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Ohio State University Extension - FY23 Smith-lever Project Abstract Osu Extension Brings the Knowledge of the University Directly to All Ohioans, Creating Opportunities for People to Explore How Science-based Knowledge Can Improve Social, Economic, and Environmental Conditions. There Are Extension Offices Located in Each of Ohio's 88 Counties Delivering Programming in 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Community Development, and Family and Consumer Sciences. Additionally, Extension Programs Are Focused Around Five Critical Issues: 1. Health and Wellness - Ohioans Should Have a Positive State of Mental and Physical Health, Which Includes the Prevention of Disease, by Creating and Supporting Healthy Environments in Homes, Schools, Workplaces, and Communities. We Achieve This Goal Through a Focus on Topics That Include Disease Prevention, Safety Research and Education, Social and Emotional Health, and Stress Reduction. Extension Efforts Are Anticipated to Lead to Positive Behavior Change, Enabling People to Achieve and Manage Positive Personal and Community Health and Wellness Outcomes. This Plan of Work Will Explore Health-related Issues Including But Not Limited to Mental Health Awareness and Literacy, Health Inequity, Chronic Disease and Obesity Prevention, Community Nutrition Education, and Farm Safety. 2. Economic Vitality - It Is Important That All Ohioans Have the Capacity to Pursue and Sustain Economic Well-being. Ohioans Should Be Able to Enjoy Financial Security Today, Save Enough Resources for the Future, and Successfully Navigate Fiscal Challenges and Opportunities as They Arise. Through Money Management Education, Individuals, Families, Business Managers, and Community Leaders Will Improve Their Financial Literacy, Decision Making, and Ability to Manage Resources. Programming Related to Economic Vitality Include But Are Not Limited to: Business Retention and Expansion, Enhancing Rural Economic Opportunities, Increasing Broadband Access in Rural Areas, and Food Supply Chain Efficiency. 3. Food Security and Production - a Sustainable Food System Not Only Benefits Producers and Protects Consumers, But Also Ensures a Safe Food Supply While Feeding a Growing Population. Osu Extension Conducts Research and Educates Producers About Best Practices That Increase Yield and Profitability. in Addition, Changing Consumer Preferences Continually Influence Production Practices and the Types of Products That Producers Are Expected to Bring to Market. Using Science-based Information, Ohio State Helps Consumers, Producers, and Policy Makers Become More Informed About Decisions Related to Food and the Way It Is Produced, Processed, Distributed, Stored, Prepared, and Consumed. Engaging Citizens in Conversations About Their Food Creates a Holistic Approach to Solving Food Security Issues. Additionally, Teaching Citizens to Grow Some of Their Own Food Can Help Improve Food Quality, Eliminate Food Deserts, and Increase Community Food Security. We Will Explore Issues Related to Mitigating Food Insecurity Through Community Service and Food Production Education Programs and Food System Sustainability. We Also Look at Issues of Food Production Including But Not Limited to Digital Agriculture Programs, Climate Smart Agriculture, Improved Food Animal Health and Production, Crop Improvement and Resiliency, Weed and Pest Control, and Plant Breeding and Disease Resistance Studies. Also Included in This Critical Issue Are Programs Related to Increasing Food Safety and Foodborne Illness Reduction. 4. Environmental Quality and Sustainability - Ohio State Environmental Experts Educate Ohioans About Their Individual Impact in a Global Community, While Teaching Them to Be Good Stewards of the Planet. Ohio State Programs Help People Make More Informed Choices About How They Can Promote and Sustain Environmental Quality. Programs Focused on Nutrient Management, Pesticide Safety Education Programs, Reduction of Pesticide Use, Air Quality, Forestry, Farming Practices, Water Quality, and Landscapes Engage and Encourage Both Urban and Rural Audiences to Preserve Natural Resources for Future Generations. 5. Thriving Across the Lifespan - From Infancy Into Later Life, Osu Extension Is Committed to Helping Ohioans Thrive. We Develop and Strengthen the Skills of Current and Future Leaders to Address Today's Most Pressing Issues. Our Research and Extension Mission Areas Partner to Leverage Research-based Knowledge and Best Practices to Strengthen Individuals and the Various Social Structures in Which They Live. as Our Society and Family Structures Change, the Ways in Which We Reach and Empower Clientele Will Evolve, So It Is Important That We Are Finding New Ways to Reach These Audiences. Another Key Focus of Our Efforts Is Positive Youth Development, Delivered Primarily Through 4-H. Our Goals Are to Empower Youth, Families, and Communities to Develop and Expand Characteristics, Knowledge, and Skills That Create a Strongfoundation for a Positive Adulthood, Including Career and College Readiness. Programs Under This Critical Issue Are Related to Positive Human Development for All Ages. in Addition to 4-H Youth Development, Other Programming Efforts Include But Are Not Limited to Financial Literacy, Community Engagement, Workforce Development, Successful Co-parenting and Healthy Aging.