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Food, health and nutrition

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Food shelf volunteers sorting produce

University of Minnesota Extension improves food literacy, physical activity, food safety and healthy food access for Minnesotans and the food service industry.

Features

Home food safety preservation courses

Our Master Gardener Food Preservation Consultant volunteers offer online classes and in-person workshops throughout Minnesota.

SuperShelf

Our team has helped over 97 food shelves reduce stigma and promote shopper choice by improving the layout of food shelves across Minnesota.

COMET: Changing our mental and emotional trajectory

COMET is a two-hour interactive training program designed to help people support others who may be seen sad, anxious, distracted, or depressed.

Safe food production

Food safety basics

Extension food safety experts provide reliable, relevant food safety education that responds to an ever-changing food supply system.

Home food safety preservation courses

Our Master Gardener Food Preservation Consultant volunteers offer online classes and in-person workshops throughout Minnesota.

Selling cottage food in Minnesota

The Cottage Food Law allows individuals in Minnesota to make and sell certain non-potentially hazardous food in a home or commercial kitchen without a license.

Becoming a licensed food processor

Becoming licensed food processor, especially of acidified foods, on-site education

For food service professionals

Resources, courses and workshops for food service professionals and establishments.

Sanitizing equipment and food contact surfaces

Using a thorough sanitation routine for equipment and food contact surfaces is one way to prevent cross-contamination and cross-contact. Learn more about the five steps of an effective sanitation routine.

Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)

Our Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Education Program works with Minnesota’s produce farmers to develop and implement on-farm food safety plans.

Health care

Protecting health for older adults

Get tips for eating healthy and staying active to help you live a longer, healthier life.

Health care directive workshop

Arrange for us to come and teach on this important topic. Excellent resource for employee groups, community organizations, and more.

How to support aging parents and address potential conflicts

Follow these strategies and tips to help your family cope when faced with problems and decisions related to long term care.

Minnesota Health Care Directive Planning Toolkit

Write down your wishes for your care in a health care directive.

Mental wellbeing

COMET: Changing our mental and emotional trajectory

COMET is a two-hour interactive training program designed to help people support others who may be seen sad, anxious, distracted, or depressed.

What is mental health?

Learn about mental health interventions, how to begin conversations about mental well-being, and find resources for professionals.

Stress and change

Tips, online courses and resources for understanding and coping with stress.

Trauma and healing

Learn about trauma-informed care for youth work, historical trauma and cultural healing, and secondary trauma and workplace wellness.

Nutrition and healthy eating

SuperShelf

Our team has helped over 97 food shelves reduce stigma and promote shopper choice by improving the layout of food shelves across Minnesota.

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program teaches low-income families about healthy foods and being physically active.

Rusty's Cooking Club

Create special memories in the kitchen with this fun club designed for preschool-aged children and their parents, grandparents and caregivers.

Cooking Matters Minnesota courses

Cooking Matters courses offer practical nutrition information, hands-on food preparation, and food budgeting and shopping.

Save money on food

Learn about nutrition assistance, food budgeting and more.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed)

The SNAP-Ed program ended on October 1, 2025. Extension continues to provide health, nutrition and community education across Minnesota.

Physical activity

Healthy and fit on the go

Tip sheets to help keep you and your family healthy and fit when you're on the go.

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© 2026 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

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