Blog #0: Let’s Reimagine Nutrition

Maia B V -

Hi everyone!

My name is Maia B and I’m doing my project on nutrient-based recipe development to tackle food insecurity and undernourishment among the unhoused in Washington DC.

Washington, D.C., like many major cities across the United States, faces a significant challenge in addressing homelessness and food insecurity. I saw this issue firsthand when I worked in a soup kitchen over the summer, constantly hearing the challenges of people trying to find filling meals on a daily basis with little to no access to healthy and nutritious meals. Seeing how many people struggled and the limited services the city provided, some places not offering enough essential nutrients per meal, I knew I had to be a part of the solution. By focusing on nutrient-rich meal development, my project will help bridge this gap and ensure that the unhoused community has access to meals that support their overall well-being.

My senior project seeks to explore the intersection of food security, nutrition from a biochemical perspective, and homelessness in Washington, D.C. by developing nutrient-dense recipes tailored to the needs of the unhoused community. By working with Miriam’s Kitchen—a nonprofit dedicated to serving high-quality meals to those in need—I aim to create plant-based and planet friendly meal plans that combat immediate hunger while also promoting long-term health and wellness. 

Beyond addressing immediate hunger, my project aims to shed light on the broader implications of food insecurity and nutrition within the unhoused community. The research gathered can help policymakers and nonprofit organizations better understand the role of food in public health initiatives. By emphasizing nutrition as a cornerstone of aid programs, we can work toward long-term solutions that not only feed people but also nourish them.

More Posts

Comments:

All viewpoints are welcome but profane, threatening, disrespectful, or harassing comments will not be tolerated and are subject to moderation up to, and including, full deletion.

    james_h
    Hi Maia! I think this is an amazing topic to explore, and I believe you will truly be able to make an impact in people's lives. This also covers a lot of different areas from the science side of nutrition to the social implications access to food has. I am honestly jealous of how much you get to research with your project, I know it will be a rewarding experience. Good luck at your internship, I can't wait to try your tasty recipes!
    March 11, 2025 at 8:31 pm - Reply
    victoria_c
    Wow Maia! This sounds super cool!! I also think food insecurity is a very important and growing issue that needs to be discussed more in our society and I'm happy to see someone talking about it! Good luck on your internship and I can't wait to see how it goes!
    March 11, 2025 at 8:37 pm - Reply
    dorothy_s
    Hi Maia! What an amazing topic. As a fellow DC resident, I have also witnessed the prevalence of food insecurity and homelessness. I love that your project feels like it is making a real impact and I can't wait to learn more about your research through your blogs. Can't wait for next week's blog!
    March 12, 2025 at 9:42 am - Reply
    amelia_s
    Sounds super interesting! Biochem is such an interesting angle to approach this issue, and I can't wait to hear about what you come up with!!
    March 12, 2025 at 12:24 pm - Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *