In this service-learning class by Prof. Karina Lora, students deliver nutrition education using prepared lesson plans based on USDA MyPlate messages, and healthy food tastings to preschool-aged children living in undeserved urban areas in Washington DC. Students will increase their cultural competence with the groups served, advocacy, education and service to the community, reflect on current events related to food and nutrition issues affecting underserved populations in the US, and learn on community/school-based programs.
Spring 2023
Students Reporting: 5
Times Reported: 25
This past semester, students addressed low literacy and limited access to healthy for urban youth living in poverty. In Washington D.C. 15 % of D.C.’s fourth graders from low-income families could read proficiently in 2015. Underserved youth and are the most vulnerable to meet age-appropriate literacy levels. Reading is the foundation of education success. GWU students worked to impact this problem through the delivery of nutrition information that promotes literacy in Washington D.C. preschoolers. Students work with CentroNia, a nationally recognized, award-winning educational organization based in D.C. has a long history of community partnership with GW. CentroNia has partnered with EXNS 3199 to provide students access to preschoolers’ classrooms to deliver nutrition education. Dr. Lora actively coordinates with CentroNia Senior Director of Early Childhood Education and the Director of Food & Wellness to plan students visits.
