DURHAM, N.C. -- A grocery chain's donation will seed the development of a specialized nutritional support service for pediatric patients at Duke University Medical Center, according to Duke officials.

The Winn-Dixie Foundation has given a $107,500 grant to support the nutritional program at Duke Children's Hospital. The funds will be divided over three years.

"Many of the children in our inpatient setting -- like those receiving treatment for cancer, cystic fibrosis, stomach or intestinal diseases, and liver, lung and bone marrow transplant patients -- have special nutritional needs. This grant will allow us to bring on a children's nutrition specialist dedicated to developing a more comprehensive program for nutritional trials and inpatient care," said Dr. Will Treem, chief of pediatric gastroenterology.