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In this edition of Northern Now, we delve into a theme that touches every aspect of our lives: food. Our focus is not just on food as sustenance but as a critical component of health and community. We are excited to bring you stories from across the Northern Illinois University campus, highlighting the transformative work being done in the realms of food sustainability, nutrition and education.

We hope this issue sparks your interest and pride in the groundbreaking work being done in our community, like our Edible Campus, which is part of our university’s Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. The goals of this exciting initiative include cutting water consumption; transitioning to renewable energy; reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and vehicles; and making food and dining services more sustainable… just to name a few.

The journey towards a more sustainable, healthy and community-oriented approach to food is long and filled with challenges, but it’s one that Northern Illinois University is proud to lead. With every step we take—whether it’s through groundbreaking research, community engagement or sustainable practices—we move closer to creating a future where food not only nourishes our bodies but also strengthens our community ties and respects our planet.


Reggie Bustinza

Executive Director, Operations and Alumni Relations
NIU Foundation