The Role of the Student Dietetic Association on Campus and in the Community

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOME: To increase leadership and community organization skills, and practical application of didactic knowledge for dietetic students.Additionally, to expand campus and community awareness of the role of the dietitian. Since the inception of the Southeast Missouri State University Student Dietetic Association (SDA), the emphasis of this organization's role has been on community and campus service. All dietetic majors have the opportunity to develop leadership, management and organizational skill through SDA. These skills and competencies have been enhanced through the successful completion of numerous and diverse activities. Activities within the community have included: 1) Children's nutrition fair at a McDonald's playland; 2) Health fair at a local elementary school (K-6); 3) The National Dairy Council's “Body Walk” for a rural elementary school; 4) Inservice training for local elementary teachers on such topics as The Food Pyramid and US Dietary Guidelines; 5) Volunteer grocery store tours for The American Heart Association; 6) Nutrition presentations for local girl and boy scout troops and a state residential treatment facility; 7) Assisting with education programs offered through the local hospitals, and 8) Providing education on basic cooking skills and normal nutrition to indigent clients of a mental health agency. Campus-wide involvement has centered around providing nutrition education and assessment in the Student Recreation Center and the Employee Wellness Program. Additionally, the SDA has sponsored “Nutrition Peer Educators” which provides individual nutrition education and group presentations upon request on campus. National Nutrition Month (NNM) is a focus of several activities. “Nutrition Olympics” places student teams in competition using nutrition education and physical activity as its basis. Displays in the library, student center, and various academic buildings promote nutrition awareness and education during NNM. Also, in collaboration with Student Health Programs, the SDA has presented nutrition education through hands-on activities and displays. The SDA has been a successful route for students to gain practical application of their classroom knowledge while providing much needed community service.