Southern Miss Food and Nutrition Department Recognized on National Level
Wed, 10/17/2012 - 08:40am | By: Ryan Kelly
The University of Southern Mississippi‘s Department of Nutrition and Food Systems recently participated in the filming of a national video for The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Mississippi Food Network in Jackson.
A production crew from Chicago filmed the student interns as they packed boxes of food for families in need. The video was featured in the opening ceremonies of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Annual Food and Nutrition National Conference and Expo.
“It opens their eyes to the issue of food insecurity in a way that cannot be accomplished through a class lecture,” said Assistant Chair and Associate Professor Elaine Molaison. “Having our program highlighted on a national level was overwhelming. We know that the Southern Miss dietetic internship is exemplary, but now the word is out at the national level. It is especially gratifying to see that a collaboration that started as a mutual benefit was recognized as a model program.”
The film segment includes students and faculty from Southern Miss who are passionate about the new initiatives taken on by the academy. The video reflects the decisions of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to join a new national initiative to end hunger and achieve food security.
The initiative is designed to help families obtain adequate amounts of healthful foods, combat hunger, and educate the public on nutrition and dietetics.
The Annual Conference was held Oct. 6-9 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This annual conference boasts the gathering of more than 12,000 experts of food and nutrition who come together to discuss new trends, products, and learn about new research in this industry.
The conference also offers educational opportunities and workshops to enhance the careers of the people who serve in food and nutrition.
“I am very excited about USM nutrition and dietetics programs being on the cutting edge with our students' involvement with hunger and food security issues,” said Dr. Kathleen Yadrick, associate dean and chair of the Department of Nutrition and Food Systems. “Some 12,000 nutrition and dietetics professionals from all over the U.S. and beyond saw our students in action at the Mississippi Food Network in the media presentation at the opening session of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo in Philadelphia this month. The great work of the Mississippi Food Network in addressing hunger issues in our state is enhanced by having nutrition professionals on board.”
The video featured at The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Conference and Expo can be viewed on the Southern Miss Nutrition and Food Systems' homepage at http://www.usm.edu/nutrition.