The University of Southern Mississippi is one of six universities involved in the project. The goal is to develop one or more interventions for improved health and nutrition. The grant has allowed USM College of Health and Human Sciences professors and students to talk with community leaders in the 36 counties, including 14 in Mississippi, about nutrition problems and resources available locally. Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas delta communities are the project's targeted population due to the high poverty level in their rural areas.
High poverty results in a higher incidence of obesity, hypertension and other nutritional problems.
The Delta Nutrition Project is in its fourth year of assessment. The project will continue through December 1999.