Nutrition Education Intern Reflects on Semester with Hunger Task Force
Written by Parker Ilecki, Hunger Task Force Community Nutrition Intern
This spring, I had the opportunity to complete an internship with the Hunger Task Force’s community nutrition education team. During my internship, I learned that increasing food access goes beyond providing food to those in need. Nutrition education is an integral part of addressing food insecurity because it empowers community members to take charge of their own health and make healthy choices.
During my internship, I collaborated with the community nutrition education team to create nutrition education resources and teach nutrition classes to community members. The education materials I developed include produce cards that provide nutrition facts and preparation tips for fresh food grown on The Farm. I also created recipe cards to instruct participants how to combine familiar ingredients with items they might not use often to create a delicious meal.
One of the highlights of my internship was having the opportunity to teach a nutrition class in partnership with the Southwest Suburban Health Department. For this class, I blended my love of cooking and gardening with my knowledge of nutrition to create an educational session on using herbs to cook low sodium dishes. In addition to discussing ways to decrease sodium intake, I also led class participants in an herb planting activity using recycled water bottles.
Throughout my time with Hunger Task Force, I learned the importance of building community connections. During nutrition classes, I had the opportunity to work with different populations including families, mothers and older adults. I already had an interest in working with mothers and children and mothers, but I found a new affinity for working with the older adult population. After classes, I would frequently chat with participants, hear their stories and answer any questions they had about our program or nutrition in general. I found that the older adult population especially has such fascinating stories and always provides wonderful feedback. These conversations allowed me to make meaningful connections and practice delivering meaningful nutrition education on a more individualized level.
As my time with Hunger Task Force comes to an end, I’ve learned – through reflection – that my love for community nutrition has grown immensely. I enjoy the teamwork and opportunities to make meaningful connections with other organizations and neighbors we serve. I am grateful for my time and the opportunities Hunger Task Force has given me.
