September 8, 2025
Article by Stacey Stearns, UConn Extension
From coastal communities to rural towns and major urban centers, families across the Northeast face common challenges in accessing healthy, affordable food. Land-grant universities in 12 states and the District of Columbia are promoting nutrition, food security, and stronger community health.
These initiatives directly support the Northeast Agenda’s vision of resilient food systems, equitable access, and healthier communities across the region, as the collaborative efforts of land-grant university programs are leading to lasting change.
Connecticut
At the University of Connecticut (UConn) Extension, nutrition programs focus on helping families make healthy choices on limited budgets. Last year, UConn hosted 260 sessions for more than 3,000 individuals, totaling over 6,000 hours of engagement. School-based lessons and community workshops equip children and parents with practical tools such as meal planning, portion control, and label reading, while also emphasizing food waste reduction and cost-saving shopping strategies.
Delaware
Delaware State University and the University of Delaware work together to ensure nutrition education is serving urban and rural residents statewide. Efforts include cooking demonstrations with locally available foods, lessons tailored to cultural preferences, and strong partnerships with food pantries to improve access to healthier items.
District of Columbia
At the University of the District of Columbia, community nutrition efforts integrate urban agriculture with health education. Families learn to grow fresh produce in small spaces and pair gardening with lessons on preparing balanced meals. These programs strengthen self-reliance and connect residents to healthier food pathways in an urban environment.
Maine
The University of Maine’s community nutrition initiatives collaborate with small retailers to increase the availability of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Outreach extends into rural areas through health clinics, schools, and community centers, ensuring that families across the state have both access to and knowledge about healthy food choices. In one program, 90% of graduates improved dietary intake, including 82% improving food resource management practices and 72% improving physical activity behavior.
Maryland
Both the University of Maryland and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore deliver programs that reach children, parents, and older adults. Interactive lessons in schools and community sites emphasize meal preparation, food safety, and family nutrition. These efforts help Maryland residents build confidence in cooking skills and healthier eating habits.
Massachusetts
The University of Massachusetts is tackling food insecurity by embedding nutrition education in schools and after-school programs. Through engaging activities, cooking demonstrations, and family-focused workshops, children and caregivers gain lifelong skills to make affordable, nutritious meals. Last year, these programs reached 19,000 youth across the state.
New Hampshire
At the University of New Hampshire, educators bring hands-on nutrition education to schools and childcare centers. Activities teach children about healthy snacks, fruits, and vegetables while involving families in practical strategies to improve eating habits at home. A research project explored the hidden food security challenges of students with disabilities on college campuses. The research is informing ongoing policy and support system work on New Hampshire’s campuses to address the needs.
New Jersey
Rutgers Cooperative Extension works with schools, community groups, and faith-based organizations to deliver culturally responsive nutrition lessons. More than 25,000 residents participated in programs last year, with parents reporting greater confidence in cooking healthy meals and stretching food budgets. This inclusive approach empowers diverse communities with practical skills for long-term health.
New York
Cornell Cooperative Extension takes a statewide approach, providing nutrition education at farmers markets, food pantries, and schools. Programs emphasize making the most of local, seasonal produce while teaching families practical ways to prepare healthy meals and avoid food waste. Targeted efforts on Farm-To-School programs are one of many initiatives that are positively impacting health, nutrition, and food security for residents.
Pennsylvania
Penn State Extension builds partnerships with food pantries, community centers, and farmers’ markets to make healthy foods more accessible. More than 200 community sites collaborated last year, pairing access with nutrition lessons on preparing seasonal vegetables and stretching food dollars. These efforts foster stronger ties between family health and local agriculture. They also worked with farmers’ market vendors on increasing food safety.
Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island delivers nutrition programs through schools and healthcare partnerships, linking food education to community health initiatives. Lessons help families plan balanced meals on a budget while reinforcing the importance of supportive food environments in daily life.
Vermont
At the University of Vermont, nutrition initiatives engage children and families through gardening and cooking programs. These activities teach youth about food systems from soil to plate while equipping families with knowledge and skills to sustain healthy eating practices. Statewide, research and Extension programs are working together to develop healthier outcomes for Vermont residents, through new food workshops with kindergarteners to dance parties that encourage physical activity among youth.
West Virginia
West Virginia University and West Virginia State University bring nutrition education to schools and communities through programs that blend gardening, cooking, and food literacy. More than 3,600 youth were engaged last year in hands-on learning that builds lifelong healthy habits. By investing in youth and families, these efforts lay the foundation for healthier generations across the state.
A Regional Vision for Healthier Communities
Across the Northeast region, community nutrition programs collectively reach hundreds of thousands of residents annually, spanning schools, food pantries, healthcare sites, and community centers. Regional collaboration is leading to lasting change. By sharing knowledge, fostering local partnerships, and tailoring education to community needs, Land-grant universities are helping ensure families across the Northeast not only have access to food but also the skills to make choices that support long-term health and resilience.