UK to Offer Certificate in Food Systems and Hunger Studies

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 28, 2018) — University of Kentucky students can now receive a certificate in Food Systems and Hunger Studies.

The undergraduate certificate is offered by the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and is open to any undergraduate UK student, regardless of major.

“Students completing the certificate will have the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide thoughtful and impactful strategies to promote a sustainable food system and to fight hunger and related issues,” said Tammy Stephenson, director of the certificate program and an associate professor in the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition. “The certificate can be tailored toward the major and career goals of each student, and all students will participate in hands-on activities on campus and in the community that address food systems, food security poverty and/or related issues.”

To receive the certificate, students must complete 12 hours of coursework that includes food systems and sustainable agriculture, hunger, food behavior and the environment. Through a cross-disciplinary approach, students will learn about the impact of food systems on food security, hunger and the overall health and well-being of a community and apply that knowledge to develop strategies to help end hunger.

In addition to Stephenson, Krista Jacobsen, associate professor in the Department of Horticulture, and Amanda Hege, director of community outreach for the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, coordinate and teach courses as part of the certificate program.

“Globally, 795 million people do not have enough food to lead a healthy and active life and more than 750,000 Kentuckians are food insecure,” Jacobsen said. “There is a dire need for those from diverse backgrounds to have the knowledge and experience to address issues related to food insecurity, which includes promoting a sustainable food system.”

Interested UK undergraduate students pursuing any major can receive more information and enroll online at https://hunger.ca.uky.edu/.