Think Tanks
USF Centers and Institutes
The USF Future of Food Think Tank, in partnership with the USF Microbiomes Institute, USF Center for the Advancement of Food Security and Healthy Communities (CAFSHC), and USF Food Sovereignty Initiative, brings together expertise from across USF to collaboratively advance interdisciplinary research and education on microbiomes, food security, and sustainable practices, and foster healthier communities and ecosystems through innovative projects and public engagement.
The USF Microbiomes Institute is a research initiative dedicated to integrating interdisciplinary studies on microbiomes across diverse fields, such as soil, water, plants, animals, food, and human health. It fosters collaboration through transdisciplinary projects, combining education, research, and partnerships with industry to advance microbiome science. The institute hosts international conferences to address global challenges related to microbiomes and biodiversity, bringing together experts from academia, industry, and intergovernmental organizations. It comprises collaborative working groups that focus on ecosystems, AI-powered microbiome characterization, soil degradation solutions, public education, and advocacy for integrating microbiome research into health policies. Flagship programs investigate microbiomes' roles in aging and health, as well as their impact on sustainable practices like regenerative agriculture. The Institute emphasizes public engagement through webinars, hands-on activities, and mentorships, while advocating for microbiome inclusion in One Health frameworks and policy making aligned with sustainable development goals.
The USF Metropolitan Food Project (MFP), a featured initiative of the USF Microbiomes Institute, brings together a diverse team of soil ecology, marine biology, and human health and nutrition experts from colleges across the USF system, centered on the connections between the biodiversity of soil, oceans, and human microbiomes and their direct and indirect effects on the environment and human health. Its goals include establishing a regenerative farm, hosting workshops and conferences, and engaging with global partners to advance education and outreach. Through its transdisciplinary research and outreach efforts, the MFP aims to foster sustainable local food systems, educate communities, and influence policies on soil stewardship and regenerative agriculture while addressing critical regional challenges like diet-related chronic diseases.
USF Center for the Advancement of Food Security and Healthy Communities
The USF Center for the Advancement of Food Security and Healthy Communities (CAFSHC), under the College of Arts and Sciences, aims to transform conversations about hunger, food insecurity, and food sovereignty. Their mission focuses on using research and education to foster healthier communities, starting in Tampa Bay and extending beyond.
CAFSHC has spearheaded transformative initiatives including a Food Prescription Program, which integrates "food as medicine" into healthcare in collaboration with Evara Health and Feeding Tampa Bay, and the Urban Garden Program, which fosters local agricultural practices in East Tampa. CAFSHC has also studied home food delivery systems, created diabetes self-management courses tailored for older adults during the pandemic, and assessed food insecurity among community college students. Additional efforts involve school gardening projects to teach agricultural science and improve nutrition in communities, the Health Buddies program providing tailored meals and social support for seniors, and research on the relationship between gut microbiome and food security.
Food Sovereignty Initiative
The USF Food Sovereignty Initiative is dedicated to advancing the principles of food sovereignty by empowering communities to produce and consume their own culturally meaningful food. The initiative emphasizes local communities鈥� use of resources such as land, water, and seeds, promoting sustainable and ecologically sound practices through agroecology. As 91社区's leading research network for food sovereignty, the initiative conducts original research, publishes reviews, hosts conferences, and encourages community engagement on urban food systems. Through various grants and partnerships, the initiative supports innovative projects like the development of a Food Sovereignty Toolkit, which empowers communities to envision and implement solutions for healthy food access. Programs like the Healthy 22nd Street Initiative and the St. Pete Youth Farm focus on organic gardening, community events, and education to strengthen local food systems and empower residents. Additionally, the initiative engages in interfaith dialogue, academic research, and course development to create a comprehensive approach to food sovereignty. By fostering collaboration between researchers, local leaders, and community partners, the initiative bridges the gap between academic scholarship and practical applications, striving for healthier food systems.