Critical Issues Addressed by NEP

Nutrition and Health

How UMass Extension addresses Nutrition and Health

Healthful lifestyle habits can lead to a longer and more productive life. Healthful eating and physical activity can help children achieve higher test scores in school, and reduce the harmful effects of obesity and chronic disease for all age groups. Fruit and vegetable consumption is a cornerstone of a healthful diet, and with the wide variety of agricultural products grown in Massachusetts, we can enjoy the benefits of our own resources for great taste, sustainable agriculture, and good health.

The Situation

Currently, Massachusetts has one of the highest rates of chronic illness nationwide, costing our state an estimated $34 billion per year for treatment and lost productivity. Medical costs for obesity in Massachusetts are about $1.8 billion annually. Foodborne illness also costs the U.S. economy billions of dollars each year in hospitalization, long term disability and death. Chronic disease, obesity, and foodborne illness are all largely preventable, especially when healthy lifestyle habits are formed early in life. UMass Extension addresses nutrition and health through a strategic foundation of innovative research, culturally relevant teaching, and effective partnerships. Through collaborations with UMass academic departments, statewide agencies and coalitions, and local organizations, our staff help culturally diverse families and children across the state adopt healthful lifestyles that are consistent with their preferences, cultures, and budgets. Hands-on learning builds practical skills in food selection, food preparation, safe food handling, and money-saving meals, and it promotes locally-grown Massachusetts produce.

Selected Projects

SPIN (Strength and Power in Nutrition)

This 8-week program teaches youth how to shop, save money, eat better and be more active. The program engages youth with art, music, and dance, to help them recognize the importance of good health.

The Pumpkin Post and Banana Beat (El Recaito and Sabrosito in Spanish)

These nationally recognized award-winning newsletters contain fun recipes, family food ideas, and stories for parents or caregivers of young children.

Nutrition Notes To Go

Designed for parents, this series of 12 English/Spanish newsletters provides monthly nutrition, food safety, and physical activity tips, plus recipes and best buys for seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Food Explorer

This series of 12 monthly full-color posters for children and English/Spanish parent handouts promotes fruit and vegetable consumption.

Choices: Steps Toward Health

Developed to improve the eating and physical activity habits of adults, this award-winning curriculum delivers its message through meaningful hands-on learning, food preparation and tasting.

Ensuring Local Safe Food

UMass faculty and Extension staff conduct food safety training programs that ensure that “Good Agricultural Practices” are followed by Massachusetts fruit, vegetable and livestock farmers for growing, handling and shipping of crops and products. Growers develop farm plans that ensure that food is safe and promote consumer confidence in the local food system.

The ServSafe Certification Program

Foodservice managers and workers acquire the knowledge and skills to improve food quality and reduce the incidence of foodborne illness through this program.

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)

This program helps small food processors develop and implement HACCP plans, and train personnel on good manufacturing practices, sanitation standard operating procedures, and regulatory compliance.

Massachusetts Food Equipment and Safety Training (FEAST)

FEAST is an educational effort that teaches food service employees safe food equipment operation and cleaning.

Priorities

1. Reduce the risk of obesity and chronic disease.
2. Help youth make healthful food choices.
3. Promote physical activity.
4. Improve food safety.