Food is medicine

The “food is medicine” approach emphasizes the role diet has in preventing disease, supporting overall health and improving quality of life. Land-grant universities connect research-based nutrition and community education to the people who need it most. By supporting access to fresh, locally grown foods, teaching evidence-based nutrition practices and partnering with communities to reduce health disparities, land‑grant programs help ensure that nutritious food becomes a practical, affordable tool for better health.

Here are a few examples of that work:

• The Indiana program has 55 partnerships reaching 7,204 people through 33 food-related initiatives. In addition to helping families acquire more than 9,000 pounds in healthy food, community wellness coordinators helped to identify $168,530 in external grants to fund Food Is Medicine programs.
  Purdue Extension. Supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) capacity funds. See full statement.

• A six-week, hands-on cooking and nutrition education program in New Mexico improved diet quality, fruit and vegetable intake and healthy eating confidence among adults as part of an integrated Extension–research cancer prevention partnership. Results showed improved Healthy Eating Index scores and demonstrate how translating evidence-based cancer prevention strategies into practical, everyday habits can improve health.
  New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service. Supported by non-profit grants and contracts; county funding. See full statement.

Research informs best practices

The Human Health Assessment and Nutrigenomics Lab advances precision nutrition and health strategies to reduce obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in Ohio communities. Through genetic profiling, biomarker testing and relevant interventions, the lab translates science into practical Food Is Medicine programs that strengthen community health and resilience. Complementary research on university athletes identifies critical gaps in nutrition and evaluates interventions to improve performance, long‑term well-being and post‑sports health outcomes. Together, these efforts inform best practices and advance the land‑grant university mission by integrating innovation, outreach and hands‑on training to prevent chronic disease and improve quality of life.

Central State University – Research. Supported by Evans-Allen capacity funds. See full statement and additional statement.