By Jennifer Flores
To start the month off, the Student Nutrition and Dietetics Association (SNDA) held a meeting to recap March for events that will be hosted by the organization.
The SNDA focuses on providing nutrition-based activities for Nutrition and Dietetic Students, and other individuals who are interested in nutrition and health.
Their overall Purpose and Mission is to “increase the level of knowledge about food and nutrition in students across campus,” as stated in their BeInvoled profile.
The general meeting, that happened on March 3rd in the Parmer Kitchen, had senior Audrey Santora, president of SNDA and Nutrition Student, overviewing the scheduled events that would occur throughout the month.
These consisted of an Aguas Frescas Fundraiser, Resident Student Cook-Along Dinner, Volunteering at Beyond Hunger, and Beyond Hunger Meal Donation Prep.
Santora then took the time to highlight the importance of de-stressing, as midterms were approaching. Students who attended were given the opportunity to unwind through coloring activities and indulging in a combination of healthy and comforting snacks.
Fruit, freshly cut by students of the association, was provided along with some popcorn and an assortment of gummies that could be mixed with tajin and chamoy.
As students sat down to enjoy the refreshments and activities, Santora shared her thoughts on why it was important to provide a space for students to wind down.
“I just think it’s so important for us to slow down every once in a while, and first of all recognize our accomplishments.” Santora said. “Like we are doing a lot, but also, taking time.”
Publicity Chair of SNDA, Alexa Toledo, also shared that these types of activities give students something to focus on besides school. She emphasized that a good balance, with the incorporation of nutrition, resulted in good mental well-being.
As a senior and Nutrition major, it is also important for her to find ways to de-stress around her schedule.
“I like to plan ahead.” Toledo said. “I’m like, okay let me maybe, when my laptop is charging, I just take an hour break. And maybe snack on something, or just scroll on TikTokquick”
Violet Manni, vice president of SNDA and a sophomore Nutrition major, also shared the ways she detaches herself from schoolwork. Her hobbies seemingly fit with the activities held that day.
“I do a lot of artsy stuff, actually. So, a lot of drawing and music!” Manni said.
It is clear that the SNDA strives to provide events that help students stay involved through a nutritional focal point. As previously mentioned, the organization mapped out various activities for students to participate in for the rest of the month.
The following day of the General meeting, an Aguas Frescas event was held in the Parmer Atrium. The fresh-made beverages offered were Agua de Jamaica, Pepino, and Strawberry. Each cup cost $3, and additional dollar added to drinks made with a chamoy and tajin rim. All proceeds that were made are going to the Beyond Hunger Meal Donation Prep event.
They partnered with the Oak Park non-profit organization for two dates this month. One occurred on the 21st where students were able to volunteer at their food pantry to distribute food and resources. The second one will be an upcoming event happening at Dominican.
“We’re creating a meal and cooking it here on campus and then packaging it up and donating it to [Beyond Hunger]” Santora said. It’s a balanced meal and gets in that nutrition so they can have those fresh cooked meals.”
This event will take place on March 27th from 9:30am and 3:30pm. Students of any level of culinary skill are welcome to join. For more information, the event can be found through the activities tab through BeInvolved.
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