The New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station (NHAES) at the University of New Hampshire recently published its latest issue of the INSPIRED research report, which delves into various aspects of food markets, nutrition, and community dynamics, addressing challenges and offering insights into demographic changes, consumer behaviors, and policy effectiveness. The issue provides insights about the significance of these topics to New Hampshire—a state with a dynamic economy and shifting demographics—highlighting the importance of adapting to changing food markets and
understanding the diverse nutritional needs of the state’s diverse populations.
“Resilient food systems are a core of sustainable lives and livelihoods in our state and our region, and central to UNH’s land-grant mission is ensuring the success of these systems,” said Anton Bekkerman, director of the NHAES. “As our population’s demographics change and new challenges and opportunities for our food systems emerge, our world-class researchers are there to make scientific discoveries and offer innovative solutions to ensure that our farms remain viable and that everyone has access to plentiful, nutritious food.”
Highlighting Diverse Research Areas
The research in this latest issue of INSPIRED sheds light on key findings that enhance our comprehension of both producers and consumers within New Hampshire's dynamic food systems. Scientists whose work contributed to the report explored the expansion of public engagement in alternative food networks and the development of stronger connections between New England farmers and large retailers through values-based supply chains. Moreover, they considered how issues of food insecurity, especially among college students with disabilities, are affecting the state’s population, as well as demonstrating the need to adapt to changing state demographics for ensuring equitable food access. The adaptation will be critical to better understand and use science to provide guidance regarding the intricate interplay among food, dietary habits, and the gut microbiome—an interplay that’s discussed in this issue’s research briefs as well.
Each research article in this issue of INSPIRED offers a snapshot of the rigorous science and practical takeaways that can empower our food producers and systems to become more resilient and can enable our policymakers and non-profit organizations to be more successful in supporting some of our most vulnerable and changing populations—ultimately highlighting how scientific discoveries have the ability to strengthen the Granite State.
Engaging with the Full Report
We invite readers to explore these compelling studies in detail. The full digital version of the INSPIRED: Food Markets, Nutrition and Community Dynamics report is available for download.
You can also stay informed about future editions and more by signing up for the NHAES newsletter.
