University of Maryland

College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

• Academics
• Extension
• Research

• Home

Our Programs

Community Nutrition and Urban Gardening

Food and Nutrition Education

Nutrition education programming provided by the Engaged University, in collaboration with the Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNE), aims to empower students to make healthy food choices, develop skills in food preparation and food safety, and decipher food messages in the media.

Teacher Training

The Engaged University offers training for elementary and middle school teachers, focusing on nutrition and health issues relevant to youth, their families and teachers. The training provides teachers with practical ways to incorporate nutrition education across the required curriculum, creating opportunities to implement nutrition lessons throughout the entire school year. Nutrition topics covered during the teacher training include integrating nutrition into math and language arts, food preparation, the Food Guide Pyramid, incorporating physical activity into lessons, and addressing concerns in the school cafeteria. Upon completion of the training, teachers earn 2 free continuing education credits as well as the opportunity to receive books and teaching materials as they implement nutrition lessons in the classroom. Nutrition Education staff at the Engaged University are available throughout the year to consult with teachers as they plan and implement nutrition lessons.

F.U.N Curriculum (Focus on Understanding Nutrition)

During the school year, the Engaged University staff teaches nutrition education inside the classroom using the F.U.N. curriculum. Carefully crafted lessons provide nutrition information and activities to 3rd and 4th grade students, within the context of language arts, science, math, and social studies. Through hands-on food activities, students develop skills like reading recipes and preparing food, have opportunities to experience to taste new foods, and to discuss the role that food plays among different cultures.

Summer Programs and After School Programs

Nutrition education is provided as an after school program and as a summer enrichment class during the summer months. During the summer, the school gardens provide a wonderful backdrop to reinforce nutrition and food preparation lessons by allowing participants to make the connection between growing food and tasting food that has been harvested. Food preparation skills are emphasized in both after school and summer programs as a means to discuss culinary traditions among different cultures, encourage food safety, and engage in informal dialogue about eating habits & beliefs and attitudes towards food. 

Food Demonstrations at the Riverdale Farmer’s Market

Community Farmers' Markets offer fresh, local, and often times unusual varieties of produce that cannot be found at conventional grocery stores. The Engaged University provides monthly food demonstrations at the Riverdale Farmers' Market to provide low income shoppers with healthy and affordable recipes that will help cooks and non-cooks alike better use the fresh produce they purchase. By incorporating seasonal produce, the food demonstrations also help to support farmers by promoting products sold at the market. Recipes and samples are provided at food demonstrations and local residents have  an opportunity to direct their specific nutrition and food related questions to the Engaged University’s nutrition educator.