College of Health & Human Performance

University of Florida researchers are working with community partners to address food insecurity among families with infants and toddlers in Alachua County. Led by UF’s Amy Mobley, the USDA-funded project developed a strategy toolkit to help food pantries better support young children from birth to age 2. The recommendations — informed by parents, pantry staff and local organizations — include improving access to baby-friendly foods, expanding pantry hours, offering meal preparation guidance and strengthening delivery options. The project also provides mini grants for community groups to test solutions aimed at improving nutrition security for vulnerable families.

A new study from the University of Florida reveals that where people live shapes how they respond to thoughts about mortality — and whether they feel motivated to travel. Researchers found that residents in tourism hotspots, such as major destination cities, are more likely to use travel as a positive coping strategy that helps them find meaning, reflection and personal renewal. In contrast, people living in areas with fewer tourism opportunities are less likely to seek out these experiences. The findings highlight how location influences psychological responses to mortality and suggest that travel can play a role in resilience and well-being.

What if rehab felt more like stepping into a game than repeating the same exercises in a clinic? At the University of Florida, doctoral athletic training students are using virtual reality headsets to simulate real-world recovery scenarios, gamify therapy, and help patients move with less pain. From post-surgical rehab to sport-specific training, the immersive technology is reshaping how future clinicians think about care. Inside the classroom — and already in the field — UF students are exploring how VR could transform the future of rehabilitation.