Meet Dr. Lillie Monroe-Lord
Director, Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health
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“THE FIRST WEALTH IS HEALTH.” – RALPH WALDO EMERSON |
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Dr. Lillie Monroe-Lord proudly serves as UDC CAUSES' Director of the Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health (CNDH). The Center offers high-quality, research-based, community outreach programs that combat systemic urban nutrition and health issues. Dr. Monroe-Lord dedicates her time to teaching, research, and outreach to educate residents on the core benefits of proper nutrition, food safety, food preparation, and making healthy lifestyle changes, such as including a daily exercise routine. She engages community partners and citizens in collaborative efforts to improve community health as she works to enhance residents' quality of life in our capital city.
Under her leadership, Dr. Monroe-Lord has established four critical goals for CNDH:
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Goal 1: Sustainable Educational Programming. Through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed), provide sustainable educational programming that will help SNAP-eligible individuals make healthy food choices within a limited budget.
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Goal 2: Assistance to Underserved Residents. Through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), help disadvantaged youth and adults with young children develop nutritionally sound diets and fitness habits and contribute to families' diets and nutritional well-being through a sustainable, community-based, relationship-driven, hands-on educational approach.
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Goal 3: Food Safety and Food Security. Provide educational programming that will provide knowledge and skills that can improve food safety and food security by increasing the availability of high-quality, nutritious, and safe food. Individuals will also receive training to become certified professional food managers.
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Goal 4: Community Partnerships and Multidisciplinary Research. Collaborate with key partners, provide nutrition programs, and conduct multidisciplinary research to optimize healthy eating habits that produce measurable improvements in health, obesity, food behavior, and physical activity-related outcomes.
UDC CAUSES' tagline is "Healthy Cities-Healthy People." Dr. Monroe-Lord embraces the CAUSES slogan as her mantra and aims to change lives and better communities by fighting food insecurity, sustaining food safety in the District, and equipping citizens with the valuable resources they need for better health. A quote she confidently lives by is, "Your diet is like a bank account. Good food choices are good investments in your health." - Bethenny Frankel
You can access Dr. Monroe-Lord's published, collaborative publications and research studies here. For more information regarding CNDH's program offerings or training, please visit the Center's website. For more information or partnership opportunities, contact Dr. Lord at lmonroelord@udc.edu.
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NEWS: Fox Architects Supplies UDC Food Pantry with Food and Toiletries! |
In December, Fox Architects, an award-winning architecture and interior design firm located in the District of Columbia, donated a generous supply of food and toiletries to the UDC Student Food Pantry. Jim Allegro, Principal, and his son, personally delivered the items to the Van Ness Campus. The firm has collaborated with CAUSES' Mrs. Rebecca Bankhead, Manager for Youth Education and Resource Development, on an urban garden project at Elsie Whitlow Stokes Public Charter School, which has locations in Wards 5 and 7.
The project is put on hold due to the pandemic. The firm expressed an interest in working with students at Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School, in Ward 5, a CAUSES DCPS partner school, and plans to virtually lead a design charrette with teachers and students.
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UDC CAUSES Revamps DC Master Gardener Program for 2021! |
UDC is restructuring its Master Gardener Program, and it is all about YOU! As we rebuild the Master Gardener Program, UDC’s intention is to make this process as collaborative and inclusive as possible. We welcome Master Gardeners' (MGs) ideas and perspectives as guiding forces as we think through every part of the program, from basic training to volunteer opportunities, and organizational structure to team dynamics. Our targeted intention is to structure the program according to community needs and interests across all eight wards. Please take a moment to share your views by completing this survey.
Note: If surveys aren’t your thing, you can also converse with us directly by signing up for a small group listening session in February, where we will be brainstorming the future of the program.
For veteran MGs who are interested in volunteering, please check your inboxes for updates from Patricia Bon, our new MG coordinator. If you haven't received any emails from her, reach out to ensure you are on her mailing list.
The next basic training session is scheduled for the fall. To apply for the program or obtain additional information, please email patricia.bon@udc.edu.
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Get Awarded Up to $50,000 For Your Request For Specialty Crop Block Grant Proposal!
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Let UDC help you improve production, plant health, marketing, food safety, training, and certifications for specialty crops!
