2024 Archives - Page 2 of 6 - Land-Grant Impacts

Year

fire truck

Georgia 4-H-ers get trained on how to help during natural disasters

In the past five years, Gordon County, Georgia, has dealt with its fair share of natural disasters. Tornadoes, winter weather, hurricanes, flooding and severe thunderstorms have all affected the county. In coping with these challenges, 4-H leaders with University of Georgia Extension realized an opportunity to train youth to be helpers when their community might need them during future [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Georgia, Southern, The University of Georgia, Youth Development/4-H

photo of a jar being removed from canning water by a pair of tongs

Holistic programs address community health

Obesity is on the rise in the United States, and this increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension and poor overall quality of life. Moreover, health disparities among low-income populations are well documented because food insecurity issues mean they lack nutritionally adequate and safe food. The Land-grant University System uses holistic programs to address community health. Here are a few examples [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 1890, 2024, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Food Safety, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Puerto Rico, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Puerto Rico

grandfather and grandchildren watering a garden

Arkansas grandparents grow relationship with grandchildren through gardening

An increasing number of grandparents are raising their grandchildren. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Cooperative Extension Program is developing ways to support them and provide necessary resources. One way is by helping grandparents to grow their own food. The university’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences partnered with the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service and the Pine Bluff [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2024, Arkansas, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

closeup photo of hands chopping asparagus on a cutting board, in an industrial looking kitchen

Training the next generation of culinary professionals

The food industry can be a path to economic stability. But to ensure public health, workers must know about foodborne illness, how to prevent it and how to train other employees. Trained individuals can also explore nontraditional culinary paths, which can have benefits for the home and family. Here are a few examples how land-grant institutions are contributing: Michigan Extension trains [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Economic Development, Extension, Food Safety, Georgia, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Southern, The University of Georgia, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

archery instructor shows young girls how to use a crossbow

Pueblo youths and families collaborate with Extension to build youth programs and opportunities

There are more than 30,000 youths and 4,000 volunteers active in the New Mexico State University Extension 4-H clubs. But reports are limited for Pueblo youth programs offered in New Mexico and volunteer participation is often low. Dedication and continuity of leadership is important for youth programs to grow and thrive. In response, NMSU Extension tribal agents conducted meetings with [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 1994, 2024, Extension, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Western, Youth Development/4-H

peppers being sliced on a cutting board

Supporting families with community nutrition programs

Youths and adults face a variety of health issues, from food insecurity to cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes. Cooperative Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) serve low-income residents nationwide and help address these issues by helping participants eat healthy, shop on a budget and stay active. Here are a few examples [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 1994, 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Michigan, Michigan State University, Missouri, New York, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Missouri

a shot of a person from the knees down, wearing jeans and athletic shoes

Fitness programs change lifestyles and health

Physical activity that increases the heart rate helps to decrease health risks and provides additional health benefits such as improved sleep, lower cholesterol and improved mental health. Fitness programs including walking and dancing are accessible to almost anyone, easy to start and can lead to behavior changes and positively impact residents’ health and well-being by decreasing risks for obesity, [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 1890, 2024, Arkansas, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Central, Purdue University, Southern, University of Arkansas

two scientists analyze samples in a food lab

Understanding how natural chemicals in food affect health

The foods and drinks we consume contain natural chemicals like vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, toxicants and hormones that can positively or negatively impact human health. Since 1971, a multistate project has brought together researchers at 22 land-grant universities to research the effects of these dietary bioactive chemicals. Studies shed light on mechanisms involved in bioactivity and determined how agricultural practices [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Connecticut, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State University, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Central, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Purdue University, Research, Rutgers University, Southern, Tennessee, University of Connecticut, University of Guam, University of Hawaiʻi, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Tennessee, University of Wisconsin, Utah, Utah State University, Western, Wisconsin

closeup photo of hands in a meditative pose

Innovative approaches to mental well-being

The need to care for our mental well-being is more evident than ever, post-pandemic. More than half of Americans report COVID-19 has negatively impacted their mental health. Extension networks across the country are working to tackle this crisis, often employing new and innovative programming. Here are a few examples of that work: In Michigan, the Mental Health First Aid program trains [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Michigan, Michigan State University, Montana, Montana State University, Nevada, North Central, University of Nevada Reno, Western

volunteers give donated goods to citizens

Extension mobilizes after tornadoes

On January 12, 2023, at least four tornadoes touched down in Spalding County, Georgia, including an EF3 tornado that tore through the center of downtown Griffin. More than 2,200 homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed across the county. University of Georgia Spalding County Extension staff established a call center that organized relief efforts, connecting residents with relief organizations, [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Community Development/Engagement, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Georgia, Southern, The University of Georgia

house for rent sign

Improving housing security through renter education

Challenges with securing and maintaining housing underpin many societal challenges, and a lack of understanding about the issues and what can be done persists. To address this issue, University of Minnesota Extension provided renter education for individuals, community members and community organizations. Generally, community members had a low income, needed to build credit and rental histories, were new to [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Minnesota, North Central, University of Minnesota

a student facing stress

Virginia webinar series helps participants balance the stresses of life

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck four years ago, Virginia Cooperative Extension launched a series of webinars to address emerging issues facing its constituents — from financial issues to remote work and schooling to stress management. Organizers planned to offer just a few of these sessions in the spring of 2020. But with audience numbers for the webinars reaching as [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Southern, Virginia, Virginia Tech

a woman looking at a laptop in her home

Virtual programs support healthy lifestyles

Programs that support healthy lifestyles, including nutrition, physical activity and mental health, provide critical education, support and resources for many residents. COVID-19 forced programs online and the Land-grant University System continues offering online options to positively impact residents and support their healthy lifestyles. Virtual programs offer greater flexibility for participants, allowing more to engage in and benefit from the [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Extension, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, North Central, Purdue University, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

photo of signage at the entrance of the Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center

