Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness Archives - Land-Grant Impacts

Topic

young child walking in strawberry patch

Land-grant university research and Extension support resilience for youths, families and communities nationwide

Here are a few examples of that work: The effectiveness of the Department of Defense’s Military Family Readiness System depends on well-trained Extension professionals with research-based tools and resources. Extension specialists in Kentucky contributed by providing personal finance training to military service providers so they can pass on knowledge, tools and resources that help military families prevent and navigate financial [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Arkansas, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Economic Development, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Georgia, Hawaiʻi, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Maine, Michigan, Michigan State University, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, New York, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Public Health, Purdue University, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, The University of Georgia, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Hawaiʻi, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of Missouri, Urban Agriculture, Utah, Utah State University, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State University, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, West Virginia, West Virginia University, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

Healthy foods and exercise equipment.

Land-grant university research and Extension strengthen nutrition, health and well-being

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of illness, disability and death in America. Research and Extension are fighting back. Over half of adults who participated in a Texas diabetes education program now choose healthier foods, monitor glucose levels during exercise, and control their diabetes to avoid interference with daily life. These changes could help participants save up to $94,021 in [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 1890, 2026, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Auburn University, California, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Crop Management, District of Columbia, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Fiber Systems, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Georgia, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State University, Kansas, Kansas State University, Kentucky, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Missouri, National Security, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, Purdue University, Research, Rhode Island, Rural Communities/Health, Rutgers University, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Ohio State University, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of California, University of Connecticut, University of Guam, University of Hawaiʻi, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Rhode Island, University of Tennessee, University of the District of Columbia, University of Wyoming, Urban Agriculture, Utah, Utah State University, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State University, West Virginia, West Virginia University, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Wyoming, Youth Development/4-H, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

Vegetables for sale at a farmers market stand.

Research and Extension ensure everyone has ample access to affordable, safe, nutritious food

Invasive pests damage crops, costing U.S. agriculture an estimated $30 billion every year. Pest management research and Extension stabilize the food supply chain. Researchers and Extension specialists in Oregon, developed cost-effective alternatives to glyphosate for herbicide-resistant Russian thistle control, protecting more than 30,000 acres of wheat and preventing over $1 million in yield losses so far.Oregon State University Extension Service. [...]

Food Security, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alabama, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arizona, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Auburn University, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Cornell University, Crop Management, Delaware, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Florida, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Forest Protection and Management, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Invasive Species, Iowa, Iowa State University, Kansas, Kansas State University, Maryland, Massachusetts, Master Gardener/Master Naturalist, Michigan, Michigan State University, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Montana, Montana State University, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New York, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, Puerto Rico, Purdue University, Research, Rhode Island, Rural Communities/Health, Rutgers University, Soil Health, Southern, Specialty Crops, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Ohio State University, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of California, University of Connecticut, University of Delaware, University of Florida, University of Idaho, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nevada Reno, University of Puerto Rico, University of Rhode Island, Urban Agriculture, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State University, West Virginia, West Virginia University, Western, Wildlife, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

A river bisects a field and forested riparian area

Research and Extension support resilient ecosystems

Recent studies and programs are conserving and protecting water used for drinking, fishing, irrigation and recreation. Washington research helped establish 25 anaerobic digesters across the Pacific Northwest, turning dairy manure from more than 143,000 cows into biogas that provides more than 126 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy per year. Digesters decrease water quality risks associated with nutrient runoff from manure [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, California, Central State University, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Crop Management, Economic Development, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Extension, Facilities/Infrastructure, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Florida, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Forest Protection and Management, Georgia, Guam, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, Invasive Species, Iowa, Iowa State University, Kansas, Kansas State University, Kentucky, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Michigan, Michigan State University, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Oregon, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, Purdue University, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Specialty Crops, Tennessee, Tennessee State University, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Ohio State University, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of Arkansas, University of California, University of Connecticut, University of Florida, University of Guam, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nevada Reno, University of New Hampshire, University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin, Utah, Utah State University, Vermont, Washington, Washington State University, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wildlife, Wisconsin, Workforce Development and Readiness, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

Land-grant university research and Extension drive new biofuels, bioplastics, biochar and other bio-based products, strengthening rural economies, environmental health and energy security

Here are a few examples of that work: Partnering with a private company, scientists in Pennsylvania roduced and tested biomaterials to replace single-use, petroleum-based plastics. New composites made from cellulose and starch have improved stability and barrier properties and have been developed into compostable food packaging and handling products; adhesives and foams for packaging, wood composites and construction materials; and [...]

Agricultural Systems, Energy and Bioproducts 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Biofuels/Bioproducts, Economic Development, Ecosystem Services, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Missouri, National Security, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Central, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Precision Agriculture, Research, Soil Health, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Missouri, University of Nevada Reno, University of New Hampshire, Washington, Washington State University, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, West Virginia, West Virginia State University, Western, Wildlife

A drone flies over a field.

