutrition and food service management. Her work is centered on gerontological nutrition and resident care, making her particularly well-suited to support skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities across her region. Dawn provides critical regional leadership, mentorship, and operational support to help client organizations maintain compliance and deliver optimal nutrition outcomes for the residents and patients they serve. Her focus on resident-centered care reflects Dietary Solutions' broader commitment to empathy, collaboration, and authenticity in every service engagement, ensuring that facilities receive knowledgeable, compassionate support tailored to their specific operational and clinical needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of dietitian consulting services over an in-house RD?

Consulting services can provide flexible access to credentialed nutrition professionals, regional operational support, and specialized expertise without requiring an organization to manage every aspect of recruitment, credentialing, training, and coverage internally. Dietary Solutions offers interim, consultant, and permanent arrangements, allowing facilities to select an approach that fits staffing gaps, operational priorities, compliance needs, and long-term workforce plans.

What does a consulting dietitian do?

How does an in-house RD compare with a consultant dietitian?

Can Dietary Solutions provide permanent registered dietitian staffing?

Can I use a dietitian consultant during a staffing gap?

How are Dietary Solutions professionals screened?

Does Dietary Solutions support food service and menu operations too?

Where does Dietary Solutions provide dietitian consulting services?

Need Help Comparing Your Options?

Talk with Dietary Solutions about the right nutrition staffing model.

Nationwide Service Coverage

Dietary Solutions connects organizations across the Nationwide United States with nutrition and dietary expertise.

Nationwide United States

Service Area

24/7 Support Available

Support

Nationwide Professional Network

Network

Need Nutrition Support For Your Organization?

Connect with a team serving healthcare and community organizations nationwide.

Credentials & Trust

Awards and Recognition

Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition credential

Gerontological Nutrition

Certified Specialist credential from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Certified registered dietitian nutrition support credential

Nutrition Support

Certified registered dietitian support from ASPEN.

ServSafe certified food service credential

ServSafe Certified

Food service experts with ServSafe certification.

Find Your Right Dietitian Support Model

Tell us about your organization, staffing needs, and nutrition priorities so our team can discuss a tailored solution.

Contact Us Today

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