Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, with partial funding by NIFA, provided an educational and nutritional response to the crisis of lead-contaminated water in Flint, Michigan. MSU specialists provided educational workshops, and wrote several educational articles and fact sheets on lead poisoning. MSU Extension facilitated the distribution of 12,000 gallons of milk to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. Milk can be used to mitigate the effects of lead absorption, as it is rich in iron, vitamin C, and calcium. MSU Extension worked with partner organizations to fund and distribute water filters and soil tests. Cooperative Extension educators have been an integral part of the Flint Downtown Farmers Market by providing health, nutrition, and cooking education. MSU Extension organized a 4-H special interest club that focuses on water filtration and helping people understand the need to drink filtered or bottled water. MSU coordinated with Edible Flint, an informal cooperative of food producers, to focus new programs on lead in soils and educating people who grow their own food.

NIFA originally published this impact in the NIFA 2016 Annual Report. Want to read about more impacts like this? Check out Fresh from the Field, a weekly bulletin showcasing transformative impacts made by grantees funded by NIFA.