By Sarah Tyrrell
The Miami University Student Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, better known around campus as SAND, is an organization with a focus on health. Any students who have interest in food and nutrition are welcome to join SAND and take on many of their events and services.
On campus SAND holds nutrition workshops with the Miami varsity athletes and holds tutoring sessions for students taking KNH 102 and KNH 104.
SAND is also a part of some events sponsored by the Department of Kinesiology and Health at Miami, such as the Homecoming Brunch and the Semi-Annual Nutrition Conference both held in Philips Hall.
SAND works with Food4Thought, a Miami University student-interest group focused on awareness of food allergies, intolerances and dietary practices.
Off campus service work includes volunteering at the Oxford Community Choice Pantry, where SAND members focus on teaching recipes based off of the food choices available to individuals and families who come to the Pantry.
Additionally, they volunteer at the Family Resource Center in Oxford where they put on cooking workshops for families, introducing these families to healthy, affordable swaps at the dinner table in order to improve nutrition. SAND also takes part in nutrition education workshops at the free clinic on College Corner.
Although SAND is very involved on and off campus in nutrition and diet education, members can pick and choose what activities they participate in.
“The more you put in, the more you get out,” said SAND Co-President Taryn Berry.
Aside from all of their philanthropy work, SAND members get together socially, too.
Just recently in spirit of autumn they went apple picking and carpool trips to Jungle Jim’s are a frequent favorite.
Meetings are held once a month and can sometimes include guest speakers, but typically focus on discussing upcoming events and commitments - and free, delicious and healthy food.
Their website offers links to other social media sites, such as a Twitter account, Instagram account, Pinterest account and an onsite blog where they share great nutritional tidbits and stories.
November 7- 8 will be the eighth Semi Annual Nutrition Conference. This year’s theme is Nutrition in Disordered Eating. From 6:30pm-8:00pm November 7 in 322 McGuffey Hall will be the kick off-of the conference and programs, open to anyone, will occur in the main lobby of Philips throughout the day November 8.
Featured Green Organization: Miami University SAND
