The Food is Medicine Working Group brings together researchers, clinicians, extension professionals, and community-engaged scholars across UW–Madison to advance interdisciplinary work at the intersection of agricultural production, food systems, nutrition, health, and prevention. This campus-wide group serves as a forum for connection, visibility, and team formation, supporting collaboration across research, education, policy, and practice. The working group is intentionally broad and inclusive, recognizing that Food is Medicine spans agricultural production, food access and equity, clinical care, community health, environmental exposures, and systems-level prevention. It is jointly led by the Sustainability Research Hub (SRH) and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), in coordination with partners across campus, including the School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH).
What We Do
- Connect faculty and staff working across agricultural production, food systems, nutrition, health, and prevention
- Facilitate interdisciplinary team formation and idea development
- Create space for early-stage conversations around research, education, policy, and community-engaged initiatives
- Support funding readiness by convening interdisciplinary teams and shaping ideas in advance of funding calls, helping position UW–Madison to respond quickly and competitively when opportunities emerge
- Share information about emerging funding, partnership, and convening opportunities related to Food is Medicine
Membership
Membership in the Food is Medicine Working Group is open to UW–Madison faculty and staff whose work intersects with agricultural production, food systems, nutrition, health, prevention, education, policy, or community-engaged practice. Participation is intentionally flexible and may vary over time based on interests, capacity, and opportunities.
Members may choose to engage by:
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participating in working group meetings or convenings,
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joining early-stage conversations around emerging ideas or funding opportunities,
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contributing expertise to interdisciplinary team formation, or
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staying connected to receive updates and opportunities as they arise.
There is no requirement for ongoing or intensive participation to be considered a member.
Coordinating Group
In addition to general membership, we will form a small, ad hoc coordinating group to help draft an initial working group charter and shape early activities. This charter will serve as a starting point and will be open to evolution, refinement, and new partnerships as the working group grows. Members of the coordinating group will be identified through the interest form and will reflect a range of perspectives across campus.
How to Join
Faculty and staff interested in the Food is Medicine Working Group are encouraged to complete the interest form to:
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indicate interest in general membership,
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share areas of expertise and interests,
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express interest in serving on the ad hoc coordinating group, and
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indicate general availability for an initial kickoff meeting.