The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework to turn global ambitions into local action. Florida International University is ranked among the top 10 universities in the United States for positive impact on Zero Hunger according to the 2026 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
At FIU, our faculty, students and staff are advancing food security, improving nutrition, developing more sustainable food systems and supporting communities to ensure more people have access to safe, healthy and nutritious food.
54,339
Pounds of food distributed to students by the FIU Student Food Pantry
$750k
USDA funding to support FIU programs for underserved farmers
Growing Agriculture
FIU’s Agroecology Program has secured $18 million in funding, supported 500+ students and provided training and assistance to 200+ South Florida farmers over the life of the program.
Research
FIU research supporting Zero Hunger explores how sustainable agriculture, stronger food systems, improved nutrition and innovative technologies can increase food security and help ensure access to nutritious food.
Sociology research links healthy Amazon rivers to food security and livelihoods for Indigenous and local communities.
Pediatric research explores how cooking and nutrition education can prevent malnutrition in youth taking obesity medications.
Environmental Science research finds climate-smart farming practices can increase crop yields while protecting soil and water.
Public health research links food insecurity to changes in college students’ gut health and metabolism.
Earth and Environment research reveals vermicompost can boost corn growth and help protect crops from destructive pests.
Community Impact
FIU works across disciplines to improve food security, nutrition and access to healthy food in local and global communities. Our programs include the Agroecology Program, Farmers Outreach Program, Food Forest Initiative, Dietetics & Nutrition, Culinary Medicine and Green Family Foundation NeighborhoodHELP. We address a broad range of needs, including sustainable food production and fisheries, farmer support, nutrition education and food access in underserved communities. FIU also brings sustainable food systems to campus through its Organic Garden and CASE Living Lab.
Degree Programs
Across dietetics and nutrition, agroecology and environmental sciences, biology, medicine and public health, FIU prepares students to address food security, nutrition and sustainable food systems. Students explore the connections among food, health, agriculture, the environment and access to nutritious food. FIU also offers degrees in hospitality management, marine biology, business, economics and other related fields. We equip our students with the knowledge and skills needed to improve nutrition, strengthen food systems and advance Zero Hunger.
Global Learning for Global Citizenship
FIU’s Global Learning initiative provides a foundation for students to create innovative, equitable, and sustainable solutions for our interconnected human and natural communities.
Every FIU undergraduate student is required to take at least two Global Learning courses as part of their degree program. FIU offers 268 courses to fulfill this requirement, all focused on global, sustainable and responsible citizenship.
News
Campus & CommunityFrom breakthrough research to world records, FIU's summer graduates are making their mark
Jul 30, 2026
Medicine & Health SciencesWhy more young adults are developing hypertension – and what you can do about it
Jul 27, 2026
SportsStudent shatters Guinness World Record
Jul 6, 2026
Medicine & Health SciencesFIU College of Medicine receives gift from Green Family Foundation to expand NeighborhoodHELP
Jun 2, 2026
Medicine & Health SciencesWhat’s the connection between ultra-processed foods and obesity?
Feb 23, 2026
Campus & CommunityFIU recognized again as a national community engaged leader by the Carnegie Foundation
Feb 5, 2026
Campus & CommunityAlumna leads initiatives to combat food insecurity across South Florida
Nov 21, 2025
Medicine & Health SciencesFive strategies to add to your daily routine to fight dementia
Sep 30, 2025
Science & TechnologyGet it to grow: FIU shares agricultural knowledge with farmers in South Africa
Sep 22, 2025