MTSU Students Obtain Grant To Help Others Get Healthy

MTSU is one of only 10 institutions to receive a grant from a national program to promote nutritional awareness.

MTSU's student affiliate of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences has received $2,500 to execute its proposed plan in the "Healthy for Life" community nutrition program.

"MTSU student participants will benefit from hands-on workshops where they will acquire knowledge, skills and confidence to discover, choose and prepare healthy food through hands-on experiences and interactive evidence-based education," said Sandra Poirier, a professor in the Nutrition and Food Science program in the Department of Human Sciences.

The first of these workshops is slated for 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, in Aramark's first-floor facility in the James Union Building. Heart-healthy foods will be provided by Aramark, and the local American Heart Association will conduct an informational presentation.

On the menu for the first workshop is an international assortment of Indian, Middle Eastern and African foods, including Pav Bhaji Bruschetta, a combination of tomatoes, fresh cilantro, garlic, French bread, masala, chili flakes and cheese; Falafel Vegetable Pyramid, a vegetable and falafel-filled pastry; and Beef and Chicken Suya, which is skewered meat with authentic Nigerian seasoning.

"Healthy for Life" is an initiative between Aramark, the largest U.S.-based food services provider, and the American Heart Association, the country's largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke.

The MTSU student group is obligated to offer at least four educational experiences over a period of two to three months, evaluate the experiences, develop a sustainability plan and provide a summary report.