Magan Perry. Photo courtesy: Magan Perry.

The Disordered Eating and Eating Disorder Initiative (DEED) is a new organization that aims to support struggling students at the University of Mississippi.

DEED’s first meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. in Bryant Room 200.

“This initial meeting will be for any student, faculty or staff member interested in our mission, interested in learning more about our organization or coming to ask questions about getting involved or joining,” DEED Co-Founder Magan Perry, a senior psychology major, said.. “In the future, DEED plans to host community luncheons, seminars, open community events and more.,” DEED Co-Founder Magan Perry, a senior psychology major, said.

Autumn Robbins. Photo courtesy: Autumn Robbins.

Perry, along with DEED Co-Founder Autumn Robbins, a graduate student studying integrated marketing communications, started developing the organization following the dissolution of the Comprehensive Eating Disorder Program at the William Magee Center last Fall. Robbins and Perry were involved with the organization and saw a push toward healthy eating and nutrition by students after the program’s termination.

While receiving an undergraduate degree in public health, Robbins researched cognitive functions in college-age students and how this relates to disordered eating.

“I craved destigmatizing the thoughts around food and having an area of support for students around a topic that is very behind in terms of mental health normalcy, advocacy and destigmatization,” Robbins said.

A 2021 study from Regis College, titled “Eating Disorders in College Students: Effects on Mental Health,” states that 10-20% of female college students and 4-10% of male college students experience disordered eating. Regis also stated that 30-70% of college students seeking treatment for an eating disorder receive medical treatment for weight loss rather than mental health treatment for the disorder.

DEED’s organizers hope to create a supportive student environment centered on mental well-being.

“We are hoping to have guest speakers and support events to help bonding among those in the group, though we are open to any ideas and requests from our members as we want this organization to be what the members need and feel good and comfortable doing,” Robbins said.

Perry has worked to highlight the importance of community for those struggling with disordered eating.

“This organization finds the students who are falling through the cracks or hiding in the shadows to show navigating college doesn’t have to be an individual battle,” Perry said.