CAUSES plans to award multiple grants under this program. Solicitations for individual grant awards between $10,000 and $50,000 will be considered. This is a reimbursable grant. CAUSES may advance up to 20 percent (maximum $5,000) of the approved budget to initiate project activities, with the balance being attainable on a reimbursable schedule.
A selected UDC and External Advisory Committee will review all grant proposal submissions and make recommendations to CAUSES. First-time applicants and new project ideas will be given priority.
Inquiries can be sent to Dr. Mamatha Hanumappa at mamatha.hanumappa@udc.edu.
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Application Deadline: 3/16
For more information, visit www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp
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Breaking: UDC’s Bodywise Virtual Class Magnetizes Many DC Senior Residents to Its Zumba Session! |
The UDC Bodywise Program has appeared to be the new year resolution for many seniors in the District.
Zumba expert Kathy Wimbush joined the College and hosted a Zumba class, bringing in many active and engaging seniors from the Metro-DC area.
Here at Bodywise, senior citizens can participate in an online workout program, which offers free virtual workout classes available to DC residents 60 years or older. At noon on any day of the week, a group of about 25 seniors get together with their instructor and participate in a virtual Zumba class or other core classes that meet their fitness needs.
For many of DC's senior residents, the classes are opportunities to connect and socialize. Check out American University's article on how UDC's new senior fitness program has served as a valuable solution for many during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To join a virtual workout session, sign-up here or contact Kiera Ortiz, Bodywise and Respite Aide Program Coordinator, at kiera.ortiz@udc.edu or
202-274-6623.
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Testimonal Alert
“Seeing our friends…it’s a great boost in morale and keeps us from feeling isolated in our homes,” says 70-year-old Sally Rountree, one of the class participants.
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UDC CAUSES' Professional Science Master’s Degree in Water Resources Management Student, Herman Knight III, Joins Green Fellows for FY21 Cycle
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Herman Knight III will be one of the Green Fellows in the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) FY21 cycle. Herman serves as an Affordability and Efficiency Fellow within the Energy Administration (EA). The Fellow in EA will be charged with working closely with staff to develop and implement dynamic communications strategies, support DOEE racial equity goals, and increase community engagement. Also, the Fellow will be apart of an environmental justice-focused team at the forefront of making DC a sustainable and livable city for marginalized communities in the District.
Herman was a top contender, and was selected because he has great knowledge and understanding of DOEE's assistance benefit programs, which serve over 22,000 households in the District. He currently works with a non-profit that provides assistance to residents in underserved communities.
Since Herman is studying Water Resources Management, he has vast knowledge of the impact of lead in water, wants to learn more about it, and manage the issue on the local level.
Congrats to Herman on his recent endeavors!
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"Hello everyone, my name is Herman. I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, but have resided in the Maryland area for about three and a half years. I am in my first year of the PSM Water Resource Management program. I am beyond excited to be the Green Fellow with DOEE this year.
I want to gain knowledge of affordability programs, and how they serve DC residents. Additionally, I want to combine two of my passions, which are working with low-income families and environmental issues."
- Herman Knight III
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We've Got A New Look! Check Out CAUSES Social Accounts! |
Your social media presence should creatively tell your brand's story in fewer words and more visuals.
Want to stay in the know? Follow us, and let's engage socially! #UDC1851
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Upcoming Events & Workshops |
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Up and Coming: DC Master Naturalist Spring Informational Virtual Session Kicks off Feb. 2! |
Join us this semester for a live, virtual information session to gain insight into the 2021 DC Master Naturalist Program and its development and resource opportunities. Learn how to apply for acceptance into the next cohort, and network with program members. We will release the date and time for this session later this month. Stay Tuned!
The program's instructor and trainee applications both close on Friday, February 5, 2021.
Note: This event is open to interested DC residents.
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A link to the event will be provided to registrants.
Meeting Number: 132 661 8166
Password: jwKacxrC333
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Upcoming: UDC's Ph.D. Program in Urban Leadership & Entrepreneurship Kicks-off Virtual Open House on 2/11. |
The University of the District of Columbia is hosting a virtual open house event for its doctoral program in Urban Leadership and Entrepreneurship this month on Thursday, February 11, 2021, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
This program is the only doctoral-level program of its kind in the Nation. It utilizes a scholar-practitioner approach to learning and research. Through a dual partnership between the University of the District of Columbia and Fielding Graduate University, the program prepares students for successful careers in research, academia, and industry by offering a balance between rigorous research and real-world application. The program will develop the next generation of leaders to address urban challenges.
