Teaching refugees and immigrants skills to work in the food industry. Inspiring children and adults with developmental disabilities to try — and love — new fruits and vegetables. Connecting farmers in crisis to lifesaving resources like teletherapy services.

Every day, in communities across Michigan and beyond, MSU Extension’s health and nutrition staff makes the extraordinary possible, changing lives for the better. Learn more about our projects, programs, staff, and the work we do.

Articles

Local partnership brings life-changing diabetes education to Alma residents

Published on May 12, 2025
MSU Extension and the Lions Club partner to help a group of Gratiot County residents gain the tools and confidence they need to manage their health.
MSU Extension helps launch Michigan’s first-ever Mental Health First Aid Instructor Summit

Published on April 30, 2025
Attracting attendees from all across the state, the event gave MHFA instructors a chance to learn, network and celebrate.
Mandaamin Celebration unites community through corn traditions and wellness

Published on April 21, 2025
Presented by Bay Mills Health Center, Bay Mills Community College, and MSU Extension, the event showed how integrating cultural education and health promotion can foster a sense of community and resilience.
Community coaching for meaningful change

Published on April 10, 2025
MSU Extension SNAP-Ed and community partners leverage mini-grants for greater impact.
Need support for your new year’s wellness goals? Try MSU Extension’s new mindfulness resources

Published on January 21, 2025
MSU Extension’s newly launched Mindfulness for Better Living website features a wealth of information on stress reduction and mindfulness.
Matchmaking childcare providers and farmers: building connections for healthier futures

Published on December 19, 2024
Using local foods, gardening and hands-on food activities helps improve the quality of early childhood environments.
MSU Extension launches new work to prevent opioid misuse in rural Michigan

Published on December 2, 2024
The USDA NIFA Rural Health and Safety Education grant — around $350,000 — will support a three-year project addressing one of today’s most complex, pressing health challenges.
MSU Extension leaders reimagine the future of Extension and its impact on the nation’s health in new book

Published on November 15, 2024
Written and edited by passionate, visionary scholars, this newly published book envisions a bold future for Extension’s role in community-based healthcare.
How MSU Extension empowers home food producers

Published on August 26, 2024
Programs like Cottage Food Law and Preserving MI Harvest equip people with the tools and knowledge to safely preserve (and even sell!) their food products.
Connecting communities to health — virtually

Published on August 21, 2024
With its easy-to-use health program referral system, MSU Extension helps people find upcoming virtual classes in diabetes management, sleep education, and more — all within minutes.

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Videos

Bringing Physical Activity to the Classroom

Published on May 12, 2025

Jennifer Evenson is a Community Nutrition Instructor with Michigan State University Extension based in St. Clair County. As a Community Nutrition Instructor, Jennifer partners with community groups and schools, including East Shore Leadership Academy in Port Huron to provide classes on nutrition, health and physical activity.
School Nutrition Education in Action

Published on May 12, 2025

Candy Thick is a Community Nutrition Instructor with Michigan State University Extension based in Shiawassee County. As a Community Nutrition Instructor, Candy partners with community groups, including Leonard Elementary School to provide classes on nutrition, health, and physical activity.
Adult Transition Students Learn Nutrition and Cooking Skills

Published on April 25, 2025

MSU Extension community nutrition instructor, Vickie Pfeifer, teaches adult transition students nutrition basics and fundamental cooking skills.
Empowering Students with Nutrition Education and Food Access

Published on March 12, 2025

Michigan State University Extension community nutrition instructor Kendra Gibson collaborates with faculty and staff at Gateway 2 Success Academy to provide nutrition education and enhance food access.
Growing Healthy Eaters: A SNAP-Ed PSE Success Story

Published on December 10, 2024

How do local partners collaborate to strengthen fruit and vegetable access for preschoolers in Northern Michigan? Learn more in this SNAP-Ed success story video!