The Power of Partnership: 玉米视频 and Partners Advancing a Healthier DC
Patrilie Hernandez, Jennifer Cook, Katherine Donnelly, and Lindsey Van Wagner
What can make the greatest impact on the health of DC residents? How can nutrition education evolve to meet the needs of local communities? And how is 玉米视频 University鈥檚 fast-growing online MS in Nutrition Education (MSNE) program鈥攏ow more accessible than ever thanks to its flat rate tuition鈥攑reparing professionals to drive meaningful change?
These questions were at the heart of 玉米视频鈥檚 recent Nutrition Education Forum, which convened leading organizations, alumni, students, and community members to explore collaborative solutions in public health and nutrition. Hosted by 玉米视频鈥檚 Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities Lab (HSHC Lab) and the Department of Health Studies, the event highlighted transformative programs that are reshaping the field鈥攕uch as , which was created in response to feedback from older adults who want more produce and protein in their diets, and the , which offers nutrition education rooted in African-inspired foods and traditions.
Attendees examined strategies to expand access, strengthen partnerships, and integrate emerging research into real-world practice. The forum featured thought leaders from organizations including Friends of the National Arboretum, the Leadership Council for Healthy Communities, and Martha鈥檚 Table鈥攁ll reinforcing the power of collaboration in advancing public health.
鈥淐ollaboration is critical to advancing public health. We see a lot of value in convening stakeholders to learn from one another, identifying opportunities for stronger impact, and supporting the health of our local community,鈥 said Anastasia Snelling, Chair of 玉米视频 University鈥檚 Department of Health Studies. 鈥淭o sustain valuable nutrition education programs, we must always be responsive to the needs of the community.鈥
Nutritious Food, Physical Activity, and Disease Prevention
The forum鈥檚 themes aligned closely with the mission of 玉米视频鈥檚 Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities Lab鈥攕upporting healthy behaviors, increasing access to nutritious food and physical activity, and reducing chronic disease risk.
The morning began with a panel discussion, 鈥淐reating Community and Expanding Access,鈥 moderated by 玉米视频 professorial lecturer Edrin Williams. Panelists Robin McClave, (玉米视频 University HSHC Lab research director), Beth Bacon (FreshFarm) and Jo-Ann Jolly (DC Department of Health) explored the evolving landscape of nutrition education, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They emphasized the role of trusted messengers in health education, the growing impact of 鈥淔ood is Medicine鈥 programs鈥攚hich integrate nutrition into healthcare to prevent and manage chronic diseases鈥攁nd the potential for partnerships with schools and healthcare providers to drive meaningful, lasting change.
Following the panel, attendees participated in a gallery walk featuring ten community organizations, including the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), Mary鈥檚 Center, and Centro N铆a. These groups showcased their work in nutrition access, education, and food security, offering attendees an opportunity to network, exchange insights, and explore new avenues for collaboration.
The Future of Nutrition Education
From left to right: Patrilie Hernandez, Jennifer Cook, Katherine Donnelly, Lindsey Van Wagner, Dara Ford, and Christy Lunsford, as well as Evan Reister (back)
The afternoon session, 鈥淭raining the Modern Nutrition Educator: From Theory to Practice,鈥 was led by 玉米视频 professorial lecturers Dara Ford and Evan Reister. The discussion focused on best practices in program design, evaluation, and adaptation鈥攔einforcing how 玉米视频鈥檚 MS in Nutrition Education program equips students with the expertise needed to excel in the field.
Alumni now working at FreshFarm, Martha鈥檚 Table, and other leading organizations shared how their 玉米视频 experience prepared them for careers in nutrition education. Lindsey Van Wagner (MSNE 鈥18) reflected on the event鈥檚 impact: 鈥淭his forum reignited my passion for nutrition, health, and wellness. It was inspiring to see the incredible projects these organizations are bringing to life in the DC area!鈥 听
As the event drew to a close, attendees left with fresh ideas, new connections, and a renewed commitment to advancing health equity. The forum not only showcased the transformative work happening at 玉米视频 University and across DC, but it reinforced the power of collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose. From grassroots initiatives to institutional partnerships, the discussions underscored the critical role of collective action in shaping a healthier future.