The vital role of science, supported by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), cannot be overstated. AFRI programs enable the development of innovative technologies and cultivate a skilled workforce, enhancing national security and bolstering public health.
In a forward-looking move, the 2017 budget proposal proposed a comprehensive funding level of $700 million for AFRI, aligning with the funding authorized by Congress when AFRI was established as part of the 2008 Farm Bill.
Funding plays a pivotal role in NIFA’s efforts to allocate research, education, and extension grants aimed at boosting rural economies, amplifying food production, fostering the bioeconomy, addressing water availability, ensuring food safety and security, enhancing human nutrition, and preparing the next generation of agricultural professionals.
The recent Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 allocated $445.2 million for AFRI, highlighting the ongoing necessity for support in this vital area.
An inspiring example of proactive measures against food insecurity is the “Abriendo Caminos” (Clearing the Path) program at the University of Illinois, which received a $926,000 AFRI grant in March 2016.
This initiative directly confronts food insecurity and its associated challenges.
Alarmingly, the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) reports that 30 percent of Hispanic households with children face food insecurity, highlighting the urgent need for nutritious food options.
Families participating in the Abriendo Caminos program have shared their struggles with limited access to affordable fresh produce in local supermarkets, making it difficult to prepare nutritious meals.
Community impact is at the heart of this initiative, with the University of Illinois Extension training a dedicated group of lay health educators to advance health and well-being support further.
Dr. Angela Wiley, an extension specialist with the University of Illinois Extension, emphasized the value of shared family mealtimes: “Abriendo Caminos promotes the idea that families who eat together generally have better nutrition.”
Research supports this notion, revealing that families who share at least three meals weekly can reduce the likelihood of unhealthy eating by 20 percent and increase healthy food consumption by 24 percent.
The six-week curriculum focuses on fostering family engagement in meal preparation, making healthy choices, exercising, and enjoying physical activities, including traditional folk dancing.
These multifaceted efforts aim to strengthen the bond between strong family relationships and healthy eating—essential elements in the vital quest to combat childhood obesity, as Dr. Wiley highlights.
The work done through the Abriendo Caminos program brings hope and tangible change in the community, reinforcing the vital connection between nutrition, family, and overall well-being. Together, we can create a healthier and more resilient future!
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