USU becomes first Utah school to join campaign to solve hunger

Young happy family with two kids having breakfast together

Utah State University recently became the first college in Utah to join an initiative that unites universities to work toward increasing food security.

The Presidents United to Solve Hunger (PUSH) campaign provides university presidents and students with resources they need to help commit their universities to a food-and-nutrition-secure world.

USU President Stan Albrecht signed the Presidents’ Commitment to Food and Nutrition Security and pledged to pursue activities that prioritize food and nutrition on campus, including research, teaching, outreach and student engagement.

Many research and outreach efforts related to hunger issues are already in place at USU, including USU Extension’s Food $ense program. The Food $ense program provides nutrition education to lower income families. Food $ense offers a variety of classes to expand participants’ knowledge of nutrition, budgeting, cooking, food safety and physical activity. The program connects participants with the knowledge and skills they need for continual access to safe and healthy foods.

“We are already working to fight hunger, and there is a lot more we can do,” said Heidi LeBlanc, director of the Food $ense program. “Joining PUSH will give us opportunities to unite and showcase what we do.”

LeBlanc said the PUSH campaign could allow students more internships, undergraduate research and international opportunities related to solving hunger issues through all disciplines.

“This can benefit individuals, students and families throughout Utah and beyond,” she said.

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