Kentucky has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the nation. You can help change that.
Food insecurity is more than being hungry - it means not knowing where your next meal will come from or having to choose between food and other basic needs like housing and transportation. This certificate helps prepare students for careers that involve food systems and hunger. Students completing this certificate will have the basic knowledge and skills to provide thoughtful and impactful strategies to promote sustainable food systems and to fight hunger. Students seeking careers involving healthcare, public health, nonprofit work, social work, farm management, and agricultural biotechnology would benefit from this certificate.
Students must be in good academic standing at the time of admission. To complete the Food Systems and Hunger Studies certificate, students must successfully complete the required coursework, with a C or better in each course, and certificate activities. All certificate students must take DHN 318, DHN 319, DHN 320, SAG 210, and three credits of 200-level or greater of approved elective coursework. Course substitutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
This course brings together the role of the biological processes that influence hunger with the physiological responses to cues in the social and neighborhood environment that influence what we eat. The connection between what we eat, and lifelong health consequences of dietary patterns can be seen at the individual, familial, and community level. Topics in this course will include hunger and satiety, taste preferences and food aversions, food policy, sustainability, the role of food environment, and nutrition policy. (3 credits) Prerequisites: DHN 101 and DHN 212
This course provides a multi-disciplinary approach to hunger studies. Students will develop a written paper and professional seminar on current hunger related issues. (1 credit) Prerequisite: DHN 318 (can be taken concurrently)
Students will engage in experiential learning in a pre-approved volunteer, internship, study abroad, or paid work experience related to the world fight against hunger and social injustice. (2 credits) Prerequisite: DHN 318 (can be taken concurrently)
Introduction to the environmental, economic, and cultural components of sustainable food production and distribution in local and regional food systems. The definition, emergence, and growth of sustainable agriculture are discussed along with pertinent soil, crop, and livestock management practices. Emphasis is placed on holistic analysis of current issues in agriculture and food systems from environmental, profitability, and social justice perspectives. (3 credits) Prerequisite: None
Students must complete three credits of 200-level or greater of pre-approved electives.
*Approved subtitles only
Current University of Kentucky Students
New Certificate ONLY students
Visiting Students from Other Universities
Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment
S123 Ag Science – North
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
859-257-3469
