The Eating Awareness Student Subcommittee is a new Binghamton University group that aims to promote healthful and balanced eating habits.
Alexa Schmidt, a dietitian for Sodexo and the committee chair, said that the Eating Awareness Committee convened in 1988 to develop cross-divisional initiatives for coordinated treatment and education on the issues related to disordered eating.
The Eating Awareness Committee, said Schmidt, continually accesses the need for and availability of services for the prevention and treatment of eating disorders among students.
“Its primary mission is to help students maintain healthful and balanced eating habits in order to sustain their academic and personal development throughout their college years and beyond,” she said.
Emily Melnick, president of the Eating Awareness Student Subcommittee, said that the group aims to help bring awareness about nutrition, fitness and body image to the rest of campus.
“As a member, the officer’s goal is to try and teach each individual who joins,” said Melnick.
At meetings, said Melnick, we discuss upcoming events and new ideas as to how to get more people aware.
“One of our current projects is a recipe book,” said Melnick. “We are asking everyone, from students, faculty and even community members, to contribute any recipes they are willing to give us.”
Anita Vogely, an adjunct who specializes in aerobics, said that the committee addresses an important issue among BU students.
“A part of the reason why kids have trouble with weight is because of the food choices they make,” said Vogely. “A healthy mind is a healthy body, and you can’t have one without the other.”
The subcommittee includes representatives from the University Counseling Center, University Health Services, Campus Recreational Services, Residential Life, the health and physical education department, the athletics department and Sodexo Campus Services. The committee also includes student representatives each semester.
The EAC offers students educational programs, consultations and referrals to treatment services for students and staff on campus.
Jennifer Wegmann, a professor who specializes in health and education, said the subcommittee was started because of interest in the Eating Awareness Committee.
“We decided that branching off would offer more students the chance to get involved,” said Wegmann. “They could also begin to get creative with outreach to their peers.”
Our campus community, said Wegmann, deals with the issues of eating disorders, body image, nutrition and regular exercise.
“The Eating Awareness Subcommittee provides an opportunity for students to be involved with other students that are dedicated and passionate about helping students deal with these issues.”
To become a member, Melnick suggests interested people come to a meeting or e-mail thebueatingawareness@gmail.com.