National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

You probably have been hearing a lot about eating disorders in the news lately. That is because this week (February 27 - March 3) is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. It was created by National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) to increase awareness of the disorders through organized campaigns, presentations and published writings. The week calls on people, organizations, scientists and policymakers to promote change that will improve the detection, treatment and quality of life for those suffering from these disorders. SAGE Dining Services^® is responding. We are committed to providing a safe and respectful dining environment for all students. Our nutrition education materials are designed to promote a positive relationship with food. "Eating disorders are a serious concern for our young people, and as food service providers we are on the front lines of addressing this issue," says Paco Rodriguez, SAGE's president. "We believe we can make a difference by promoting healthier, more positive attitudes about food in the schools we serve." SAGE employees have also been trained to recognize early warning signs of eating disorders in student populations. Our nutrition program encourages students to create balanced meals by emphasizing variety and moderation, rather than by avoiding so-called "bad" foods. "We want students to understand that a balanced diet includes all kinds of foods, even high-calorie ones," says Tina Rodriguez, co-founder of SAGE Dining Services^®. "Our goal at SAGE is to teach young people that variety, balance and moderation are key to a diet that is both healthful and enjoyable." SAGE believes that by offering a wide variety of foods at each meal and describing how the food is prepared, customers can make informed choices that contribute to a balanced, healthful diet.