Food Access

Ensuring Communities Have Access to Healthy Food

volunteer handing out grocery to elderly woman

A strong food system is one where everyone has access to safe, nutritious and affordable food. Food access is about making sure individuals and families—regardless of income, location or background—can obtain the foods they need to live healthy, active lives.

Through community partnerships, education programs and research, the University of Nevada supports efforts to reduce food insecurity, expand access to fresh foods and strengthen community food networks across the state.

Our programs work with families, educators, farmers, community leaders and organizations to increase access to healthy food while promoting knowledge and skills that support long-term food security.

Programs That Expand Food Access

University Extension programs provide education, resources and hands-on learning opportunities that help communities improve access to nutritious foods.

Key initiatives include:

Community gardens that help neighborhoods grow fresh fruits and vegetables locally
Nutrition education programs that help families stretch food budgets while making healthy choices
Youth programs that encourage children to try new fruits and vegetables and learn where food comes from
Food preservation education that helps families store and use foods year-round
Organic farming training that supports local food production and sustainable growing practices
Food security and hunger prevention programs that connect communities with food resources
Indigenous food sovereignty initiatives that support culturally important foods and traditional food systems

These programs help communities build knowledge, strengthen local food networks and improve access to healthy food.

Supporting Families Through Nutrition Education

Several Extension programs focus specifically on helping families access and prepare healthy foods.
Programs such as nutrition education for families, youth gardening initiatives and food skills training help participants learn:

How to prepare healthy meals on a budget
Ways to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into daily meals
Safe food storage and preparation practices
Gardening techniques that make fresh food more accessible
Skills for lifelong healthy eating habits

By combining education with hands-on experiences, these programs empower individuals and families to make informed food choices.

Research That Improves Food Access

Researchers with the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station study the challenges that affect food access and food security in Nevada’s urban and rural communities. Current research helps address:

Barriers that limit access to healthy foods
Food deserts and geographic challenges to food distribution
Nutrition education strategies that improve dietary habits
Community-based food systems and local food networks
Culturally relevant food systems and Indigenous food sovereignty

This research provides the evidence needed to develop effective programs and policies that improve food access statewide.

Publications and Resources

Our Food Access Publication Library provides research-based information for community leaders, agencies, educators and families. Topics include:

Food security and hunger prevention
Community food systems
Nutrition education and healthy eating
Community gardening and local food production
Food preservation and household food management
Strategies for improving access to healthy foods

These resources help communities develop solutions that ensure healthy food is available and accessible for everyone.

Building Stronger, Healthier Communities

Access to healthy food supports stronger communities, better health outcomes and more resilient food systems. By working with community partners, agencies and local leaders, our programs help ensure that all Nevadans have opportunities to access nutritious food and the knowledge needed to maintain healthy diets.