Reducing recidivism and improving mental health

Experiencing hopelessness and struggling to manage weight can have detrimental mental effects on a woman, leading to unhealthy eating habits, the misuse of prescription medications and even resorting to drug use as a form of self-medication. Teen girls between the ages of 12 and 17 have a higher likelihood of reporting a substance use disorder within the past year [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2024, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Nevada, University of Nevada Reno, Western

Photo of blueberries, glucose monitor, cherries, dumbbell and tape measure

Diabetes education helps individuals, families manage chronic disease

Type 2 Diabetes is increasing at an epidemic rate in the U.S. This chronic disease requires daily management to control blood sugar levels and prevent life-changing complications. Many individuals and families struggle with diet modifications that would help manage health and also have limited access to nutrition and diabetes professionals. The Land-grant University System helps fill that gap, providing [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 1994, 2024, American Samoa, American Samoa Community College, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Connecticut, Western

a group of smiling participants in athletic clothing flex their arms

Strength training program builds health and resilience

Chronic disease and health disparities are increasing. Physical activity, particularly through strength training, is one way to counteract these negative outcomes. Strength training contributes to enhanced bone density, joint flexibility, metabolic function and improvements in daily living activities, in addition to building muscle strength. Less than 15% of residents age 65 and older get the recommended amounts of aerobic [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 1994, 2024, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, North Central, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin

spices on a spoon

Using unique flavors to boost health

Developing dietary interventions that help to reduce increasingly common chronic diseases is an important goal for researchers and Extension professionals across the Land-Grant University System. Sometimes it is as simple as using a familiar flavor in a new way to add health benefits. Here are a few examples of that work: Louisiana ranks among the highest states in adults diagnosed with [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, Southern, The Pennsylvania State University

brown chicken eggs in a carton

Improving safety of eating eggs through novel pathogen-killing method

Almost one in 10 cases of foodborne illness in the United States is associated with eggs. Americans eat, on average, 287 eggs per person annually. More than 14.1 billion eggs are incubated to produce chicks for the egg and poultry meat industries. Reducing the risk of disease-causing bacteria on eggshells is a priority for the industry, as is the [...]

Food Security, Story 2024, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Food Safety, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, The Pennsylvania State University

a farmer standing in a field

Aiding farmers and rural residents with mental health struggles

Agricultural producers have one of the highest suicide rates of any industry in the nation but can be hesitant to seek help when struggling with their mental health or have limited access to mental healthcare. Land-grant institutions across the country have implemented programming targeting mental health concerns. Here are a few examples of that work: The Farmer Focus Project surveyed producers [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, College of Micronesia, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Guam, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Michigan, Michigan State University, Micronesia, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, North Central, Northern Marianas, Northern Marianas College, University of Guam, University of Missouri, Washington, Washington State University, Western

a forest dappled in sunlight

Natural resources foster healthy habits and reduce stress

“Forest bathing” is a term for immersing oneself in forests and other natural environments. A research-based framework shows the benefits of forest and natural environment immersion, including increased physical and mental well-being, reduced stress, improved creativity and happiness. This can lead to a happier family, community and work environment. However, participation is limited because of a lack of access [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2024, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central

A hand holds carrots and a beet among a spread of other vegetables.

Getting more local, fresh produce into communities

Although fresh fruits and vegetables are key to health, difficulties abound in obtaining local produce. Land-grant institutions across the country work in a number of ways to promote growing produce as well as marketing and buying it locally. Here are a few examples of that work: In Georgia, the Fresh on DeK Mobile Farmers Market targets communities without access to a [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Extension, Food Security, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Idaho, Kansas, Kansas State University, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, New York, North Central, Northeast, Profitability/Competitiveness, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of Idaho, Urban Agriculture, Western

an adult shows a child how to cut vegetables on a cutting board

Pairing cooking and reading aids in healthy eating, literacy and school readiness for preschoolers

Poor academic skills in the early educational years place children at risk for school failure and dropout, delinquency and running away, as well as unemployment or underemployment in adulthood. School readiness is incredibly important to the elementary years. Yet nationally, teachers report more than one third of kindergartners are not ready for school. Children gain critical school readiness skills by [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2024, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Nevada, University of Nevada Reno, Western, Youth Development/4-H

researcher displaying a 3D printed product

Making nutritious compounds more readily available to the body

Although bioactive compounds extracted from fruits and vegetables have many health benefits and are common ingredients in nutrition supplements, they are not easily absorbed during digestion and their full nutritive value is mostly wasted. A researcher with the University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station working at the intersection of food engineering and human health is putting together two state-of-the-art technologies [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2024, Arkansas, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Research, Southern, University of Arkansas

a woman checks her shopping cart at the grocery store

Helping immigrants shop smarter for food

New refugee families arriving in the United States face many challenges, including finding jobs, housing and adapting to their new community. They also need to learn how to navigate the aisles of a grocery store, prepare meals with foods that may be unfamiliar to them and stretch their food budget to feed their family. Making healthy food choices is [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Northeast, University of Vermont, Vermont

wildfire smoke above an Oregon forest

Efforts to effectively monitor air quality increase health awareness in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge

Wildlife smoke has become an issue in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge after two large wildfire events (in 2017 and 2020) led to record-shattering hazardous air quality index levels. In addition, cherry and pear orchard waste historically has been burned in the area, and no regulations exist on wood-burning stoves. Microscopic particles from smoke can penetrate deep into lungs, causing [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2024, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Oregon, Oregon State University, Western