NFS @ UCA Blog

The Department of Nutrition & Family Sciences at the University of Central Arkansas is proud to support Healthy Flavors Arkansas LLC in the implementation of a $99,996 Farm to School grant from the United States Department of Agriculture. Healthy Flavors Arkansas is developing a scale focused farm to school program serving multiple public school districts in the Central Arkansas region. The goal is to minimize multiple challenges faced on the farm and in schools by initially growing and selling a single crop, purple hull peas, that can be harvested, packaged, stored, and used in districts throughout the school year at affordable price points. Proceeds from sales of the peas will be invested back in curriculum development and implementation in districts that choose to partner, targeting resource sustainability of the program over time. Supporting institutions include the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, the University of
Central Arkansas, and the Arch Ford Educational Services Cooperative. The Department of Nutrition & Family Sciences will hire Graduate Research Assistants to develop curriculum targeting 3rd, 7th, and 10th grades and recipes aligned with National School Lunch guidelines. The Graduate Research Assistants will then collaborate with the school’s foodservice directors to implement the curriculum and recipes. Farm to School is a United States Department of Agriculture initiative promoting a stronger local food economy, built by connecting agricultural producers in a community with classrooms and school cafeterias.
According to The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Arkansas has developed a high rate of childhood obesity and ranks #5 in the nation. Obesity rates rise into adulthood, where the population is ranked at #3. The Healthy Flavors Arkansas initiative aims to educate our population about nutrition and healthy eating as a means of combating obesity and restoring health through proactive, natural, and personal based initiatives.

Dr. Nina Roofe was invited by UCA graduate Ashley Iglesia, BS in Nutrition, 2019 to speak to families of Integrity Pathways in Muskogee, Oklahoma on the topic of nutrition and autism. Ashley is attending a graduate Occupational Therapy program at Northeastern State University. Integrity Pathways is one of their fieldwork sites. Integrity Pathways is a private outpatient behavioral health agency focused on quality mental and behavioral health services for individuals and families. This session included topics such as the gluten-free casein-free diet, meal planning, probiotics, sensory diet, food avoidance issues, feeding therapy programs, and how to introduce new foods. The attached slides contain helpful tips as well as recipes and resources for parents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders.

Nutrition Strategies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Recently, NFS faculty took part in a day-long strategic planning retreat. We had lots of great guest speakers and worked together on issues regarding accreditation and student success. One major part of our day was Defining Our Why! Check out the Spring 2021 Graduates from NFS in this presentation.

Monica Lieblong and Mariandree Ramirez were honored as part of the Annual UCA Service Learning Award Ceremony. Monica couldn’t attend, but her face made an appearance. The UCA Service-Learning Program hosts an annual awards reception to recognize outstanding community engagement work by students, faculty, and community partners.  The Service-Learning Program is part of the Division of Outreach and Community Engagement (OCE) at UCA. Academic service-learning is a course-based teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility and strengthen communities. “Outreach is proud to recognize the outstanding work of these students, faculty and partners,” said Shaneil Ealy, associate vice president of OCE. “Service-learning is built on meaningful collaborations between the campus and community, and we appreciate the hard work of all involved to make an impact together.”

 

 

Attention Students and Graduates…

We are hiring a permanent team of full-time and part-time caregivers to work in the Central Arkansas area. We are interviewing for active jobs and will be hiring qualified caregivers IMMEDIATELY. If you are currently weary of working at an assisted living facility or nursing home, this is the job for you. SeniorKare is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Please do not apply if you do not meet the following criteria:

• Must be able to pass a drug test and 7-yr background check
• Must have a minimum of 2 years of caregiver experience or comparable training/schooling
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license
• Must be flexible, punctual, dependable, and ready to work!

 

We are a large regional, private-duty, non-medical caregiving company and offer top echelon pay, exceptional one-on-one work environments, and great benefits. We care for seniors in their homes, improving their quality of life, safety, and mental well-being. This is a flexible job with an excellent benefits package for full-time employees, opportunity for growth, and local hands-on leadership. We provide needed support for seniors, allowing them to remain in the comfort and safety of their own homes and maintain their independence. Our nurturing and caring companions can be matched to meet the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of the individuals they care for.

 

Description: Individual trained for companionship, meal planning/preparation, shopping assistance, and household operations, including home management and housekeeping.

Qualifications: Successful completion of training and/or demonstrate understanding and practical competency in the following areas:

Understanding the needs of the elderly, handicapped, or convalescing individuals (human development and personal skills)

• Meal planning/preparation and servicing
• Transportation and escort services
• Housekeeping to include sanitation; home safety
• Handling medical emergencies in the home
• Infection control

Requirements:

• Possess patience and tact in working with an elderly or disabled client (minimum 2 years)
• Work under close supervision of the agency supervisor
• Current working order telephone number
• Current Physical, PPD, CPR, and First Aid, if applicable
• Functions: To follow client care plan provided, which may include the following:
• Observe and report changes in client’s condition
• Meal Preparation and assistance with eating, if applicable
• Routine housekeeping including laundry, changing the bed linens, dusting, washing dishes, light vacuuming, and other household duties.
• Run errands as necessary, pick up prescriptions, accompany on medical appointments
• Home management to include grocery shopping, paying bills, and maintaining a safe and clean environment
• Provide watchful supervision and oversight during absence of the caregiver

 

If interested please call Brenda at 501-472-2903 or email at brenda@inhomeseniorkare.com

The Department of Family & Consumer Sciences announces a name change to the Department of Nutrition & Family Sciences, effective January 2021. While our department has grown and evolved over the years, content areas in the department remain focused on the science and art of living and working well in our complex world. Our courses are designed to enhance individual wellness and quality of life and to produce graduates who practice in an ethical and socially-responsible manner. We work to assist individuals, families, and communities to make informed decisions about their well-being, relationships, and resources to achieve an optimal quality of life. Changing the department’s name to Nutrition and Family Sciences more accurately reflects the makeup of the students in our department and lessens any confusion of names between the department and degree programs. We offer the following programs for undergraduate and graduate degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in Family & Consumer Sciences
• Bachelor of Science in Family & Consumer Sciences Education
• Bachelor of Science in Community Nutrition
• Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Sciences
• Master of Science in Family & Consumer Science
• Master of Science Dietetic Internship
• Master of Science in Nutrition

Check out our website for more information: https://uca.edu/nfs

Dr. Roofe held a special student session dealing with stress and stress management techniques. The recording is posted here.

• The scholarship application deadline for summer 2021 is October 9th at 4:30 p.m. Notifications will be emailed by October 30th. The notification email will detail deadlines to pay the deposit and accept the scholarship if a student is awarded. If a student is accepting a scholarship, the deposit deadline is Dec. 11th.
• Students will be asked to upload answers to short response questions. Please preview these prompts before beginning the application.
• APPLY: Application for the Summer 2021 Study Abroad Scholarship