Research and Extension make agricultural systems more efficient, profitable, competitive and resilient

Strategies and tools for managing crop pests and diseases have increased productivity and profitability. For example: Extension units across the nation offer plant and pest diagnostic clinics. In New Mexico, free diagnoses saved producers an estimated $36,000 in testing fees in 2025, while also supporting biosecurity and export compliance. In Indiana, lab results and recommendations saved clients $890,000 in reduced [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alabama, Alaska, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arizona, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Auburn University, California, Clemson University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Crop Management, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Florida, Food Security, Food Systems, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State University, Kansas, Kansas State University, Kentucky, Langston University, Lincoln University, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State University, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, National Security, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Precision Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Puerto Rico, Purdue University, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, South Carolina, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Specialty Crops, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M University, The University of Georgia, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of California, University of Connecticut, University of Florida, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of Maryland, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, University of Nevada Reno, University of New Hampshire, University of Puerto Rico, University of Tennessee, University of Vermont, Urban Agriculture, Vermont, Virginia, Virginia State University, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State University, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wildlife, Workforce Development and Readiness, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

Buffalo Bayou Park Houston, flooded after Hurricane Beryl

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides disaster relief and recovery

In 2025, the state of Texas experienced 31 severe weather events, including drought, floods and major fires. The Texas State Emergency Operations Center activated 21 times in 2025 for a total of 94 days. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Disaster Assessment and Recovery (DAR) is an educational network that focuses on preparing for, mitigating and responding to disasters. The DAR [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Facilities/Infrastructure, Food Safety, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University

an instructor tutors an adult student

Reducing barriers to strengthen community resilience across Florida

Nearly half of Pasco County households (more than 109,000) struggle to meet basic needs. Of the county’s 230,060 households, 28,079 live below the federal poverty line, while 80,928 fall under the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold. East Pasco communities face the greatest hardship, with 62% of Zephyrhills residents, 58% of Lacoochee residents and 52% of Dade City [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Economic Development, Extension, Florida, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, University of Florida

a woman paying bills

Improving financial literacy and well-being in adults

Adults in the U.S. often struggle with financial well-being. They face challenges including insufficient savings, debt struggles and confusion around changing tax codes. The Land-grant University System helps adults improve their financial literacy and stability. Here are a few examples of that work: In-person and virtual finance education programs in South Dakota taught fiscal management practices and consumer economics that helped [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, Kansas, Kansas State University, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, Purdue University, Rural Communities/Health, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, University of Maryland, Workforce Development and Readiness

a group of smiling college students

Immersive study abroad builds language skills and global readiness in Arkansas

University students must develop foreign language fluency and cross-cultural competence to remain competitive in today’s global workforce. Traditional classroom instruction often limits opportunities for real-world language practice and cultural immersion, creating gaps in applied communication skills. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, through its Office of International Programs and Studies and the Department of English, Humanities and Foreign Languages, launched [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Arkansas, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, International/Global, Profitability/Competitiveness, Rural Communities/Health, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Youth Development/4-H

a woman helps a senior man on the computer

Free tax prep pays dividends

Paying taxes is a civic responsibility that funds essential public services. Unfortunately, many people face barriers to affordable, accurate tax preparation. Free tax assistance programs, such as the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), offer high-quality services to low-income earners, students, retirees, individuals with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers. In 2025, Kansas State [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Economic Development, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Kansas, Kansas State University, North Central, Rural Communities/Health

Youths wearing life vests stand on a dock as they fill out forms while an adult explains the process

Extension introduces youths to career opportunities in agriculture and STEM

The United States is facing a dearth of skilled and educated workers across the agricultural industry. With many young people being several generations removed from agriculture within their families, and removed from where their food comes from, introducing youths to the variety of careers in agriculture and food systems and teaching related skills can build a new generation of [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Extension, Food Systems, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Northeast, Purdue University, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Maryland, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

High School Students pipetting as fellow high school students wait their turn during a workshop on using precision-cut lung slices to study lung biology

Expanding rural youth access to biomedical research careers

Rural students often have limited access to immersive STEM experiences that expose them to advanced scientific research and biomedical career pathways. Without early engagement and mentorship, many young people, particularly first-generation college students, lack awareness of academic opportunities in health science and regenerative medicine fields. This gap limits workforce pipeline development and participation in high-demand STEM careers. The University of [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Northeast, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), University of Vermont, Vermont, Youth Development/4-H

Unity in Immunity Awareness OKC Bus Wrap Campaign sponsored by Langston University Extension

EXCITE community immunity: Langston University expands vaccine awareness through trusted outreach

Vaccination rates remain low across Oklahoma, particularly in communities experiencing higher poverty and chronic disease, increasing preventable health risks and widening health disparities. Fewer than half of Oklahomans are vaccinated against several common preventable illnesses, according to national public health data. To address this challenge, Langston University Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) partnered with the Extension Collaborative [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Langston University, Oklahoma, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health

a group of smiling participants

Empowering volunteer leaders to facilitate supportive networks and personal development

