Think Tanks
USF Colleges
USF excels in food-related research through its interdisciplinary approach, with the USF Future of Food Think Tank integrating expertise from 11 different colleges and various fields to address complex issues of food security, nutrition, and health.
Key areas of research include nutritional assessment, food insecurity, obesity, chronic disease, and the impact of nutrition on health conditions such as HIV/AIDS. Through the trailblazing impact of the USF Microbiomes Institute, within USF Health, the university is involved in global health initiatives, microbiome studies, and the effects of infectious diseases on nutrition, while partnerships with the USF Center for the Advancement of Food Security and Healthy Communities (CAFSHC) and USF Food Sovereignty Initiative drive impactful research and community programs that address food insecurity and empower local communities through education, healthcare integration, and innovative projects in sustainable agriculture practices.
Sustainable tourism, consumer culture, food consumption practices, gardening, food marketing, and the impact of food advertising are other key research areas. Faculty explore the intersection of food culture, sustainability, and language, alongside agroecology, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable food systems, while also placing emphasis on childhood obesity through community nutrition education and program evaluation
USF leverages its extensive resources and expertise to address critical issues in nutrition, health, sustainability, and food sovereignty, making significant contributions to the field of food research.