This open house will afford prospective students opportunities to learn more about the program and a chance to meet with faculty to discuss research interests, plus have inquiries answered.
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A link to the event will be provided to registrants. |
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Next Up: CAUSES Research Seminar Spring Series #2 Continues with
Dr. Matthew Kahn
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CAUSES Research Seminar Series follows up with Episode #2: Unlocking the Potential of Post Industrial Cities on February 19, 2021.
Matthew E. Kahn is the Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Economics and Business at Johns Hopkins University (JHU). Dr. Kahn serves as the Director of JHU's 21st Century Cities Initiative. He is a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research and a research fellow at the Institute of Labor Economics (IZA). He has taught at Columbia, the Fletcher School at Tufts University, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and the University of South California (USC).
Note: This event is open to UDC partners, graduate students, faculty, and community stakeholders.
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Meeting ID: 108-126-359 | Passcode: 636941
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Trending Virtual Programs |
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This course gives participants a glimpse into the past and looks at current soilless advancing trends in today's agricultural world. Participants will dive into the basic needs and choices of system design, material selection, the best options for fish and plants, and the implementation of first steps.
See below for program highlights:
- Time Offered: February 1 – March 15, 2021.
- Length of Course: 11 courses; 15 hours.
- Classes range from 30 minutes – 90 minutes.
- Course Fees: FREE
If you are interested in this course and becoming certified, please contact Victoria Mirowski at victoria.mirowski@udc.edu or 202-819-5704.
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With food security being such a big topic during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has never been a better time to learn how to make affordable, nutritious meals that can be easily stored.
Each one-hour workshop is designed to provide participants with information on healthy eating and food safety for older adults. There will be classes on reading and understanding the nutrition facts label and tips for grocery shopping. Each class will include a cooking demonstration with Chef Herb Holden!
Class Begins: 2/1/21
For more information, please contact Miranda Desmarais at miranda.desmarais@udc.edu.
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This is a 15-hour interactive online certificate course. It is designed to help the audience eat healthily on a budget. Learn how to make traditional recipes healthier. Work with the instructor to fix problems that prevent healthy eating. Cooking demonstrations are included. Line up your ingredients. Cook, along with the instructor, for a late lunch or early dinner!
Class Opens: 2/2/21
Please contact Dr. Amy Schweitzer for the WebEx link and registration information at 202-923-7204 or amy.schweitzer@udc.edu.
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Are you interested in advancing your expertise and skill set in food safety management?
This virtual course is designed to teach food safety management principles and how to use those principles to create a food safety culture. Additionally, the course emphasizes and provides information to students about identifying and avoiding harmful food contaminants, proper employee health and hygiene, cleaning and sanitation principles, and safe food handling practices. Classes reconvene on 2/8/21!
Bonus: Participants will have the opportunity to earn a Professional Food Manager certification if they pass the national certification exam with a score of 70% or better.
For additional information about this course, please contact Paul Brown, Jr. at pbrown@udc.edu or 202-841-1902.
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This one-hour workshop is designed to provide participants with information and easy tips on reading and understanding what is on the nutrition facts label. Also, participants in this workshop will learn what nutrients and ingredients are required on the nutrition facts label by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Workshop participants will receive an electronic certificate of completion 7 to 10 days after completing the workshop.
Classes Reconvene:
Tuesday, February 2, 2021, 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
For further information, please contact Dr. Johnson-Largent directly at 202- 274-6708.
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Join Tiffany N. Johnson-Largent, Ph.D., RDN, LD for an introductory course on the evidence-based health benefits of eating vegetables.
This 15-hour certificate introductory course is designed to provide participants with evidence-based health benefits of eating vegetables.
Length of Course: Fifteen (15), 1 Hour Sessions.
Classes Resume:
Wednesday, February 3, 2021, 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
For further information, please contact Dr. Johnson-Largent directly at 202-274-6708.
