Marshall University will move its dietetics program to downtown Huntington before the spring semester's start in January with a relocation to Huntington's Kitchen on Third Avenue.
The program currently is located on Marshall's Huntington campus in Prichard Hall, which Interim President Gary White said does not have enough space. The building also lacks sufficient equipment, he added.
The program's relocation is the second time the university has moved into the downtown Huntington area. Last year, the School of Art and Design opened its Visual Arts Center, which is next door to the dietetics program's new space.
The kitchen has been operated by Cabell Huntington Hospital since 2013 as a community outreach to prevent and reduce diet-related health issues. When it opened in 2009, it was called Jamie's Kitchen and was the focus of chef Jamie Oliver's television program focusing on obesity in American schools.
White said both Huntington's Kitchen and Marshall University, through the partnership, will enhance, promote and improve healthful eating education in the Tri-State. Marshall and Cabell Huntington Hospital also will expand the kitchen.
The kitchen currently offers cooking demonstrations, corporate wellness programs and education seminars that address chronic diet-related diseases. It's served more than 7,500 people, kitchen manager Veronica Hordubay said.
To prepare for the relocation, Marshall started kitchen renovations last month.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled Jan. 14.