Just as First Lady Michelle Obama saw a need for promotion of healthier eating and “back to the roots” living, I wanted to participate in the garden movement on a smaller scale. As President of our Student Dietetic Association at Middle Tennessee State University, I wanted to become more involved with promotion of the health in our community. I have since formed a relationship with Hobgood Elementary School and we will be growing a variety of “cold-season” vegetable crops which will be consumed from Hobgood's salad bar and promote more consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in their daily meals and snacks.
Schools are an excellent place to begin change, awareness, and solutions to the many problems surrounding the nutritional well-being of America's children. School gardens will help children understand the gift of land and “fruit” of their labor. The “disconnect” between where food comes from and impact on the environment will slowly come together. Science classes will have the opportunity to observe real-life “photosynthesis” or role of the sun in nutrients of plants. They can “get down and dirty” with a purpose. Fast food can't compare to these experiences. Participation in the garden would allow for cooking/recipe suggestions and sustainable practices to be taught in detail, coupled with hands on experience. If more fruits and vegetables along with conventional cooking methods were used, tastier, lower calorie, and more nutrient rich meals would result. Schools unable to obtain a garden due to unavailable land could be given incentives to utilize a local farmer/ producer within a 100 mile radius.
Literally, thinking outside the box and exploring our options or talking to our local senators, representatives, and community leaders will have great benefits. It may be a small step for the nutrition related problems that face America but sowing one seed of change can yield a whole new garden of possibilities.
Monique Richard is a senior at Middle Tennessee State University in the Food and Nutrition Program with a concentration in Dietetics and a minor in Psychology. She has Type II Diabetes and is also a vegetarian. She shares her knowledge and experience with others inspiring them to make the best choices they can under their individual circumstances. She is currently President of the Student Dietetic Association and is involved with the Nashville District Dietetic Association, Tennessee Dietetic Association and American Dietetic Association along with many honor societies. Monique has traveled to China with the McNair Scholar Program and presented her research that was conducted in summer of 2009.She has also traveled to Egypt in December where she taught nutrition education in Cairo. She teaches Zumba at the Maryland Farms YMCA, and is a volunteer with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee. Monique hopes to continue learning, traveling, and to begin a coordinated Master's program and internship after graduation. 