Meet the Director: Katie Garriott, Nutrition Services

Date Posted: July 03, 2008

Mental and nutritional health can be quite similar. As the Director of Nutritional Services, I have found that educating our clients about healthy food habits to be a privilege, as well as a challenge. Supporting the nutritional services program at Second Genesis has been an awakening experience for me. Part of the therapeutic program is for clients to have a chance working, and running, the kitchens. It is not uncommon for our kitchens to be the first place a client learns to cook. They learn a marketable skill and the ability to provide for their families a more nutritious cost-effective meal.

Seminars and one-on-one counseling sessions on the link between substance abuse and malnutrition have been a rewarding aspect of my work. Clients come in with different nutrition-related health issues including diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, and obesity. Too frequently our clients have poor diet histories that impact their moods and irritability.

The nutrition issues our clients face often revolve around neglect, but also a lack of education and access to healthy options. Our neighbors at Clagett Farms, Food Link, as well as the Capital Area Food Bank have been incredibly helpful in providing access to nutritious foods.

Our lengthy history of providing residential services has provided us with many good memories, but also worn down equipment. We are very grateful to have received funding for a new refrigerator and stove from our supportive donors at the gala last year.

Please feel free to send me an email if you would like to learn more about our nutritional program here at Second Genesis.

Thank you, Katie Garriott MS, RD/LD