Signature Honors Project: Healthy Pals

Abstract

This senior honors project is focused on working as a group to fix a wicked problem around Greenville. Originally, my group concentrated on sexually transmitted infections on East Carolina University campus. After the first semester, we were given the freedom to either stay with the same group or to choose another group. I joined a group with the mission of fixing the food deserts around Greenville. For the next year and a half, my group pivoted and made adjustments to our project in order to make a lasting impact on the community. We created a plan to fund a food stand with free foods, which eventually proved to be unattainable. Through research and development, we then switched our focus to childhood nutrition. Our first partnership was with Pirate Pals at a local elementary school where we brought the children healthy foods and planned activities. After many attempts at this school, we realized that we needed a more controlled environment. This led us to the Boys and Girls Club where we would be able to see measurable results through implementation of a curriculum. Unfortunately, our IRB was not approved in time and we were unable to finish the project in its entirety the last semester. Although our senior honors project came to an unsuccessful end, I strongly believe Healthy Pals made a positive impact on the nutrition of children around Greenville.