Community nutrition aims to create changes in knowledge, attitudes, behavior and health outcomes among individuals, families and targeted groups within a community setting. Settings range from food banks to fire stations. The UMD dietetic internship consists of 6 weeks of community nutrition rotations. On this page you will learn more about UMD’s community rotations and what they entail.
Current Rotation Sites
- Maryland food bank
- Manna food center
- Frederick county farm to school
- Fairfax county fire and rescue
- SNAP-Ed
- Inova outpatient bariatric clinic
Intern Highlights
Interns practice developing educational handouts, learn about the roles of different community dietitians and engage with other parts of the food system! See what interns had to say about their experiences.
“I enjoyed practicing design skills using Canva by creating an educational diet manual for patients at the bariatric clinic.”
Rotation Site: Inova Outpatient Bariatric Clinic
“I enjoyed learning about and experiencing the different aspects of a dietitians role working for a fire department.”
Rotation Site: Fairfax County Fire & Rescue
“I enjoyed volunteering in the Gaithersburg warehouse and helping make the produce boxes for the Food for Families Program.”
Rotation Site: Manna Food Center
“It was great to hear the farmers backstory, their perspective on food and health, as well as some of the hardships they face. It helped to get a better understanding of the farmers role in the food supply chain and how to better incorporate them while serving the public.”
Rotation Site: Frederick County Farm to School
Preceptor Highlights
Farm To School – Alysia is a registered dietitian and the program director at Frederick County Farm to School (F2S). As program director, she aims to expand the network of partnered farms and Frederick County schools. By providing fresh, local produce at schools, F2S can improve children’s exposure to healthy foods and increase fruit and vegetable intake.
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue – Megan owns her own business, rescueRD, and is a dietitian and strength coach for Fairfax county fire and rescue. As a dietitian for firefighters, Megan must understand the challenges and lifestyles of first responders to ensure they receive nutrition education tailored towards their unique careers.
Manna Food Bank – Jenna is a registered dietitian and program director for Manna Food Center. She coordinates the nutrition-related programs by reviewing policies, building relationships with farms, reviewing public messages and consulting recipients to increase access to food.
