Roberts, Lydia (1879–1965)
Roberts, Lydia (1879–1965)
American nutritionist and educator. Born Lydia Jane Roberts, June 30, 1879, in Hope Township, Barry Co., MI; died May 28, 1965, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico; dau. of Warren Roberts (carpenter) and Mary (McKibbin) Roberts; graduate of Mt. Pleasant Normal School (later Central Michigan University), 1899, Life Certificate, 1909; University of Chicago, BS, 1917, MS, 1919, PhD, 1928.
American nutritionist and educator who believed in relation between diet and health, taught at schools in Michigan, Missouri, and Virginia (1899–1915); was assistant professor in home economics department at University of Chicago (1919–28), then associate professor (1928–30), full professor and chair of department (1930–44); served on Committee on Nutrition of White House Conference on Child Health and Protection (1929); during WWII, recommended enrichment of flour and bread with vitamins and minerals to improve nutrition; conducted nutrition survey of Puerto Rico for US Department of Agriculture (1943); worked for University of Puerto Rico (1946–52), serving as chair of home economics department; led nutrition education project which increased economic assistance to isolated communities in PR, and became model for island.