UGA Professor leads Biden Administration's effort for nutrition security, health equity

June 22nd, 2023

Dr. Caree J. Cotwright is the Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.(Nadine Primeau/University of Georgia)

Access to healthy food in America can be challenging, and the numbers that show just how challenging it is are stunning. According to the International Food Information Council, only 28% of Americans say access to healthy food is easy.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that more than 54 million Americans live in neighborhoods with limited access to healthy food – hitting predominantly Black and Latino communities the hardest.

It can also be more expensive to access healthier food, all while nearly 44% of Georgians are living with obesity.

The Biden Administration says it strategically focuses on the issues, recently selecting University of Georgia Associate Professor Dr. Caree J. Cotwright to lead their efforts. She’s now the Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“Health equity means that everybody is able to have just and equitable access to healthcare or have the just chance to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Cotwright, who said she’ll also assist in policies to reduce hunger and improve nutritious living.

With her new position, Cotwright is eager for the public to learn about the programs the USDA is working on to support healthier choices for people and families across the country. She also wants to be in direct contact with the public and provided her email address to her from concerned individuals: Caree.Cotwright@usda.gov.

Cotwright also used her understanding of childhood obesity to work with former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign. She said the experience taught her how to work with partners to accomplish large-scale goals.