Community
Prince George's County Area Agency on Aging
The Prince George's County Area Agency on Aging was my first rotation. Although we were only at this fast-paced rotation for three days, my partner and I got to see first hand just how much of an impact nutrition professionals and organizations can have on the communities around us. During my short time with this government agency, I was able to gain a better understanding of the many services offered by the Area Agency on Aging. It was such a great experience to be able to observe some of the managerial tasks undertaken by the Registered Dietitian of this agency. I was also involved in developing Menu Notes, which were nutrition-related educational materials printed on the backs of all monthly congregate meal menu calendars. These were distributed to congregate meal participants and many of the senior centers located throughout the county. Within a few of the nursing homes and assisted living facilities, I was able to help prepare meals for Meals on Wheels deliveries and assisted with room service deliveries of congregate meals. I was extremely impressed with all the hard work that goes into getting meals out to the community elders in need. |
DC Central Kitchen
For two weeks I had the opportunity to work with an inspiring organization that works to provide the DC area with healthy meals and snacks. It was such an amazing experience being able to participate in many of DC Central Kitchen's community outreach programs. On my first day of the rotation, I was able to attend a free HIV and Hepatitis C awareness event where I was able to help distribute healthy snack packs and conduct Healthy Corners nutrition surveys.
My partner and I were presented with the opportunity to create a PowerPoint presentation on hunger, food desserts, and poverty in the community for college freshman studying social services. Researching information for this presentation helped to heighten my awareness and understanding of these issues in our community. On our final day, we were asked to teach a lesson on grocery shopping on a budget and whole grains to a group of men in the Culinary Job Training Program.
My rotation with DC Central kitchen has provided me with a better understanding of the relationship between poverty and hunger. Learning about these key issues has made me aware of the need for nutrition professionals and food assistance programs in the community setting.
For two weeks I had the opportunity to work with an inspiring organization that works to provide the DC area with healthy meals and snacks. It was such an amazing experience being able to participate in many of DC Central Kitchen's community outreach programs. On my first day of the rotation, I was able to attend a free HIV and Hepatitis C awareness event where I was able to help distribute healthy snack packs and conduct Healthy Corners nutrition surveys.
My partner and I were presented with the opportunity to create a PowerPoint presentation on hunger, food desserts, and poverty in the community for college freshman studying social services. Researching information for this presentation helped to heighten my awareness and understanding of these issues in our community. On our final day, we were asked to teach a lesson on grocery shopping on a budget and whole grains to a group of men in the Culinary Job Training Program.
My rotation with DC Central kitchen has provided me with a better understanding of the relationship between poverty and hunger. Learning about these key issues has made me aware of the need for nutrition professionals and food assistance programs in the community setting.
Food Supplement Nutrition Education Program
This fall, I spent two weeks working with the Maryland Food Supplement Nutrition Education (FSNE) Program. This program focuses on providing nutrition education to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants. During this two week rotation I spent the majority of my time at various locations throughout Maryland with the FSNE educators. Locations included public libraries, elementary schools, community gardens, and farmers markets. The educators allowed my partner and me to teach lessons about proper hand washing techniques, food safety, and farmers markets. Each lesson was accompanied by a "tasting", which allowed the participants to try a healthy food that they may not have tried before.
While working at the farmers markets, my partner and I were tasked with collecting video footage to be used in an upcoming FSNE online video. This experience taught me about using different video and audio equipment along with some video-editing software. I also had the opportunity to work in the state office and helped compose two blogs for the FSNE Eat Smart, Be Fit Maryland website. To view these blog posts, see my "Work Samples" page.
These quick two weeks with FSNE provided an detailed overview of all the hard work community dietitians are putting into improving the health and nutrition of Maryland's youth. I am grateful for having the opportunity to dig in to so many of their amazing programs.
This fall, I spent two weeks working with the Maryland Food Supplement Nutrition Education (FSNE) Program. This program focuses on providing nutrition education to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants. During this two week rotation I spent the majority of my time at various locations throughout Maryland with the FSNE educators. Locations included public libraries, elementary schools, community gardens, and farmers markets. The educators allowed my partner and me to teach lessons about proper hand washing techniques, food safety, and farmers markets. Each lesson was accompanied by a "tasting", which allowed the participants to try a healthy food that they may not have tried before.
While working at the farmers markets, my partner and I were tasked with collecting video footage to be used in an upcoming FSNE online video. This experience taught me about using different video and audio equipment along with some video-editing software. I also had the opportunity to work in the state office and helped compose two blogs for the FSNE Eat Smart, Be Fit Maryland website. To view these blog posts, see my "Work Samples" page.
These quick two weeks with FSNE provided an detailed overview of all the hard work community dietitians are putting into improving the health and nutrition of Maryland's youth. I am grateful for having the opportunity to dig in to so many of their amazing programs.