Mary Jo Brunner has joined Nash Finch's recently-opened Family Fresh Market as its in-store nutritionist. In her new capacity, Brunner will assist customers with nutritional guidance by hosting health education programs, assisting with meal solutions, and facilitating health events, at the store, which opened June 12.

Along with the Hudson, Wis.-based concept store's pharmacy team, Brunner will also help customers manage their health conditions and take advantage of in-store wellness services, the chain said.

Bill Kinney, director for the new store, said Brunner will serve as a "health champion for customers." The store, the first of Minneapolis-based Nash Finch's new format, already has a holistic emphasis on wellness.

Brunner, a registered dietitian, joined Family Fresh Market from the Mayo Health System. She is also a licensed dietitian for the state of Minnesota, and a certified dietitian for the State of Wisconsin. Her background is in patient counseling and education, clinical nutrition and management, sports nutrition, and health management support.

Nash Finch's core business, food distribution, serves independent retailers and military commissaries in 31 states, the District of Columbia, Europe, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Azores, and Egypt. The company also owns and operates a base of retail stores, primarily supermarkets, under the Econofoods, Family Thrift Center, and Sun Mart trade names.