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In the United States, 1 in 6 Americans or 15.8 percent lack access to adequate amounts of healthy foods, including 21.4 percent of U.S. children. The problem is even greater in Florida where 17 percent of adults and 26.7 percent of children are food insecure. Duval County has one of the highest rates of food insecurity for the state at 20.1 percent of all adults. The consequences of food insecurity are profound. In children that don't have access to enough healthy food, research has shown more difficulty in learning, behavioral issues, depression and anxiety, and higher rates of obesity. Adults that don't have access to enough healthy foods have more mental health issues, obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

The Center for Nutrition and Food Security (CNFS) serves as a gateway to the University for non-profit Agencies, government programs, professional organizations, and industry personnel by exploring solutions to food insecurity and malnutrition. 

Center Mission:

At the Center for Nutrition and Food Security, we are dedicated to advancing food access and nutritional health through collaborative efforts that inspire transformational learning and foster community engagement. By providing impactful educational opportunities and supporting innovative research, we aim to empower students and professionals to make a positive, lasting impact on nutritional health and quality of life. Our commitment to nutrition enriches lives and contributes to the overall well-being and prosperity of Northeast Florida and beyond. 

Vision Statement of the Center for Nutrition and Food Safety:

The Center for Nutrition and Food Security aspires to be a leading force in advancing food access and nutritional health to those in need. 

Our Values:

At the Center for Nutrition and Food Security, our values guide our commitment to enhancing food access and nutritional health. We are dedicated to: 

• Accountability: We uphold a responsibility to our community and stakeholders, ensuring transparency in all our initiatives and collaborations. 

• Integrity: We conduct our work with honesty and ethical principles, fostering trust and respect in every interaction. 

• Excellence: We strive for the highest standards in our educational programs, research, and partnerships, aiming to achieve impactful and innovative solutions. 

• Civility: We engage with others respectfully and inclusively, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. 

• Culture of Care: We are dedicated to promoting well-being through compassionate and empathetic approaches, addressing the needs of individuals and communities. 

• Innovation: We embrace creativity and forward-thinking strategies to overcome challenges and drive progress.  

• Collaboration: We build strong partnerships and connections among students, faculty, professionals, and organizations, working together to create sustainable solutions and advance our shared goals. 

These values reflect who we are as an institution and as individuals, guiding our efforts to make a meaningful impact on food security and nutritional health. 

Our Goals:

The goals of the CNFS are:

1. provide transformational learning opportunities for students on food security and health;
2. foster internal and external linkages among faculty and professionals engaged in addressing food access, food security, and nutritional health;
3. assist in developing applied teaching and research on food security and nutritional health;
4. acquire support for food access and nutritional health education and research;
5. and serve as a liaison to external organizations on food security and nutritional health.

Contact Us

Please contact us at cnfs@unf.edu