Taking a Stand for Better Nutrition
The Nutrition Education Action Team is fighting to help students eat more healthfully
By Kimberly Resiman, San Jose State University, California
Who’s getting the word out about healthy living? The Nutrition Education Action Team (NEAT) at San Jose State University in California is, and it is making a huge impact on campus. Through presentations and outreach programs, the team teaches students about topics from basic nutrition and fitness to the importance of body image.
Jennifer Waldrop, the campus dietitian who runs the organization, says, “The NEAT program puts nutrition education in the hands of the students. Through role modeling, advocacy, and education, the power of peers to change peers echoes across the campus.”
The team shares its knowledge to reach every type of student. NEAT divides its members into three specialties: Nutrition 101, Mindful Eating, and Physical Activity/Eating Disorders.
“NEAT offers students the opportunity to connect and provide positive encouragement on topics related to health,” says Christina Patron, a senior at San Jose State. “It has given me the opportunity to practice speaking and teaching my peers about something that impacts their lives every day.”
Working With Other Groups
NEAT also works with other student organizations, such as Peer Health Education, at its events. The Peer Health Educators talk about topics such as stress and sexual health. NEAT feels that the topics that PHE focus on all are interrelated with nutrition.
Currently, NEAT is working on an event called the Great Global Breakfast, where they teach students how to incorporate foods that are popular in other countries into their breakfasts.
NEAT aspires to form similar groups that will educate students to live healthier lifestyles.
KIMBERLY REISMAN IS STUDYING NUTRITION AT SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY IN CALIFORNIA.
Find Out More
Click for more about the Nutrition Education Action Team at San Jose State University.
