Department of Nutrition and Food Systems Hosts Service Learning Group

The University of Southern Mississippi's Department of Nutrition and Food Systems recently hosted a group of college students from St. Norbert College in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The trip was part of St. Norbert's T.R.I.P.S. (Turning Responsibility into Powerful Service) program. This is the second year the service outreach program visited the department. Their initial visit was inspired by research published by the College of Health and an article highlighting its influence in the state's fight against obesity.

The students wanted to learn firsthand about the health initiatives taking place in Hattiesburg and the university.

LaShaundrea Crook, a research dietitian in the Department of Nutrition and Food Systems, spoke to this year's group.

“The students were given an overview of the weight and health status of adults in Mississippi and the past and present efforts organizations have taken to combat these problems,” said Crook. “We ended the presentation with a condensed version of a nutrition education session and food demonstration used for Mississippi Communities for Healthy Living, a research project sponsored by the Department of Nutrition and Food Systems."

The T.R.I.P.S. program anticipates a return visit next year with a new team of students.

To learn more about the Department of Nutrition and Food Systems, visit www.usm.edu/nfs