Family and Community Health

StrongPeople builds culture of health among older adults

Older adults in Oregon face several health challenges, including chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and hypertension. Many older adults have mobility challenges due to muscle weakness, joint pain and low ...

Jan 2025 | Impact Story

‘Library of Things’ food preservation collections benefit Oregonians

Food preservation is a popular hobby in Oregon, but it is also an important way that households can lower their food budget, reduce food waste and enjoy seasonal delicacies year-round. Particularly in rural areas, where grocery ...

Jan 2025 | Impact Story

OSU Extension enhances mental health support for rural Oregonians

Farmers and ranchers face overwhelming stress from market fluctuations, crop failures, unpredictable weather, injuries and other setbacks, leading to depression and, too often, suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and ...

Jan 2025 | Impact Story

Stinging nettle publication uplifts importance of Indigenous ‘superfood’

Stinging nettle is a plant that can sting and cause welts, but when the sting is removed a traditional “superfood” emerges. Native Indigenous peoples have gathered stinging nettles since time immemorial. They can be used ...

Dec 2024 | Impact Story

Extension educates Oregonians to prepare for massive earthquake, tsunami

Scientists predict there is about a 37% chance that an earthquake of at least 8.0 magnitude will strike off the Pacific Northwest coast in the next 50 years. When it occurs, the historic temblor and resulting tsunami will ...

Nov 2024 | Impact Story

Elementary AgFest teaches Marion County students about local food system

Farm-to-school programs provide nutrition education, access to local foods, and agricultural education, serving families inside and outside the classroom. Classrooms that participate in farm-to-school programs such as farm field trips, ...

Aug 2024 | Impact Story

OSU facilitation of teacher-led Growing Healthy Kids program expands reach of farm-to-school concepts

Farm-to-school educational opportunities have been shown to result in positive impacts on young people, including introducing them to creative ways of learning about how to grow their own food and understanding a local food system....

Aug 2024 | Impact Story

Be Well Project helps Oregonians learn about contaminants in their well water

Approximately 25% of private wells in the United States that are used for drinking water contain contaminants that are known to increase the risk of chronic diseases. Arsenic and nitrate are the most frequently detected ...

Jul 2024 | Impact Story

Culturally respectful food preservation program builds trust in Warm Springs

Oregon State University Extension Service’s traditional foods preservation program at its office in the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs community has been a highly desired and appreciated program for decades. It has focused on...

Apr 2024 | Impact Story

OSU Extension Seed to Supper offers resources for growing food on a budget

Seed to Supper is a free, comprehensive, six-week beginning gardening course that was co-created by the Oregon Food Bank and the Oregon State University Extension Service. Seed to Supper focuses on serving communities who have ...

Apr 2024 | Impact Story