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Welcome to the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). UDC is the only urban, land-grant university in the nation. CAUSES was formed, in 2010, as the university’s land-grant college.
We engage in applied teaching and research that helps to improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for residents of the District of Columbia and others around the world, through traditional academic degrees, and through non-degree, non-credit bearing, skills-building programs, such as green infrastructure and urban agriculture.
CAUSES is unique in its organizational structure and its mission: an interdisciplinary college, where academic programs, such as architecture, urban sustainability, health education, nutrition and dietetics, and nursing, train a forward-thinking generation of professionals who will ensure that the world has “Healthy Cities–Healthy People.” The college houses the only doctoral-level program in the nation that focuses on urban leadership and entrepreneurship.
For more information or inquiries, feel free to contact us at causes@udc.edu.
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Socially Active? Connect with Us! |
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About the University of the District of Columbia
An HBCU, urban land-grant, and the only public university in the nation's capital, The University of the District of Columbia is committed to a broad mission of education, research and community service. Established by abolitionist Myrtilla Miner in 1851, the University of DC offers Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's Degrees and a host of workplace development services designed to create opportunities for student success. The University is comprised of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Public Administration, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, a Community College and the David A. Clarke School of Law. To learn more, visit www.udc.edu. The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University's EO Policy Statement, please visit: http://www.udc.edu/equal_opportunity. The University of the District of Columbia is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education - 3624 Market Street - Philadelphia, PA 19104 - 267.284.5000.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, this information is available in languages other than English. To file a complaint alleging discrimination, please complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to US Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. Submit your completed letter or form to USDA via fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action institution. The University prohibits discrimination or harassment against any person on the basis of the actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. This policy covers all programs, services policies, and procedures of the University, including admission to educational programs and employment. The University emphasizes the recruitment of minorities, women, disabled individuals, disabled veterans, Vietnam era veterans, and other eligible veterans.
El Departamento de Agricultura de EE. UU. (USDA) prohíbe la discriminación en todos sus programas y actividades por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, religión, sexo, identidad de género (incluida la expresión de género), orientación sexual, discapacidad, edad, estado civil, estado familiar / parental, ingresos derivados de un programa de asistencia pública, creencias políticas, represalias o represalias por actividades previas de derechos civiles. (No todas las bases prohibidas se aplican a todos los programas.) Las personas con discapacidades que requieren medios de comunicación alternativos para obtener información sobre el programa. (por ejemplo, Braille, letra grande, cinta de audio, lenguaje de señas estadounidense, etc.) debe comunicarse con la Agencia responsable o con el TARGET Center de USDA al (202) 720-2600 (voz y TTY) o comunicarse con el USDA a través del Federal Relay Service al (800) 877-8339. Además, esta información está disponible en otros idiomas además del inglés. Para presentar una queja alegando discriminación, por favor complete el Formulario de Queja por Discriminación del Programa del USDA, AD-3027, que se encuentra en línea en http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, o en cualquier oficina del USDA o escriba una carta dirigida a Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos, Oficina del Subsecretario de Derechos Civiles, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 y proporcionar en la carta toda la información solicitada en el formulario. Envíe su carta o formulario completado al USDA por fax: (202) 690-7442; o correo electrónico: program.intake@usda.gov. Para solicitar una copia del formulario de queja, llame al (866) 632-9992. USDA es un proveedor, empleador y prestamista con igualdad de oportunidades para todos.
La Universidad del Distrito de Columbia es una institución de Acción Afirmativa en Igualdad de Oportunidades. La Universidad prohíbe la discriminación o el acoso contra cualquier persona sobre la base de la raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, orientación sexual, identidad o expresión de género reales o percibidos, responsabilidades familiares, matrícula, afiliación política, estado marital, apariencia personal, información genética, estado familiar, fuente de ingresos, estado como víctima de una ofensa intrafamiliar, lugar de residencia o negocio, o estado como veterano, según lo dispuesto y en la medida requerida por los estatutos del Distrito y Federal y regulaciones. Esta política cubre todos los programas, políticas de servicios y procedimientos de la Universidad, incluida la admisión a programas educativos y empleo. La Universidad enfatiza el reclutamiento de minorías, mujeres, personas discapacitadas, veteranos discapacitados, veteranos de la era de Vietnam y otros veteranos elegibles.
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