This education must address the interaction of nutrition, diet, fitness, and lifestyle issues to be effective in reducing chronic disease risk. Individual groups affected most by these dietary related problems include elderly, ethnic minorities, youth, and food insecure individuals. Maryland is a diverse state in many ways including geography, demographics, and size of community. Its long history is reflected in its communities, both large and small. Strategies for strengthening strong communities and revitalizing weaker ones are essential to the quality of life in Maryland.
Quality of life requires strong families as well as strong communities.
Our youth need both for healthy growth and development. All Maryland residents, rural and urban of all ages, races, ethnicity and economic groups deserve opportunities to build strong families and communities. Maryland extension, research, and academic programs are designed to address these challenges. Research efforts include collaborative projects of scientists from UMCP and UMES including those through the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station. Multi-state partnerships are established with other universities and collaborations are in place with public and private sector organizations.