Description: USDA staff will kick off this webinar series celebrating Black History Month explaining the department’s investment in the new Agricultural Science Center for Excellence for Nutrition and Diet (ASCEND) for Better Health, which is a virtual center that brings together scientists, partner organizations, and communities to deliver science-based solutions that promote and elevate food and nutrition security for everyone in this country. USDA will also discuss the launch of the first USDA Nutrition Hub in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in partnership with Southern University. Using a structured panel discussion, USDA and Southern University panelists will share how listeners can engage in this work to combat diet-related chronic diseases in underserved communities. Attendees will be able to ask questions.
Intended Audience: NIFA stakeholders including academics, practitioners, and decision makers working to tackle food and nutrition insecurity using innovative multidisciplinary research, education, extension, and innovation.
Moderators: Sheila Fleischhacker, PhD, JD, RDN, National Science Liaison – Food Safety and Nutrition and NIFA Nutrition Security Team Co-Chair
USDA Panelists
- Mike Grusak, PhD, Senior Advisor for Precision Nutrition, USDA Research, Economics, and Education Mission Area
- Suzanne Stluka, PhD, RDN, LN, Deputy Director, USDA NIFA Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition
- Pamela Starke-Reed, Deputy Administrator, USDA Agricultural Research Service
- Joanne Guthrie, PhD, Research Nutritionist, USDA Economic Research Service
- Cynthia Parr, Technical Information Specialist, USDA National Agricultural Library
Southern University Panelists
- De’Shoin York, PhD, Vice Chancellor for Extension and Outreach, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
- Renita W. Marshall, DVM, Vice Chancellor for Academics and Student Support, Associate Dean, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
- Jose U. Toledo, PhD, Vice Chancellor for Research, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Webinar Team
- Matthew Browning, Public Affairs Specialist
- Danielle Farley, MS, NIFA Program Specialist, Division of Animal Systems, Institute of Food Production and Sustainability
- Sheila Fleischhacker, PhD, JD, RDN, NIFA National Science Liaison - Nutrition and Food Safety and NIFA Nutrition Security Team Co-Lead
- Amber Gellert, MA, NIFA Program Assistant, Division of Community and Education, Institute of Youth, Family, and Community
- Cassandra Huey, PhD, NIFA Program Specialist, Division of Community and Education, Institute of Youth, Family, and Community
- Stephanie Morris, PhD, NIFA Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition Date Analyst
- Shelly-Bright Manga, Pathway Intern
Relevant Resources
- USDA Food and Nutrition Security
- NIFA Food and Nutrition Security
- ASCEND for Better Health | Nutrition.gov
- USDA Launches Nutrition Hub to Combat Diet-Related Diseases in Underserved Communities | USDA
- USDA Research, Education, and Economics Resources (REE) | Nutrition.gov
- Welcome | USDA REE
- Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) | USDA
- ASCEND for Better Health – Building Healthier Communities Together (nutrition.gov)
- Youth Perspectives on Food, Nutrition, and Health, Washington, DC | Nutrition.gov
- Engagement | Nutrition.gov