The Food Access, Research and Engagement Partnership at UMass Amherst is comprised of several campus departments, centers and initiatives.
Center for Agriculture
With major funding from the USDA, the Center for Agriculture integrates the research, applied education and outreach work in agriculture, food systems and natural resources at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The center is the contemporary standard bearer of the university’s land-grant origins and provides a link to the vibrant agricultural business sector in the state. It brings together programs from Stockbridge School of Agriculture, UMass Extension and the Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station. The center is a portal through which individuals, industries and agencies connect with scientists and educators. The center focuses on such issues as food security and farm systems, climate change, sustainable energy, food safety and functionality, obesity, agricultural economic development, youth development, and environmental stewardship.
Center for Public Policy and Administration
The Center for Public Policy and Administration (CPPA) is the hub of interdisciplinary public policy research, teaching and engagement at UMass Amherst. CPPA was the 2011 recipient of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration’s Social Equity Award, which honors a public administration, affairs or policy program with a comprehensive approach to integrating social equity into its academic and practical work. CPPA’s work in the areas of food access, food justice and food policy derives from this comprehensive approach. CPPA offers a two-year master of public policy and administration that enables students to develop a food science policy specialization, as well as a three-year dual degree program with the School of Public Health and Health Sciences.
Department of Food Science/College of Natural Sciences
Recently ranked the top food science Ph.D. program in the United States by the National Research Council, the Department of Food Science is the oldest food science department in the nation and the major academic center for food science in New England. Its mission is to conduct research and train students in studying and applying science and technology to further basic knowledge, add value, foster economic development, and provide a safe, healthful and high quality food supply. The research emphases in the department are physical-chemical properties for food quality and function, food safety, foods for health and wellness, and food science policy. The department has also forged strategic research alliances with industry. The department offers degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels.
Department of Nutrition/School of Public Health and Health Sciences
The Department of Nutrition within the School of Public Health and Health Sciences (SPHHS) offers excellence and innovation in teaching, research and outreach by applying a scientific foundation that addresses nutritional needs of individuals and diverse populations. The department is among the most comprehensive nutrition departments in New England, offering training at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, along with dietetic internship experiences and off-campus outreach and education. The department’s award-winning faculty conduct research on such nutritional challenges as obesity, food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies, and the nutritionists they train work in hospitals, communities and other organizations throughout the world.
Stockbridge School of Agriculture
The Stockbridge School of Agriculture specializes in environmentally conscious and socially responsible management of plant, soil and animal systems. The Sustainable Food and Farming concentration allows students who are interested in the social, political and scientific issues of sustainable agriculture and food systems to seek a broad exposure to this discipline in the liberal arts tradition. This academic program helps to prepare students for careers with small, organic and community farms, non-profit advocacy and policy agencies, government organizations, and food and farm related educational institutions. Stockbridge offers degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as significant experiential learning opportunities through internships and independent study. In addition to the Bachelor of Science degree, the school offers a two-year Associate of Science degree for students pursuing careers in agricultural and green businesses. Stockbridge has earned a reputation for providing a quality education that integrates applied techniques and academic knowledge, following a “learn by doing” philosophy that has guided the school since its inception in 1918.
Office of Civic Engagement and Service-Learning
The Office of Civic Engagement and Service-Learning (CESL) coordinates engaged learning on the UMass Amherst campus, connecting students, faculty and community organizations in ways that support UMass’ land-grant mission and its status as a Carnegie Foundation Community-Engaged University. CESL supports the university’s public service and engagement in two ways: By engaging students in a curriculum that includes significant public work, it prepares them for lives of active and engaged citizenship; at the same time, it deploys the creative energy of students and faculty to address critical needs in our region, the state, and beyond. CESL supports faculty working to incorporate service learning into their classes; coordinates the Citizen Scholars Program (for leadership development) and off-campus student service-learning opportunities; helps to oversee the new Certificate in Civic Education and Public Service; and supports numerous other community-engaged projects.
UMass Amherst Campus Sustainability Initiative
The UMass Amherst Campus Sustainability Initiative was created in recognition of the university’s role as a leader in sustainable development for the community, the state and the nation. The initiative helps to foster innovative ideas and technologies that produce a healthier and more responsible environment; educates the campus community about sustainable practices; and develops progressive solutions to reduce harmful environmental impacts in ways that are economically viable. In recognition of its accomplishments in areas such as energy and water conservation, transportation and composting, UMass was recently awarded a gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. The campus’ student-led permaculture garden was also a 2012 winner of the White House “Campus Champions of Change Challenge.”
Western Massachusetts Public Health Training Center
Supported by a four-year, $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Western Massachusetts Public Health Training Center is designed to assist communities in Springfield, Holyoke, Pittsfield and the Berkshires through: 1) workforce development training programs for front-line community health workers in local community health centers; 2) up to 30 student interns annually assisting in community health centers and programs; and 3) grant funding for community health projects and centers. The center will benefit communities by establishing a model of health, wellness and prevention programs to help fight diabetes and other chronic diseases. A project of the UMass Amherst School of Public Health and Health Services, community partners include the CHP Neighborhood Health Center, the Holyoke Health Center and the Mason Square Neighborhood Health Center.