NSF Engines Development Award: Advancing Food Security and Climate Resilience (MS)

On September 28, 2022, the White House released its strategic plan on Ending Hunger, Improving Nutrition and Physical Activity, and Reducing Diet-Related Diseases and Disparities. As noted by the White House, “Millions of Americans are afflicted with food insecurity and diet-related diseases… Lack of access to healthy, safe, and affordable food, and to safe outdoor spaces, contributes to hunger, diet-related diseases, and health disparities. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges further.”

Mississippi is the most food insecure state in the country and second most food insecure state for children. Research has shown that poor nutritional health stemming from food insecurity, such as residing in a food desert or food swamp, leads to intergenerational health disparities that contribute to a high incidence of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.

The Sustainable Innovation Ecosystem (SIE) Food Industry Development Award will help address the five pillars of the White House strategic plan:

1. Improve Food Access and Affordability,
2. Integrate Nutrition and Health,
3. Empower All Consumers to Make and Have Access to Healthy Choices,
4. Support Physical Activity for All,
5. Enhance Nutrition and Food Security Research.

The vision is to create an innovative ecosystem that improves health and nutrition, reduces poverty, creates a diverse talent pool of skilled technical workers, and improves economic diversity and resilience.