News

Truly Food for Thought

April 24, 2012 - This article in the New York Times chronicles the rise of Food Studies programs throughout the country. Read more.

NFS Adjunct Faculty Named Young Dietitian of the Year

March 22, 2012 - Kelly McGrath, Department of Nutrition and Food Studies Adjunct Faculty, was recently named the 2012 Young Dietitian of the Year by the Virginia Dietetic Association (VDA). This award honors those who promote optimal nutrition, health, and well-being. In addition, awardees demonstrate leadership qualities and performance through education, clinical nutrition, foodservice management, public relations, career guidance, and legislation. The VDA is the state affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a professional organization for food and nutrition professionals. Congratulations to Kelly!

About the Department

Everyone eats food, but not everyone understands the effects of their food choices. With the rise of childhood obesity and other nutritional crises in our nation and around the world, more people are recognizing how food and nutrition studies benefit many fields, including pre-med, nursing, psychology, social work, health administration, community health, physical education, geography, and education. Whether you plan to pursue a Nutrition and Food Studies degree, supplement another degree with our health- and culture-related courses, or take an elective course to improve your own knowledge of healthy eating, the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies has something for you.

The mission of the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies is to inform the students and the public on the role of food and nutrition in improving health and well-being among local and global populations through the integration of education, research, and outreach. Our educational mission includes undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates in food and nutrition-related studies. Our research mission is to promote, develop, and support research programs that help define and address food and nutritional issues. Our outreach mission is to mobilize local and global resources to support initiatives aimed at improving food, nutrition, and health-related outcomes among populations.