LITTLE ROCK — From the time she was a child in Iran, Lida Rahimi Araghi knew that a healthy diet was at the heart of a healthy life.
“I’ve always believed that food is health,” said Araghi. “It’s central not only to nourishment but also to prevention, healing and resilience.”
As a recently hired extension assistant professor and nutrition and food specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Araghi said working in the Natural State gives her ample opportunity to do the work for which she has trained.
“My industry experience and academic research made me realize how vital food safety and nutrition education are, especially for vulnerable populations and those who face barriers,” she said. “It breaks my heart to know Arkansas has the worst food insecurity in the nation, and I want to help.”
After earning her bachelor’s degree in Food Science from the University of Tabriz in Iran, Araghi relocated to the United States. She completed a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in food science at the University of Georgia, where she focused on food safety and quality, which she said solidified her commitment to using food science to improve lives.
This lifelong drive made Araghi and the Cooperative Extension Service a good fit for each other, she said.
“Extension’s mission of translating research into hands-on education truly inspired me,” she said. “I love how extension empowers people through education and supports them in meaningful ways. The opportunity to contribute to a healthier Arkansas, especially through a role that blends science, service and outreach, aligned perfectly with my values.”
Nina Roofe, head of Family and Consumer Sciences for the Division of Agriculture, said Araghi makes a meaningful addition to the state’s extension team.
“Dr. Araghi brings a strong background in content, research, and experience,” Roofe said. “She seeks to work with others, not just in FCS, but across the organization to deliver innovative and impactful nutrition and food science programs to improve the lives of all Arkansans.”
Araghi said she hopes to use her position to empower the state’s residents through greater knowledge of food and nutrition.
“Beyond the core responsibilities, I want to be a connector, linking people to tools, resources and one another,” Araghi said. “I’m excited to pursue creative outreach methods like QR-coded resources for food pantry clients and educational support for home-based food entrepreneurs under the Arkansas Food Freedom Act.
“I also hope to secure grant funding to expand food literacy and food safety education in underserved areas,” she said. “For me, it's all about creating programs that reflect the idea that food is health, and that everyone deserves access to safe, nutritious food and that education can be a powerful tool for equity, empowerment and change.”
