“Great Jeans Giveaway” at RIT Helps Students Focus on a Healthy Self-Image

Societal trends say that if a pair of old jeans won’t fit, the owner is too big and should diet. But maybe it just means those jeans are too small.

The Great Jeans Giveaway at Rochester Institute of Technology focuses on self-image to free women and men from destructive dieting. During the week, the RIT Women’s Center will encourage members of the RIT community to go through their closets and get rid of those jeans that don’t fit anymore by dropping them off in collection boxes around the RIT campus. The jeans will be donated to Rochester area agencies that serve people in need of clothing.

The collection is just one of many events planned at RIT during National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW ) held February 13-17. Other programs include eating disorder screenings at three locations on the RIT campus as well as daily events, all designed to help spread the EDAW theme, “Celebrating Mind, Body and Soul,” which emphasizes holistic health and wellbeing.

All events are free. For more information, call the RIT Counseling Center at 475-2261.

Daily events include:

Monday, Feb.13, 4-5 p.m. Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation, RIT Counseling Center

Tuesday, Feb.14, 1-3 p.m. ”Body Image and “Clothesline Project,” Fireside Lounge, Student Alumni Union

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 4-4:45 p.m. “How to Help a Friend with an Eating Disorder,” Clark B, Student Alumni Union

Thursday, Feb. 16, 10-11 a.m. “Mindfulness Eating,” Student Alumni Union Room 1829

Friday, Feb. 17, 2-4 p.m. Movie and discussion: “Fearless Friday, A Day without Dieting” Clark B, Student Alumni Union