New extension nutrition specialist hopes to connect Arkansans with more educational tools
May 19, 2025
By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts:
- Araghi completed undergraduate in Iran
- Driven to address food insecurity in state
(455 words)
(Newsrooms: With portrait of Araghi)
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.
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. (Division of Agriculture photo.)
“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.”
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
# # #
Media Contact:
Ryan McGeeney
rmcgeeney@uada.edu
@Ryan_McG44
501-671-2120