Nurturing Sustainability: Yen’s Dietetics Internship at Caritas

Mount Saint Vincent (MSVU) Dietetics Student, Yen Hoang Embarks, on Her First Student Placement at Caritas, Our Retirement Living Community on the MSVU Campus

As a Dietetics intern, Yen found herself in a unique environment where the residents’ commitment to environmental stewardship perfectly aligned with her passion for sustainability in nutrition. Over her three-month internship, Yen made a lasting impact by adapting her role to suit the needs and interests of Caritas residents, offering educational sessions that went beyond traditional dietetics.

Yen led engaging food sustainability presentations, including a collaboration with Sister Nuala Kenny to dive deep into the practices of Caritas’ produce suppliers and the water footprints of popular menu items. These sessions didn’t just inform; they resonated with the residents’ values, sparking thoughtful discussions on how small dietary changes can contribute to a larger ecological impact.

In addition to her sustainability efforts, Yen introduced residents to new cultural experiences through cooking demonstrations featuring Vietnamese spring rolls and baba ghanoush. These sessions were about tasting new flavors and connecting cultures and understanding the global nature of food.

“In my food sustainability presentation with sister Nuala Kenny, I have reached out to Caritas produce supplier to find more information about their sustainability practices and calculate water footprints of popular dishes in Caritas’ dining menu. I think this will reflect Shannex’s effort towards being more environmental-friendly.”

Yen’s one-on-one consultations were another highlight of her time at Caritas. She applied her classroom knowledge in real-life settings, carefully listening to residents’ needs and tailoring her advice to their lifestyles. Through this personalized approach, Yen fostered meaningful relationships that enriched both her experience and the residents’ lives.

Reflecting on her time at Caritas, Yen emphasizes the importance of relationship-building in her career. The connections she formed with residents and colleagues inspired her to pursue a career that values collaboration and community. Yen’s advice to future interns is simple yet profound: “Enjoy your time, take charge of your projects, and never underestimate the value of building relationships.”

Join our Culinary Team at Shannex today! Visit Shannex.com to view open jobs in Food Services.