According to the Puerto Rico Department of Health, one in four people in Puerto Rico live with a mental health condition. With research-backed approaches and deep community ties, Extension is particularly equipped to address issues of individual and community health and well-being. To extend its reach, the University of Puerto Rico Agricultural Extension Service consolidated offices in Camuy, Hatillo [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Puerto Rico, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, University of Puerto Rico, Workforce Development and Readiness

Farmer spreading feed for cattle

Confronting farm stress through research, Extension

Across the Land-grant University System, outreach and research-based work are critical to strengthening the health, safety and well-being of agricultural communities. By pairing scientific evidence with trusted Extension networks, land-grant universities address urgent challenges while improving quality of life nationwide. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers in Pennsylvania held discussion groups with 68 farm women in Ohio, Vermont [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Florida, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Missouri, North Central, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Public Health, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Florida, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Missouri

a young girl watches an instructor writing on a blackboard

Building youth mental health support capacity through Extension training

Youth mental health challenges continue to rise nationwide. According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, one in five teens and young adults live with a mental health condition, 10% of youth will experience a substance use disorder in their lifetime, and half of all mental illnesses begin by age 14. These trends highlight the urgent need for trained [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, North Central, Purdue University, Youth Development/4-H

a stressed farmer looking at a phone

Building healthier communities through land-grant mental health programs

Communities across the United States are affected by mental health challenges. The Land-grant University System is addressing those challenges through programs that provide practical skills training, supportive environments and pathways to healthier, more resilient lives. Here are a few examples of that work: In Oregon, Extension professionals launched the AgriStress Helpline in 2023, providing 24/7 call and text support from suicide-preventionists [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Alaska, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State University, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Central, Oregon, Oregon State University, Public Health, Purdue University, Research, Rural Communities/Health, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

a family in silhouette, holding hands

Extension programs strengthen families through health, parenting initiatives

Healthy and resilient communities are built by supporting families and youths through reliable childcare, mobile health services and strong, healthy relationships. Extension-led efforts strengthen well-being by building life and parenting skills and fostering environments where individuals and families can thrive. Here are a few examples of that work: In 2025, Ohio Extension educators launched a maternal health program to support mothers [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Nevada, North Central, Ohio, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, University of Nevada Reno, Western

two girls sitting at a table with information

Preparing youth for adulthood with financial literacy programs

Youths often enter adulthood unprepared to effectively manage finances. Studies reveal concerning trends, such as that only 24% of students and 20% of their parents believe they are adequately prepared for adult financial challenges, or that 27% of Gen Z individuals have no savings. Without meaningful opportunities to learn budgeting concepts and gain practice with budgeting, managing income and [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, North Central, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

child playing with building blocks

Building a solid foundation for children

Early childhood is a decisive period in shaping academic achievement, social development and lifelong success. Parents, caregivers and early childhood educators play a central role in fostering the communication, cooperation, decision-making and problem-solving skills that research consistently links to later educational and workforce readiness. Ensuring that the adults in a child’s life have the knowledge and tools to nurture [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

teens engaging in activities at a workshop

4-H programs prepare youth for college and careers

Professional skills like leadership, communication, problem solving and responsibility are important in any job or career. Land-grant university Extension 4-H programs help youth cultivate these skills to better prepare them for higher education and eventual employment. Here are a few examples of that work: After Missouri employers reported needs for workers skilled in communication, problem solving and collaboration, Extension specialists updated [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, Missouri, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, Oregon, Oregon State University, Purdue University, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), South Dakota, South Dakota State University, University of Missouri, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

UConn Extension experts at a well water testing booth

Well water testing improves public health

Clean and safe water is essential to public health, agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Those with private wells are responsible for their own water safety. Without accessible testing, education and coordinated planning, contaminants can threaten drinking water, food safety and ecosystem health, particularly in rural communities. Here are a few examples of that work: In Connecticut, 65% of participating households took [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2026, Connecticut, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Montana, Montana State University, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Public Health, Research, Rhode Island, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Connecticut, University of Rhode Island, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, Western

Multiple glass containers with orange and red fruit liquids in them sit on a table.

Researchers look to science for healthier, better tasting food and drink

Working to create better tasting and more wholesome foods via science means not only healthier consumers, but also more markets for producers and value-added opportunities for entrepreneurs. At land-grant universities across the country, food scientists work to make sure agricultural commodities and value-added products have the best taste, texture, aroma and appearance possible, without compromising — and sometimes even [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Arkansas, California, Child and Family Resilience, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Missouri, North Central, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, Research, Southern, University of Arkansas, University of California, University of Missouri, Western

scientists working in the lab

Research at land-grant universities looks to answer complicated disease questions

The basic and applied research that happens in labs at land-grant universities across the country helps to answer questions about the origins of devastating diseases such as ovarian cancer, early-onset Alzheimer’s, kidney fibrosis and Zika virus by diving into disease modeling, gene identification, cancer receptors and cell aging. This research works toward preventions, therapies and perhaps even cures. Here are [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Missouri, North Central, Public Health, Research, Southern, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Missouri, Utah, Utah State University, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Western, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza