Meet Jazmin Valencia, a dedicated Registered Dietitian at AHWC’s Community Nutrition Programs. With her culinary arts background and Hispanic heritage, Jazmin is passionate about making nutrition education accessible and culturally relevant, particularly for Spanish-speaking communities. This new addition to the team is already making waves, expanding nutrition resources while emphasising the importance of food in culture and identity.
Jazmin’s journey began in childhood, inspired by her brothers’ excitement for cooking. “I wanted people to get excited about my cooking,” she recalls. This passion led her to earn a Culinary Arts degree, but a profound experience at a local hospital nudged her towards nutrition, facilitated by a tuition reimbursement programme.
Making a difference in preventative health drives Jazmin’s work. Her role includes creating nutrition programmes tailored for the community, especially for Spanish speakers. “Poor diet is linked to many leading causes of death in the U.S.,” she states. “Having any beneficial impact on that is immensely rewarding to me.”
Motivated by her familial ties to the Hispanic community, Jazmin aims to bridge gaps through nutrition. “Connecting with this community is part of my family history,” she explains. Being bilingual allows her to convey critical nutritional information in ways that resonate with diverse cultural backgrounds.
Challenges in nutrition access are significant for the Hispanic population, including language barriers and cultural beliefs. Jazmin intends to overcome these disparities by tailoring nutrition information that respects cultural nuances, ensuring it is both understood and practical for the community’s diverse needs.
Currently, Jazmin is networking with organisations serving Hispanic populations, striving to build partnerships that encourage effective nutrition interventions. “Any beneficial impact would be great, no matter how big or small,” she reflects on her aspirations at CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center.
Looking ahead, Jazmin sees the future of community nutrition as challenging amid misinformation. She hopes to transform the relationship individuals have with food, easing fears and shame, particularly in communities with limited options. Her mission is clear: educate individuals that even small dietary changes matter significantly.
In her final advice, Jazmin stresses the importance of dietary fibre. “Eat more fibre!” she enthuses. With its numerous health benefits, including reducing disease risk, she suggests it as an essential component of a balanced diet. Most Americans, she notes, fall short in this aspect.
To discover more about Jazmin’s nutrition initiatives and the services offered by the Community Nutrition Programs team, visit our website.
Jazmin Valencia is a Registered Dietitian at AHWC, enhancing nutrition education for Spanish-speaking communities. With a background in Culinary Arts and ties to her Hispanic heritage, she focuses on preventative health and culturally relevant programmes. Jazmin aims to bridge nutritional gaps by partnering with community organisations and advocating for dietary changes that respect cultural beliefs.
Jazmin Valencia’s work epitomises the power of culturally sensitive nutrition education, particularly within the Hispanic community. By focusing on accessibility, community partnerships, and a deep understanding of cultural nuances, she strives to create a healthier future for those she serves. Her passion for food and dedication to improving health outcomes underscore the importance of nutrition in fostering community wellness.
Original Source: news.cuanschutz.edu
