Betty Izumi

Betty Izumi is a registered dietitian and associate professor in the School of Public Health. Her research focuses on issues at the intersection of nutrition, sustainability and health equity. She uses a community-based participatory research approach to explore the question: Can diet quality and health be improved among underserved individuals in such a way that promotes vibrant and resilient local food systems?

She is the principal investigator for Harvest for Healthy Kids, a nutrition intervention developed in partnership with Mt. Hood Community College Head Start and Early Head Start. Harvest for Healthy Kids connects children in early care and education settings to local agriculture through classroom education, food service modification and family engagement. In 2016, Harvest for Healthy Kids was awarded the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior Nutrition Education Program Impact Award.

Education, Degrees

B.S., University of British Columbia, 1998
M.P.H., University of California, Berkeley, 2000
R.D., University of California, Berkeley, 2001
Ph.D., Michigan State University, 2008

Awards and Honors

• 2017, Core Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Award (Japan)
• 2016, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior Mid-Career Professional Achievement Award
• 2016, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior Nutrition Education Program Impact Award for Harvest for Healthy Kids
• 2013, Portland State University College of Urban and Public Affairs Craig Wollner Memorial Award for Outstanding Junior Faculty
• 2012, Portland State University Civic Engagement Award for Excellence in Community-based Research

Programs

Community Health, Health Promotion, Public Health Studies