KTSW Loves: Student Nutrition Organization 

By Ily Aguilar

Community Relations Assistant Director

Whether you’re a Nutrition major, Health Science major or just someone who enjoys a nutritious lifestyle, the Student Nutrition Organization or SNO is the group for you!

SNO provides opportunities for students to get involved, talk to practicing dietitians, earn volunteer hours, and learn the importance of nutrition for a busy college lifestyle. SNO highlights and signifies that balance is key, rather than dieting to obtain a certain goal. They focus on promoting healthy eating through balanced diets in order to increase body and brain function. Eating what makes you feel good, and what’s best for your health.

This organization runs on a point system based on volunteer hours and weekly meeting attendance. Members who earn up to 10 points can enter raffles throughout the semester which include SNO merch and prizes. The top three members with the most points get the opportunity to attend the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Conference and Exhibition held in Dallas, Texas. The TAND conference consists of dietitians, students, and people within the nutrition field who come together to learn about the latest scientific and evidence-based research, products and services. The TAND conference is a great way for students to make connections, talk with nutrition professionals, and expand their resume.

The SNO Mentorship program is another advantage to this organization. This program is dedicated to those who are interested in nutrition or are just starting out in the major. Mentees are freshman and sophomores looking for advice on the academic route to take, or don’t know much about nutrition at all. Mentors are juniors and seniors who help with any questions about what classes to take, or if mentees are having trouble with a class they’ve taken before. Mentors are available to help lead the way from their own experiences made as an underclassman.

Mentees and Mentors are paired together based on their own shared interests. Together they will have meetings where they will get to know each other and their career goals. This program helps to prepare students for graduate school, internships and their professional careers.

A major focus within this organization is placed on volunteering. A way for students to earn volunteer hours is through the SNO cart, located in the Family and Consumer Sciences building. Students volunteer their time to run the cart for anyone wanting to stop by for an effortless breakfast, lunch, or coffee. Items at the SNO cart include breakfast sandwiches, breakfast bars, grab and go fruit options, hummus dip, protein wraps, and so much more. Another volunteer opportunity is through Bobcat Bounty: the student run food pantry at Texas State University. Members of SNO work directly with this program to help combat food insecurity on campus.

Meetings for SNO are at 5pm on Tuesdays at the Family and Consumer Sciences building (FCS) in Room 188. Along with meetings, socials or “Snocials” are held biweekly and contain activities such as yoga, events at the rec center, Halloween parties and more. These “snocials” are an opportunity for students who have a shared love of nutrition to hang out and have fun. The first “Snocial” of the semester will take place Friday September 15th at 5pm in the FCS building Room 188.

Membership dues for SNO are $10 per semester OR if you register for the year membership will cost $15 and you will get $5 off any SNO merch.

The Student Nutrition Organization is a great way for students to get together and learn about the importance of nutrition and balanced meals. There are also many benefits such as forming connections, joining the mentorship program, and learning from industry professionals. Dani Bulman, SNO’s Social Officer, said, “I joined SNO to be a part of a community of people who are as passionate about nutrition as I am and network with nutrition professionals to guide me in my post graduate career.”

Follow SNO’s Instagram for updates and attend a meeting to join this organization!

Instagram: @txstsno

TikTok: @txstsno