Personal factors, cultural influences, and society impact nutrition behaviors and food-related ministries. Perspectives of supporters, skeptics, and major players in global nutrition provide insight into current issues and trends. Selected readings and videos give insight into the complex interactions of health, nutrition, culture, and politics.
Many factors influence nutrition behaviors, including the availability of food. Students investigate the past and present socio-political, cultural, economic influences upon nutrition behaviors, as well as individual factors. Students will be introduced to basic tools to assess nutrition, as well as motivational interviewing and other culturally relevant strategies to promote positive changes. Implications to food ministries are woven throughout, including biblical perspectives on nutrition and a Christian’s responsibility as a role model.
Food is both necessary, and yet can be addictive. Lack of food resources, as well as an overabundance can drive behavior in ways that negatively impact health. This course is designed to help prepare the lay person interested in establishing a food-related ministry by understanding nutrition-related motivations and behaviors, as well as issues and trends.
This course approaches the concepts of nutrition and behavior from a biblical perspective. Students will explore biblical perspectives on hunger and nutrition, and a Christian’s role in addressing these topics.
Health and nutrition concepts are applied with a mission focus to holistically engage communities. Students will identify nutrition-related motivations and behaviors as opportunities for food ministry.
Course content is contextually informed, specifically related to health and nutrition. The class will include current social, political, and economic considerations impacting food behaviors in communities, and society as a whole.
Case studies help students explore nutrition behaviors in various cultures. They will specifically look at nutrition beliefs and practices that drive the behaviors.
Course will provide practical considerations and strategies for addressing health and nutrition within communities as a concerned layperson, as well as globally through the church body.
Students reflect on personal nutrition behaviors, and compare them with others.
