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College Students

Our Vision is a World 

where every individual feels empowered to take charge of their health.

Our Mission

At Small Habits Matter, we empower individuals and communities in Chicago with accessible, evidence-based nutrition education. Through small, sustainable changes, we help build lifelong healthy habits that support overall well-being. Our team of registered dietitians are committed to fostering a positive relationship with food and health by meeting people where they are—one habit at a time.

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How We Do It

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To address the critical need for accessible nutrition education, Small Habits Matter was created to provide accessible nutrition workshops through collaboration with local community-based organizations. We recognized that while many organizations are committed to improving the lives of their community, they are constrained by limited capacity and resources to do so. By partnering with these organizations, Small Habits Matter aims to bridge the gap between the available resources and the community’s needs.

 

Our goal is to deliver practical, evidence-based nutrition education in an affordable and effective way. By working closely with local organizations and leveraging their existing networks, we can offer valuable resources and support without adding to their financial burden. Nutrition shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it—it should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

 

Through Small Habits Matter, we strive to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their health. By making nutrition education more accessible, we aim to contribute to healthier communities and break the cycle of chronic disease caused by inadequate nutritional support.

Our Story started in Champaign, IL

During their undergraduate years at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Liz, Stephanie, and Juhi discovered their passion for nutrition education through their involvement with Education and Training for Health (EAT4Health), an organization dedicated to teaching children about the role of nutrition in health. Seeing firsthand how simple nutritional insights could inspire young minds and strengthen communities, they realized the profound impact of education in shaping healthier lives.

 

This experience ignited a vision that extended beyond Urbana-Champaign. Motivated by the success they witnessed at EAT4Health and driven by a desire to create lasting change, they envisioned a broader impact—one where small, sustainable changes could lead to healthier, more vibrant lives for people of all ages. From this vision, Small Habits Matter was born.

 

What began as a passion project has grown into a dynamic organization dedicated to making nutrition education accessible and actionable. The founders transformed their college experiences into a powerful platform, offering interactive workshops, developing practical educational materials, and forging meaningful partnerships with local communities. Their journey from EAT4Health to a citywide initiative underscores their belief in the power of small, consistent habits. Today, Small Habits Matter continues to inspire and empower individuals to build healthier lifestyles—one small habit at a time.

Small Habits Matter was founded by registered dietitians who believe that nutrition education should be accessible to everyone—it's a right, not a privilege. A registered dietitian is an expert on food and nutrition - we are the only qualified healthcare professionals who can legally provide medical nutrition therapy. We have completed 1200+ hours of supervised clinical training, passed a national exam, and continued learning through ongoing education to maintain our titles and credentials.

Check out each of our Team member's bio below to learn more! 

Our Team

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Elizabeth Gutierrez, MS, RDN

Co-Founder & Registered Dietitian

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Stephanie Schnaufer, MBA, RDN

Co-Founder & Registered Dietitian

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Juhi Shah, MS, RDN 

Co-Founder & Registered Dietitian

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