What We Do
UF/IFAS is leading a cross-college Food is Medicine Initiative leveraging UF’s world-class agricultural research, Extension network, and clinical and nutrition sciences programs to transform human health and support healthier communities.
Overview
The University of Florida’s Food is Medicine (FiM) Initiative is an interdisciplinary effort advancing scalable, evidence-based approaches that integrate food, nutrition, agriculture, and healthcare. The initiative brings together experts in agricultural research, clinical practice, Extension, and community-based programming to improve health outcomes and strengthen food and nutrition security.
Through collaborative research and real-world application, the initiative seeks to develop and translate innovative strategies that prevent and manage diet-related chronic disease while supporting more resilient and equitable food systems.
The Food is Medicine Initiative at the University of Florida is grounded in a shared commitment to advancing health through nutrition. Our mission, vision, and goals guide our work across research, practice, and partnerships.
Mission
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is leading a cross-college Food is Medicine (FiM) Initiative that leverages UF’s strengths in agricultural research, Extension, clinical care, and nutrition science to transform human health and support healthier communities.
Vision
A future where integrated food, agriculture, and healthcare systems work together to advance health, prevent disease, and promote well-being for all.
Strategic Goals
- Transform the food landscape to prevent and manage diet-related disease
- Improve access, availability, and implementation of effective Food is Medicine programs, including produce prescriptions
- Harness innovation, including artificial intelligence and precision breeding, to design foods that meet personalized, market-driven needs
- Ensure interventions are evidence-based and culturally responsive, tailored to diverse dietary, cultural, and clinical needs
- Translate research into actionable solutions that improve population health through nutrition
- Build cross-sector partnerships that integrate food systems, nutrition, and healthcare
The University of Florida is uniquely positioned to serve as a regional anchor and national leader in Food is Medicine innovation and translation. UF’s breadth and strength across agriculture, health, nutrition, and related disciplines enable it to integrate discovery, clinical care, and community implementation at scale through its land-grant mission.
Home to more than 200 engaged scholars, UF brings together research, teaching, Extension, and outreach to advance FiM across disciplines. Key strengths include:
- Ranked #1 nationally in Agricultural and Natural Resources R&D (NSF HERD)
- World-leading faculty in plant breeding and horticultural sciences, with a history of national leadership in innovation and royalties
- Highly regarded UF/IFAS Extension system that translates research into community impact across all 67 Florida counties
- Statewide UF/IFAS and UF Health research and training centers that bridge basic, applied, and clinical sciences
- Presence in one of the nation’s largest and rapidly growing states, offering year-round opportunities for FiM research and implementation across rural and urban communities
Together, UF’s integrated academic medical center, research enterprise, and Extension network create a powerful infrastructure for connecting food systems, nutrition science, and healthcare delivery. This enables rapid translation of research into practice and supports scalable, evidence-based solutions that improve health outcomes and strengthen food and nutrition security.
The UF Food is Medicine Initiative is supported by a multidisciplinary network of leaders, advisors, and affiliates spanning research, education, Extension, healthcare, and community engagement. Together, these individuals advance innovative Food is Medicine solutions across UF and beyond.
Our network includes a Leadership Team, Advisory Committee, and more than 200 Affiliates representing 12 colleges across the University of Florida, reflecting the breadth of expertise and collaboration that drives the initiative.
Reach out to the UF Food is Medicine team via email at foodismedicine@ifas.ufl.edu.
