Health & Nutrition

Michigan State University Extension is here to support all the ways we can all live healthier lives and build healthier communities, by bringing the vast knowledge and resources of MSU directly to individuals, communities, and businesses. Read more about our work in our annual impact reports, or visit our Food & Health website.

Empowering Michiganders to Build Healthy Futures

Published on March 10, 2025
At MSU Extension, we know that when Michiganders are empowered, they transform their communities for the better. Discover the extraordinary work we took on in 2024, and how we helped people in communities like yours to build healthy futures.

Protecting the health of Michigan’s residents through vaccine education

Published on October 10, 2024
The Michigan Vaccine Project was a three-year statewide outreach campaign helping Michiganders access trusted, science-based information to make vaccination decisions. Learn about this incredible work in our project impact report.
Transforming Lives Through Health & Nutrition Education

Published on March 8, 2024
Throughout 2023, MSU Extension's health and nutrition staff worked tirelessly, undertaking innovative projects and helping change communities — throughout the state and beyond. Learn more about their incredible impact in our annual report.

Making an Impact Through Health and Nutrition

Published on April 10, 2023
Discover the extraordinary impacts MSU Extension's health and nutrition staff had in 2022, and the millions of people helped by our content, programs and resources.
Supporting Michigan's Agriculture Community

Published on March 8, 2023
Combining farm business management expertise with mental and behavioral health expertise, MSU Extension's innovative farm stress management programming supports the mental health needs of those working in the agriculture industry.

Empowering Michiganders to Lead Healthier Lives Through Nutrition & Physical Activity Education

Published on June 23, 2022
Through MSU Extension's programming, Michiganders gained knowledge about nutrition and healthy foods, physical activity, and reduced their food insecurity.
Using Evidence-Based Outreach & Education to Prevent Opioid Misuse

Published on June 7, 2022
Michigan State University Extension’s opioid misuse prevention and education programming centers around a message that recovery is rarely a straight line, but is possible.
Managing Chronic Conditions and Preventing Falls

Published on June 7, 2022
As a result of MSU Extension’s disease management and falls prevention programming, participants learned to: prevent and manage their chronic health conditions, prevent falls, improve communication and increase their knowledge of healthy eating.
Helping Farmers Connect to Support Resources

Published on June 7, 2022
MSU Extension is committed to supporting agricultural professionals and their families as they make their way through tough times.
Helping Reduce Stress & Manage Mental Health

Published on June 7, 2022
Through evidence based education, people can learn to manage the stressors in their life and improve their well-being.
Educating Michigan About Safe Food Practices

Published on June 7, 2022
Safe and properly prepared food can prevent foodborne illness, thus reducing healthcare costs and improving overall health and well-being.

Supporting Individuals, Families and Communities in Michigan through Nutrition and Physical Activity Education

Published on June 8, 2021
Through MSU Extension’s nutrition and physical activity programming, Michigan adults, families and children gained crucial knowledge about nutrition and healthy foods, increased their daily physical activity and reduced their food insecurity.
Preventing Opioid Misuse in Michigan through Evidence-Based Strategies

Published on June 8, 2021
Through MSU Extension’s opioid misuse and prevention programming, Michigan residents and healthcare providers alike gained crucial knowledge about preventing opioid misuse and understanding the signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder.
Helping Michiganders with Mental Health and Stress Reduction

Published on June 8, 2021
As a result of MSU Extension’s social-emotional health programming, adults across Michigan learned how to manage their anger, reduce stress, thrive as informal caregivers, practice mindfulness and strengthen their understanding of mental health crises.
Educating the Public on Safe Food Practices

Published on June 8, 2021
As a result of MSU Extension’s food safety and food preservation programming, adults learned how to reduce their risk of illness when preparing food and to preserve food safely.
Meeting Farm Stress Needs with Tools, Resources and Education

Published on June 8, 2021
Agricultural professionals and their families face unique mental health challenges and often have limited access to mental health providers. Educational programs can help strengthen knowledge of mental health.
Preventing and Managing Diabetes and other Chronic Health Conditions

Published on June 7, 2021
As a result of MSU Extension’s chronic health and diabetes programming successfully transitioning to an online platform, 968 participants learned to manage chronic health conditions.

Preventing and Managing Diabetes and Chronic Health Conditions

Published on July 20, 2020
As a result of MSU Extension’s chronic health and diabetes prevention and management programming, adults across Michigan took better control over their chronic conditions.
Combating the Opioid Crisis through Outreach and Education

Published on July 20, 2020
Over 130 people die every day from opioid overdose in the United States, and nearly 3 in 4 of Michigan’s overdose deaths are attributable to opioids.
Creating Healthy Habits Through Nutrition and Physical Activity

Published on July 20, 2020
Through MSU Extension’s nutrition and physical activity programming, Michigan adults, families and children gained crucial knowledge about nutrition and healthy foods, increased their physical activity and reduced their food insecurity.
Encouraging Healthy Aging by Preventing Falls

Published on July 20, 2020
Participants in evidence-based falls prevention programming such as A Matter of Balance and Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention increased their knowledge of falls prevention strategies and increased their ratings of their own general health.
Supporting Mental Health & Reducing Stress

Published on July 20, 2020
As a result of MSU Extension’s social-emotional health programming, children and adults across Michigan learned how to manage anger, reduce stress, practice mindfulness and strengthen their families’ and communities’ understanding.
Helping Farmers & Agricultural Professionals Manage Stress

Published on July 20, 2020
Through MSU Extension’s farm stress programming, farmers, their families and agricultural professionals alike learned stress management techniques, about resources to get through tough times, ways to communicate with farmers under stress and more.
Preventing Foodborne Illness and Ensuring a Safer Food Supply

Published on July 20, 2020
MSU Extension offers users the opportunity to understand safe food practices and reduce the opportunity of foodborne illness.