Auburn University's National Eating Disorder Awareness Walk

Published: February 10, 2022

Article body

February is National Eating Disorder Awareness, or NEDA, Month, and on Feb. 26, Auburn University will be participating in the National Eating Disorder Awareness Walk. Activities such as button-making, adult coloring and hanging with Aubie will be part of the event.

Event details

Walk venue: Campus Green

Walk location: 500 Heisman Drive, Auburn, AL 36849

Time: 10 a.m.-Noon

Walk cost: Free to sign up, and donations are welcomed.

What is a NEDA Walk?

Quickly growing since 2009, NEDA Walks now bring together over 25,000 people of all ages and backgrounds to fight eating disorders.

NEDA Walks are inspirational, community-building events where passionate walkers raise money to fund eating disorders education, prevention and support, as well as advocacy and research initiatives. The largest eating disorders awareness events in the nation, NEDA Walks are a celebration of hope and strength, filled with body-positive activities, motivational guest speakers and a short walk to symbolize unity in the fight against eating disorders.

NEDA Walks create a safe and supportive space where no one will feel alone in their battle. It seems as though everybody knows somebody who’s been affected by an eating disorder, so everybody is invited to participate. Together, we will stand up to stigma and send the message that recovery is possible.

Why do we walk?

Eating disorders are a serious illnesses that affect millions of individuals and their families every day. Despite their increasing prevalence, eating disorders receive less than $1 in research funds per affected person, compared to an average of $70 for other major mental illnesses. Eating disorders are widely misunderstood illnesses and support options are often inaccessible. As a result, too many people are left feeling helpless, hopeless and frightened–this is why we walk. NEDA Walks are raising critical funds, restoring hope and changing the conversation surrounding eating disorders.

As the leading U.S. nonprofit supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders, NEDA serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. The funds raised through NEDA Walks put vital resources into the hands of those in need. With every dollar raised, we are one step closer to our shared vision of a world without eating disorders.

Thirty million Americans struggle with an eating disorder at some point in their lives. Despite their increasing prevalence, eating disorders receive significantly less funding than other major mental illnesses and support options are often inaccessible. As a result, too many families are left feeling helpless, hopeless and frightened. Through NEDA Walks, we are raising critical funds, restoring hope and changing the conversation surrounding eating disorders.

By fundraising for a walk, you are helping NEDA provide support to the millions of people struggling with an eating disorder and their loved ones. The funds that you raise support NEDA’s programs and services like the helpline, online screening tool and various support networks like the Parent, Family & Friends Network, or PFN, and Loss Support Network. The funds you raise also pave the way for advocacy victories at the state and federal levels, as well as opportunities to fund ground-breaking research. By fundraising just $250, you can help NEDA operate the helpline for 2.5 hours That’s 2.5 hours of providing support and resources to individuals calling at a critical time in need. You have the power to save lives.

For more information, please log on to the NEDA website or contact Auburn University's Campus Dietitian at mkm0131@auburn.edu.

Submitted by: Sarah Tamplin