Article by: Grace Laubenstein, Junior Nutrition Major and LEAN President

L.E.A.N. is a registered academic, social, and service organization that operates on La Salle University’s campus in North Philadelphia. L.E.A.N. stands for La Salle Explorers Advocating Nutrition. Our mission statement is to further the academic interest in the field of dietetics and nutrition. We also to provide a venue to promote and advocate good nutrition to members of the La Salle University community and the greater Philadelphia community.

L.E.A.N. has made great strides to increase club membership and improve its presence on campus and in the surrounding community. As of the 2018-2019 school year, there are 40 regular club members. Dozens more receive our weekly updates on our activities around campus. There are many annual events that we look forward to each year as a club. When it comes to service and advocacy, we have worked with La Salle’s NEDAW (National Eating Disorders Awareness Week) Committee, La Salle’s Wellness Wednesday Initiatives, and La Salle’s dining halls. This upcoming semester we’ll work with the La Salle University Neighborhood Nursing Center and the other three health science organizations on campus to help the less-fortunate in our community.

Social events such as an apple-picking adventure in the fall, a smoothie demonstration in the La Salle Union Building, and baking nights in La Salle’s wonderful commercial kitchen are a highlight of the year. Our academic events have included holding Networking Nights with La Salle Nutrition alumni and Q&A Panels with current members of the Coordinated Program in Nutrition at La Salle. L.E.A.N. looks forward to fulfilling our mission by continuing our successful events that bring people from all walks of life together, while also pursuing events that help others receive and understand the importance of proper nutrition.