#project vida

March is National Nutrition Month and we are highlighting ways in which University of South Carolina students and organizations are helping others to lead healthy lives. Today, learn about the student organization, Project Vida from president Adriana Zavala.

What is Project Vida and what does the organization do to promote healthy living?

Project Vida is a service club that makes biweekly trips to two children shelters in the Columbia area to teach them about healthy living through the interactive lessons, games and activities. Our goal is to encourage children to incorporate healthy habits into their everyday life. Our lessons include topics such as exercise, hygiene, first aid, body systems, and of course, nutrition! For our nutrition presentation our lesson focuses on the different food groups and how to balance our diets in order to get all the nutrients we need each day. The activities include: food group trivia, make your own trail mix, and decorate your own reusable grocery bag.

How did you get involved with Project Vida?

Project Vida is a great opportunity for students who are passionate about healthy living and want to become more involved in the community. I got involved in Project Vida after seeing them at the student organization fair my sophomore year and I have loved the experiences that it has offered me.

How can other students get involved?

We meet every other Monday 7-8 pm in Honors room B110. Our visits to the shelters are made every other Thursday 7-8 pm and every other Friday 4-5 pm. Anyone is welcome to join, we always love having new people!