Editor’s Note: We are thrilled to have Brooke with SEL this semester as our new Nutrition and Dietetics Practicum Student. We have received and benefited from many of these wonderful UNH students in the past and look forward to working with Brooke. Make sure you say hi to her at markets!
Hi Everyone! My name is Brooke Kealey.I am a junior at the University of New Hampshire majoring in Nutrition and Dietetics. Ever since I was in high school, I have always had a passion for food, nutrition and health. I focus on clean eating within a budget, along with a balanced lifestyle including mental and physical health. Along with my passion for health, I have always loved to volunteer in my free time. As long as I could remember I have volunteered with my parents at food pantries, food trucks, and soup kitchens. Before I was even thinking about college and what I wanted to do with my career, I loved talking to the customers about the food, meals to make at home and healthy alternatives, it came naturally to me. Later on in my life when I had to start thinking about my passions I figured nutrition and health would be the best pathway for me to take since I enjoyed it so much, and was good at it too. Ever since coming to UNH, I have learned the skills to counsel people in need of nutritional guidance as well as taking it a step further to better their attitude towards a healthy diet.
Seacoast Eat Local is a great organization that provides farm to table options for people who otherwise would not be able to afford fresh produce at the grocery stores. A huge factor in our society of the obesity epidemic is due to economic constraints. Theses farmers markets make it possible for all people to eat a balanced, fresh diet at home without emptying their pockets.
I decided to intern at Seacoast Eat Local because I thought the movement of their work was inspiring and truly selfless. This internship ties together my passion of nutrition and love of giving back to others. Throughout this experience I hope to help many individuals and families with balanced meal ideas, nutritional knowledge and recipe ideas.