PEER NUTRITION COACH
University of Maryland, Health Center
As a peer nutrition coach, I see clients weekly to help them reach their nutrition goals. Since we can't see each student individually, one way to reach the broader campus community is through media. I created a video to teach students how to prepare a simple, balance, and nutrient-dense meal.
Blog Posts:
SMARTER LUNCHROOMS
Maryland SNAP-Ed Program
Working at SNAP-Ed, I wore a couple of hats. During the school year, I had the awesome job of working on a project that brought together a local chef, the Maryland Department of Education, and the staff from four schools within the Montgomery County Public School System Division of Food and Nutrition Services. Together, we created innovative ways to add vegetables to school lunches and market them to the students. The goal was to increase the student intake and consumption. When school was out of session, I worked at four farmers' markets in Montgomery country conducting cooking demonstrations, handing out food samples, and sharing recipes with the community.
Hover over the photos below to learn more about the program outcomes.
I am standing with Chef Vaishali, and the team of Cafeteria Managers and Supervisors from Montgomery County Maryland Division of Food and Nutrition Services. This picture was taken at the end of the project.
An example of a middle school lunch before adding additional vegetables and implementing marketing strategies.
An example of a middle school lunch after the project started.
After initial work with the middle school managers, one decided to offer crudite cups as a way to offer more vegetables.
One focus of the project was adding roasted vegetables to some current meals. A school wide taste test showed evidence that students were open to and enjoyed roasted peppers.
The school taste tests were always a hit. To make taste testing more sustainable for the cafeteria staff, we introduced tastings on the lunch line. The tasting pictured was an example of making vegetables more palatable with spices and seasonings such tomato with basil.
The chef in the project helped the group create new recipes such as the pictured Taco Power Bowl. Lauryn helped the managers create signs and displays to market the new item so students would be more willing to try it.
I would often help the cafeteria staff with their work during my in person visits to a school. Here I am in a middle school cafeteria making vegetable crudite cups and to go salads for students.
In this photo I am at the Downtown Silver Spring, MD Farmers Market. I am sharing recipes from the SNAP-Ed Farmers Market curricula and offering samples. I loved doing this work over the summer because I enjoyed interacting with community members.
AMERICORPS VISTA
D.C. Hunger Solutions
As a VISTA member in Washington, D.C., I had the chance to learn an incredible amount of information about poverty, hunger, and government nutrition programs. In one of my first projects, I suggested I experience what it's like to apply for SNAP/ food stamps using a model I learned about called secret shopper. Later in my term of service, I used this information to write a report. The report compiling qualitative research and quantitative data. The quantitative data came directly from SNAP participants in the city who filled out a survey during the Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign for low-income household tax assistance. This report was completed with the effort to improve the SNAP program in Washington, D.C.
I am standing with my supervisor Lauren (to my right) and my coworker Abby (next to Lauren) before heading to the large tent in the background. We have come to a health fair where we hope to engage with senior citizens who are eligible for the SNAP/food stamps program.
I am standing with my coworker and fellow VISTA member Melissa before we give a presentation to high school seniors on our work as VISTA members.
Here my coworker Melissa and I are pictured in front of an event sign after we have presented to a room full of high school students about how we work to end hunger as AmeriCorps VISTA members.
I am pictured with my D.C. Hunger Solutions coworkers (Susan, Lauren, and Patrilie) at an event hosted by No Kid Hungry in Washington, D.C.
Dietetics Volunteer
Adventist Healthcare Rehabilitation Hospital
As a dietetic volunteer, I worked with a peer to create a presentation for a dysphagia patient class. The class included a discussion on flavorful recipes, how to blend and thicken foods at home, dietary fiber, and seasonal produce. The class then ended with a smoothie demonstration and general nutrition questions. Below are some of the documents I helped to create as well as a class outline.
Documents: Class Outline | Recipe Idea - Pumpkin Soup | Smoothie Demo Recipe- Tropical Smoothie
My classmate and co-volunteer Samantha and I are pictured giving a nutrition class to dysphagia diet patients.
I am tabling for National Nutrition Month with my peer and fellow volunteer Alejandra. We have games and prizes for folks if they correctly answer nutrition related trivia questions.
This is another photo from National Nutrition Month with trivia questions.
I take a selfie after a great day of tabling for National Nutrition Month. Today I got to speak with patient family members and a pharmacist the topic of fruits, vegetables, and types of fiber.
Nutrition Content Contributor
Flourish Heights
As a content contributor for the Flourish Heights Women's Health Wellness Blog, I have written on various topics related to nutrition and wellness. I am most proud of a blog I wrote centered on the intersections of wellness and stress.
Blog Posts:
I am featured on the Flourish Height Instagram
Me and Valerie the founder of Flourish Heights
I am posing with Flourish Heights volunteers and founder Valerie at the FH annual women's wellness event.
I am featured on the Flourish Heights Instagram. For the Holidays all the Flourish Heights contributors share their favorite drinks and self-care tips.