NEED News

Story created by the Northeast Communicators Network As food prices rise and access to healthy options remains uneven, families across the Northeast continue to face mounting challenges tied to food security, chronic disease and limited nutrition knowledge. Barriers to healthy eating that can affect both immediate well-being and long-term health outcomes heighten these pressures.

Written by Stacey Sterns, University of Connecticut and the Northeast Communicators Network Extension and research partnerships spark entrepreneurship, revitalize rural economies, and create lasting change across the region.

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.

Article written by Stacey Sterns, UConn Extension In the densely populated Northeast, urban agriculture is becoming essential for creating resilient, sustainable food systems. Through innovative research, community engagement, and educational outreach, regional universities are making strides to support urban agriculture initiatives that address food security, environmental sustainability, and economic development. This focus aligns with the […]

Article by Stacey Stearns, UConn Extension Amber Guillemette, an Eastern Connecticut resident, couldn’t understand why she was tired and achy all the time in the mid-2000s. As a younger, fit person, it just didn’t make sense. But she easily explained away her symptoms by the increased stress at school. Then, a routine doctor visit and […]

Introduction Land-grant universities in the Northeast are driving innovation in sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate adaptation. Through research, Extension education, and community engagement, institutions such as Cornell University, the University of Vermont, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Connecticut are fostering resilient food systems while enhancing environmental sustainability. Their work supports farmers, strengthens […]

Article by Stacey Stearns, UConn Extension Ensuring a Future for Pollinators and Agriculture in the Northeast Pollinators are the unsung heroes of our food system, ensuring the production of fruits, vegetables, and countless other crops. Yet, habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide exposure are threatening their survival. Across the Northeast, Land-grant universities are leading innovative […]

Article by Stacey Stearns, UConn Extension Across the Northeast’s many landscapes—stretching from coastal watersheds to forested hillsides—land-grant institutions are leading collaborative efforts to protect natural resources and promote environmental resilience. Through science-based conservation, innovative land management, and community partnerships, these universities are fulfilling their shared mission to ensure a regenerative, livable, and vibrant region for […]

Article by Stacey Stearns, UConn Extension Land-grant institutions lead the charge in translating nutrition science into real-world impact for diverse communities. In a region known for its dense population and vibrant communities, addressing food insecurity and nutrition disparities is both urgent and complex. From rural towns in New Hampshire to urban centers in Connecticut and […]