Morgan State’s Nutritional Sciences Program is Working to End Urban Obesity, Hunger

Source: Morgan State University

Year Two of MSU Nutritional Sciences Effort to End Urban Obesity, Hunger

The Morgan State University Nutritional Sciences Program has partnered with the University of Maryland Master Gardeners and the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc to help end hunger, obesity and health disparities in Baltimore City with the second season of a community gardening project. Inviting students, faculty, staff and neighbors to plant, grow and harvest their own vegetables on a once-vacant plot of land near the Morgan campus, the program has forged partnerships with city residents and neighboring colleges to encourage healthier eating and lifestyle.

Since its inception in May 2010, the program has sought to provide nutrition and collaboration between MSU community members and their neighbors living in the Northeast Baltimore area. The group has attracted the attention of groundskeepers employed by the non-profit Baltimore Civic Works program and officials from the University of Maryland, whom have volunteered time and expertise to the initiative.

“Gardening is a wonderful way to bring people together,” says Dr. Sherine Brown, Facuty Advisor for the MSU 2011 Foods and Nutrition Pre-Professional Club. “It creates a positive environment for students, faculty, staff, and our local community to interact, exercise, and have fun in the fresh air, while at the same time, cultivating the land to promote healthy eating and living. Now that’s sustainability. Come Grow With Us!”

Gardening takes place on Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:00 p.m. at the Chinquapin Run Park, on the corner of Hillen and Stonewood Roads.  The program is managed by Nicola Norman, Student Garden Coordinator and Dr. Brown; Organized under Nutrition Program Director, Dr. Ivis Forrester &  Dr. Allan Noonan, Dean of the MSU School of Community Health and Policy.