The future of dietetics is taking shape in classrooms, internships, and communities across the country—and we’re proud to support ten students who are preparing to be part of it.
DiningRD is excited to announce the 2026 recipients of the Linda K. Crandall Scholarship, awarding ten $500 scholarships to students pursuing careers in nutrition and dietetics.
The scholarship honors Linda K. Crandall, founder of Crandall Corporate Dietitians, now part of DiningRD. For more than 50 years, Linda has helped advance the field of nutrition through her commitment to excellence, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and developing future leaders. Today, the scholarship continues that legacy by investing directly in students preparing to enter the profession.
For this year’s recipients, that support is helping them take the next step toward careers where they can improve lives through nutrition – and nurture joy through food in ways all their own.
“It means a great deal to be recognized as a student entering the field and to know that organizations like DiningRD are investing in the next generation of nutrition professionals.”
— Addison Kamienski, Northwest Missouri State University
Meet the 2026 Scholarship Winners
Alison Archer
Iowa State University
Addison Kamienski
Northwest Missouri State University
Ariane Bernier
University of Northern Colorado
Ariana Zoe Diaz Portalatin
Purdue University
Alexander Wertheim
University of Florida
Annie Heaton
Utah State University
Alyssa Weiszer
University of Georgia
Abigail Steimel
Iowa State University
Camilla Kouakou
New York University
Abigail Meyer
Utah State University
Looking Ahead
The paths these students hope to pursue reflect just how many ways nutrition professionals can make a difference.
For Ariane Bernier, that path is personal. A competitive swimmer studying nutrition at the University of Northern Colorado, Ariane has experienced firsthand the role nutrition can play in training, recovery, and overall well-being. She hopes to build a career in sports nutrition, helping athletes reach their full potential through personalized nutrition.
Abigail Meyer is pursuing a Master of Public Health and hopes to build a career dedicated to improving community health and nutrition. Her goals represent another important side of the profession – using nutrition knowledge to improve health not only for individuals, but across entire communities.
Together, their aspirations demonstrate the breadth of opportunities within nutrition and dietetics and the many different ways this year’s recipients can make an impact.
For Annie Heaton, receiving the scholarship also carries a connection to the legacy behind it:
“I hope to carry forward the same commitment to excellence and service that Linda has exemplified throughout her career.”
— Annie Heaton, Utah State University
That spirit is at the heart of the Linda K. Crandall Scholarship: supporting future nutrition professionals as they build careers centered on service, expertise, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
From sports nutrition and community health to clinical dietetics and beyond, the 2026 recipients represent the many ways the next generation of nutrition professionals will help shape the future of the field.
We’re grateful to everyone who applied and inspired by the passion, dedication, and goals represented by this year’s applicants.
Congratulations to the 2026 Linda K. Crandall Scholarship recipients. We’re proud to support the next step in your education – and we can’t wait to see the impact you make!