NEED: Nutrition, Exercise, and Eating Disorder Program
The Nutrition, Exercise, and Eating Disorder Program (NEED) was founded at the College in 1990 through the combined efforts of students, Counseling Center staff, and faculty members from The University of Massachusetts Medical Center.
Currently, more than 20 student volunteers are actively participating in NEED. They are selected, trained and supervised by professional staff from The Counseling Center. An executive committee comprised of NEED volunteers acts as an advisory board to the professional staff in matters related to program policy and administration.
The mission of NEED is to encourage and promote healthy nutrition and exercise and to raise awareness about eating disorders among all members of the community through outreach efforts to student living units, organizations and athletic teams, academic departments and administrative offices. NEED seeks to achieve this goal by sponsoring and conducting educational programs, offering consultation and training, and providing information and sources of referral.
All members of NEED participate in ongoing training throughout the academic year which focuses primarily on the biological, psychological, sociological and political dimensions of nutrition and exercise. They also learn about the difficulties that can result from unhealthy diet and exercise behaviors as well as about sources of referral for assistance with these problems.
The volunteers are provided with training and experiences designed to develop and foster their skills in leadership, public speaking, communication and listening, marketing and organizational change.