It’s almost that time! The Healthiest State 15th Annual Walk will take place on Wednesday, October 1st. It can be stressful to plan for a large group, that’s why HSI has put together 8 tips for planning successful walk!

Registration for the 2026 Healthiest State Annual Walk, presented by Delta Dental of Iowa, is now open. On Wednesday, October 7, thousands of Iowans across the state will participate in organized 30 minute walks at schools, workplaces and in their communities to raise awareness of the importance of physical and mental well-being in Iowa.

Kids are naturally cautious with unfamiliar foods, and that hesitation is part of normal development, not a reflection of long-term eating habits. The encouraging part is that taste preferences are learned over time, which means consistent, low-pressure exposure can gradually build confidence with new foods. The goal isn’t to get every bite accepted right away. It’s to keep food experiences positive enough that kids stay willing to explore. Here are five dietitian-approved ways to raise adventurous eaters.

The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Double Up Food Bucks Iowa, marking a decade of improving access to fresh food while strengthening Iowa’s local food economy. The anniversary comes at a time when many Iowa families continue to face higher food costs, making programs that connect nutrition, affordability, and local food systems increasingly important.

The best coolers include a combination of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and hydrating foods to help keep you fueled and satisfied throughout the day. Here are some cooler staples that make summer eating both delicious and nutritious.

The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative is expanding its Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program to additional locations across Iowa this month, further increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables for Iowans using SNAP benefits. This expansion comes as the recently approved $1 million state appropriation to support the program has now been officially signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds after bipartisan support from the legislature.

Let’s break down some of the most common misconceptions so you can enjoy the season feeling your best - energized, nourished, and confident in your choices.

The Healthiest State Initiative is pleased to welcome Keith Clasen to its Board of Directors. Clasen serves as a Department Administrative Officer at UI Health Care, bringing extensive experience in human resources, leadership, and organizational development practices.

As the Iowa legislature approves a $1 million appropriation to support Double Up Food Bucks, the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative is reporting strong results from its two statewide healthy food incentive initiatives—Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) and the Iowa Produce Prescription Program (IPPP)—demonstrating that increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables leads to measurable improvements in health and nutrition.

When was the last time you checked your blood sugar, even if you feel perfectly healthy? Many people assume diabetes risk comes with obvious symptoms, but elevated blood sugar levels often develop quietly over time. One simple lab value, called A1C, provides a bigger picture of your blood sugar trends and can help catch concerns early, sometimes years before diabetes develops.

The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative announced the opening of nominations and applications for the 2026 Healthiest State Annual Awards, a statewide recognition honoring four individuals who are making a meaningful impact on the physical, social, and mental well‑being of Iowans.

Frequently asked questions regarding the 2026 Healthiest State Annual Awards.

The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative today announced the launch of its new Make It OK® Workplace Registration, a streamlined way for Iowa employers to join the statewide movement to reduce stigma and create more supportive, mentally healthy work environments.

If you’re trying to level up your eating patterns this spring, here are three tournament-tested strategies to bring into your kitchen.

Have you ever finished a meal only to feel hungry again an hour later? With a few science-backed strategies, you can build meals and snacks that keep you feeling fuller longer while supporting energy and overall wellness.

The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative has released its 2025 annual report highlighting the organization’s success in addressing Iowa’s core determinants of health. In a year where Iowa ranks 43rd for exercise among adults, 31st for fruit and vegetable consumption, and has the 2nd highest age-adjusted rate of new cancer diagnosis in the country, the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative has shown the importance of focusing on prevention to build a healthier future for Iowa.

Eating well can be pretty simple. With a few easy, nutrient-focused habits and some dietitian-approved foods, healthy eating can be doable all day long. Here are five easy ways to power up your breakfast, lunch, and dinner routine for your strongest year yet.

With food insecurity reaching its highest point of the year, rising grocery costs, and interruptions in SNAP benefits, the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative has announced a series of updates to help SNAP shoppers access fresh fruits and vegetables through the winter months.

Give up dairy, sugar, or snacks altogether? It’s easy to feel like eating well means following a long list of dos and don’ts. But here’s the thing, while these trends can grab your attention, health isn’t about following stricter diet rules or chasing the latest fad. It’s about choosing quality food ingredients and learning to listen to your body.

The holidays can feel like a marathon, with cooking, hosting, traveling and maybe even a little shopping spree. It’s tempting to lean on caffeine to push through, but too much can leave your energy and your hormones on a rollercoaster. The good news? You can still enjoy your latte without the crash or jitters.