The Community Nutrition Initiative (CNI) advances community-engaged research and evaluation to improve nutrition, food access, and healthy living across New Mexico. Through partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, tribal communities, and local agencies, CNI supports evidence-based programs that promote nutrition security, healthy eating, physical activity, and overall well-being across the lifespan. By evaluating programs and identifying community needs, CNI generates data that help strengthen services, inform future programming, and support community-driven solutions that can improve health outcomes.
College Food Insecurity
The College Food Insecurity (CFI) project assesses the campus food pantry environment and operations in New Mexico. For this mixed-methods formative study, the UNM PPS team conducted site visits and food pantry staff interviews to better understand student needs, pantry operations, and institutional approaches to addressing food insecurity. Follow-up site visits document progress, assess changes in campus food resources, and identify ongoing opportunities to strengthen student support services. Findings from this work will help institutions improve food access, enhance nutrition environments, and inform statewide efforts to address basic needs and promote student success.
Love Your Health Program Evaluation
CNI also piloted an evaluation of the Love Your Health initiative, which promotes healthy aging through nutrition education and physical activity programming for older adults. The initiative, conducted by the UNM PPS social marketing team, included a community walking campaign designed to encourage regular physical activity among participants. The evaluation includes pre- and post-program surveys to assess changes in knowledge, healthy eating behaviors, physical activity, and participant experiences. Evaluation findings will help strengthen program implementation and demonstrate the impact of community-based health promotion efforts for older adults across New Mexico. For more program info, visit Love Your Health
Other CNI Projects: Social Marketing and CHILE Plus