Keywords

community-institutional relations, community service, dietetics, education, experiential learning, food security, hunger

 

Authors

  1. Johnson, Rita M. PhD, RD, FADA, LDN

Abstract

Service-learning projects are intentionally designed to combine a theoretical base with community assistance. Having dietetic students plan and execute a food drive is such a project. Community nutrition program principles can be taught within the context of planning a 1-day food drive. Students practice writing goals and objectives, develop marketing strategies, manage volunteers, write evaluation instruments, and work in teams. This case study describes the steps involved with planning a large service-learning project. Data show that students learn from the project and find it worthwhile. Recommendations are provided to those who would like to start a food drive project.