Katlynn Ferreira - New Bedford Campus

Figure 1: Farmers market finds (top left), planting organic tomatoes (top right), admiring 8-year old oysters (bottom left), view of the hydroponic garden (bottom right)

What does wellness mean to you?  The term could have countless interpretations!  To me, it is about being well physically, mentally, and emotionally.  A well-balanced diet, routine activity, and happiness are all standard elements of wellness.  How I define wellness differs through an additional component of mindfulness- making conscious efforts towards sustainability.  Ultimately, I believe in a balanced diet and active lifestyle that enhances human health and supports environmental wealth.  Preserving land and natural resources is essential to growing nutrient-dense food and high quality nutrition improves overall function and cognition; thus each element is vital to well-being.
 
When I first decided on the Wellness Concentration I wondered how to incorporate my idea of wellness.  Now, nearing the end of the internship, I would say I have successfully integrated my interests throughout!  A few highlights of my experiences thus far include:

• My retail and marketing project which focused on food waste in celebration of Earth Day.  This was the first project that led me to research sustainable nutrition.  I became familiar with food waste, sustainable food habits, resources, and how the Mediterranean Diet is a practical sustainable dietary pattern.
  
• Supporting organic farmers in my community through which I was able to plant tomatoes and asparagus, was introduced to new produce and edible flowers, experienced the process of hydroponic farming, and spent a day at an oyster farm to learn about sustainable fisheries.  Through these rotations I witnessed where our food is sourced from and the labor requirements of farming.  The hands-on work was rewarding, educational, and encouraged me to support farmers as much as possible in my career.
• Providing nutrition education to the public via social media regarding farmers markets. Bringing forth messages of seasonality and locally-sourced products encourages greater consumption of produce, builds connections between consumers and growers, and gives back to the farmers.
  

 
Additional events planned for Wellness:

• Health fair regarding end-of-the-season harvest and how to preserve food through canning and tips for proper storage
• Support a campus RD implement Massachusetts Farm-to-School’s Harvest of the Month program for the first time!

 
I look forward to completing the internship with my concentration in Wellness and the many ways wellness is integrated into dietetics!