Funding requested for Health Expo
Two students are looking to take a bite out of Capital and Support funds to help pay for a Health Expo next month.
Senior dietetic students Kara Richey and Abby Hendricks presented their plans for the 3rd Annual Utah State University Health and Nutrition Expo to the Associated Students of USU Tuesday, in hopes of receiving $900 to help pay for the event.
In the past, funding for the expo came from private sponsors and on-campus support, Hendricks said. While support is still coming from those areas, the event is expected to be larger this year, requiring more resources.
“Last year about 1,500 students attended the health fair,” Richey said.
Hendricks said the health fair was organized last year for only $1,300, but the response was overwhelming.
“We had no idea 1,500 students would come and participate in this event,” she said. “We realized that students are really interested in coming to this event so we decided we better expand it to meet those needs.”
Hendricks said there were 13 students doing cooking demonstrations last year; 10 more students will be added this year. The extra money would also be used to cover copying costs for materials that are handed out, purchasing ingredients for food that are not donated by USU Food Services and for displays and marketing costs.
“This is a one-time thing, we are currently seeking funding through the College of Agriculture so we can keep doing this every year,” Hendricks said.
Richey said the expo, organized by the Dietetics Club, received funding the past two years from the Council of Student Clubs and Organizations. Earlier this year it was discovered that the club did not qualify for CSCO funding.
“We’re trying to help them be allocated in a budget here at USU so they can continue to do this,” said Organizations and Traditions Vice President Dave Osmond, a sponsor of the request.
Academics Vice President Karla Petty said the request passed through the Capital and Support committee by a 4-to-1 margin. ASUSU discussed the issue and will vote on it next week.
“We often focus on academics and that’s why we’re here,” Hendricks said. “We also want to help [students] learn practical life skills too.”
Richey said the expo is scheduled for March 26 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Taggart Student Center International Lounge. Booths and demonstrations will be set up throughout the day.
“The health fair has lots of hands-on experience where students are able to look at what they’re currently doing [health-wise],” Richey said. “Here at Utah State we have an increased interest in health and nutrition.”
-str@cc.usu.edu