MSU, Starkville observing National Nutrition Month

Author: Georgia Clarke

Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman and MSU President Mark Keenum sign declaration surrounded by students (Photo by Russ Houston)

Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman and Mississippi State President Mark E. Keenum are announcing the city and university's marking of National Nutrition Month.

Initiated in 1973 by the Illinois-based Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the annual March campaign works to encourage and promote healthy eating habits and physical activity. "Savor the Flavor of Eating Right" is the 2016 theme.

The local observance is being coordinated by MSU's Student Dietetic Association, an organization of the food, nutrition and health promotion department in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Professor Sylvia H. Byrd is SDA adviser.

Members will be holding a month-long canned food drive, with donations being accepted on campus at the Herzer Food Science Building. Located on Stone Boulevard, Herzer also is home to the well-known MSU Cheese Store.

Additionally, the chapter will set up Drill Field displays March 23 and 30 to offer tips for healthy grocery shopping and eating.

Current SDA leaders include president Mary Helen Makamson of Morgan City; vice president Haley P. Wheeler of Huntsville, Alabama; secretary Kaleigh A. Hynes of Cornelius, North Carolina; treasurer Alexis Galistel of Meridian.

Other chapter officers are Danielle Mosley of Vicksburg, professional development chair; Alesa Taylor of Guntown, scholarship chair; and Sarah E. Kelly, also of Meridian, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics liaison.

All are senior food science, nutrition and health promotion majors but Hynes, who is a junior.

To learn more about food science, nutrition and health promotion, visit fsnhp.msstate.edu. To follow SDA activities, visit www.Facebook.com/MSStateSDA.

For complete information on National Nutrition Month, visit www.eatright.org/resources/national-nutrition-month.

Date: 2016-03-02