At Ohio State, we provide the highest quality nutritional dietary counseling through our expert team of registered dietitians, nutritionists, chefs and more. It’s never too late to start eating healthier – whether you want to lose weight, your doctor has recommended a dietary change or you just want to eat healthier! Meet and learn more about our team of experts in nutrition and dietary services.
Beyond the Table – National Nutrition Month
The Nutrition Services Department is celebrating National Nutrition Month. See how our staff members are helping Columbus residents bring nutritious food to their table. National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign established in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, we invite everyone to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.
Our Nutrition Service Department is composed of many staff members with different degrees in culinary, nutrition and dietetics, applied sciences and more. This past month a group of Registered Dietitians (RD’s) and Dietetic Technicians (NDTR’s) volunteered at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC). They helped box and pack meals for individuals & families who may not have access to nutritious foods.
As we all know, a well-balanced, nutritious diet is important for our overall health. For those diagnosed with malnutrition, it is vital. The inability to access recommended foods whether it is due to factors such as lack of transport and/or location is known as food insecurity. Food insecurity is one factor that can increase someone’s risk of developing malnutrition and can be a barrier for those overcoming a malnutrition diagnosis. MOFC is just one group in the Columbus area working to combat food insecurity.
Thanks again to all staff who volunteered at MOFC! See links below for places you can donate, volunteer, and support initiatives focused on tackling food insecurity.
- Mid-Ohio Food Collective
- Besa
- Rescuing Leftover Cuisine Columbus
- Policies tackling food insecurity:
- Home and Community
- Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver and/or a State Plan Amendment (SPA)
If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please visit these sites for resources:
Written by Devon Wagner, MS RDN LD
Pelotonia Volunteers
Ross Heart Hospital Community Garden
The Ross Heart Hospital Community Garden has become a valuable resource to so many in our community. The purpose of the garden is to improve the health and wellness of its visitors by informing them of the importance of healthy eating, cooking and nutrition. Patients, caregivers and community members have reaped the benefits of the community garden – helping them all live a healthier lifestyle.Learn about the Ross Community Garden
Community Education
Nutrition services goes far beyond the medical center walls. We want to empower our community on how to create a healthy lifestyle full of color and flavor through the well balanced foods we eat. We partner with numerous organizations to provide education and cooking demonstrations that promote healthy food choices.- Center for Emergency Medical Services
- Farm to Fuel provided through Ohio State Athletics
- Ohio State Health Network Hospitals
- American Heart Association
- Pelotonia
- Pearl Alley Farmers Market
- Ross Heart Hospital Garden
- JDRF
- “Grounds for All”
- James Mobile Education Kitchen
JamesCare for Life
JamesCare for Life offers a variety of group classes, healthy eating tips through their “Eat Well, Live Well” email program, cooking classes, workshops, grocery shopping tours and healthy recipes for individuals with cancer or cancer survivors. Participants are also invited to join the Garden of Hope (GoH), where they can learn about the health benefits of a plant-based diet and participate in various garden-related events throughout the Summer months.
Food Pantry
We recognize the growing need for healthy food options, especially among our impoverished communities. We are proud to support these efforts through community outreach programs with food banks and food pantries throughout central Ohio. For example, we work with Mid-Ohio Foodbank to provide food from some of our community gardens, who provide nearly 150,000 meals every day to hungry people across central and eastern Ohio. Our team of experts provide recipes along with culinary and nutrition education in order to help families eat healthier every day.
Farmers Markets
One of the best ways to eat healthier is to explore one of central Ohio’s many farmers’ markets. The Columbus area offers several farmers markets.Find a farmers market near you