A study of behavior-related digital dieting apps found that photo-informed expert feedback increased app use and improved meal recording, while photo-based peer observation reduced engagement and did not affect food choices. The findings provide practical guidance for designing effective digital health apps.
A multiprogram enrollment application can conserve valuable time and resources by enabling people to apply to several public benefit programs at once. States can simplify applications by shortening them, incorporating autopopulated responses, and updating systems to identify complex cases.
A new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem examines Israel's philanthropic food-aid network, highlighting gaps in data and disparities in distribution. The researchers found significant limitations in evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of charitable aid systems.
A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition Education & Behavior found that geographic differences account for most of the variation in the cost of the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan, with regions like the Northeast and major metropolitan areas like New York having higher costs. The study highlights the importance of considering regional pric...
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 8, 2026
A study found that a prenatal and infant cash transfer program significantly reduced investigated allegations of maltreatment among infants. The program provided economic stability, which prevented child welfare system involvement.
A new study finds that large-scale food fortification programs currently prevent around 7 billion cases of micronutrient inadequacies worldwide each year, costing just 18 cents per person. Improving and expanding these programs could triple their impact to prevent 25 billion cases annually.
A comprehensive systematic review found that large-scale food fortification is a highly cost-effective intervention for reducing global malnutrition, with benefits far outweighing costs. The study analyzed 56 studies from 63 countries and found that fortification programs deliver substantial health benefits relative to costs.
The Binghamton University Food Justice Working Group developed the Broome County Food Access Plan, enhancing nutrition resources and community education. The group also created a story map illustrating food insecurity in Broome County.
A new study reveals that global measures of food insecurity, such as the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification System, tend to understate the severity of hunger crises. The researchers found that up to 66.2 million people, or one in five, may be going uncounted due to conflicting data and conservative assessments.
The 15% expansion of food stamp payments during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced child food insufficiency among SNAP participants compared to eligible non-participants. In Hispanic-American households, odds were 39% lower, while in large households (6+ people), they were 33% lower.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2025
A new study reveals that states ending emergency SNAP benefits during the pandemic led to increased difficulty affording food and household expenses, especially for households with children. This reduction in funding threatens the health and well-being of millions of families reliant on the program.
A survey study found that food insecurity declined between 2019 and 2021 but exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 2023, with new food insecurity being a major contributor. This increase is concerning as households experiencing new food insecurity face elevated risk for adverse health outcomes.
University of Houston researchers are developing an AI-powered dashboard for Florida food pantries, aiming to streamline stakeholder collaboration and distribute resources to families in need. The tool will enable emergency coordinators to respond quickly to spikes in demand, prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations.
A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior defines key skills needed to advance community-level nutrition and public health efforts. The framework addresses the unique demands of systems-level public health work, covering areas such as community capacity building, strategic planning, and partnership development.
A new study found that the expanded child tax credit reduced anxiety and improved food security and housing stability among young children. However, it excluded many eligible low-income and immigrant families due to minimum income requirements.
After SNAP emergency allotment termination, participants experienced significant increases in food insecurity and reported more days of poor physical health. Mental health status remained unchanged.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new technique to improve the efficiency of food-delivery operations. The technique accounts for key factors such as food supply, location, and vehicle capacity to determine optimized routes that make food delivery faster and more fuel-efficient.
Researchers from the University of Georgia are exploring how to repurpose edible flowers as sustainable food ingredients using ultrasound technology. The method helps dry out and preserve flowers without compromising their quality, making them a viable source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
A new study in the Israel Journal of Health Policy Research found that food deliveries to Gaza between January and July 2024 exceeded international caloric and nutritional standards, except for dietary iron. Despite meeting energy and protein needs, distribution challenges prevented equitable access to food.
A study published in the American Economic Journal found that India's Public Distribution System (PDS) reduces malnutrition rates by 8.2% and increases household expenditure by 12.4%, with benefits extending beyond just calories to income, health, and human capital.
A new USC Dornsife study reveals that 25% of L.A. County households struggle with food insecurity, with Asian communities disproportionately impacted. The study also highlights significantly higher rates of nutrition insecurity, which affects 29% of residents.
Stanford researchers developed a method to describe food texture with striking similarity to human taste testers using mechanical testing and machine learning. The study found that some plant-based products can already reproduce the whole texture spectrum of animal meats.
Researchers at the University of Bath will investigate the micro politics of famine in South Sudan and Somalia using £1.25 million ERC funding. The team aims to deliver a new theory on famine politics, prioritizing community perspectives and social realities.
A new study by Harvard researchers found that food insufficiency increased after pandemic-era SNAP emergency allotments expired, leading to greater use of food pantries and difficulty paying household expenses. Black SNAP participants reported higher anxiety symptoms than white participants.
A research team developed an RNA-based sensor platform that can regulate gene expression in bacteria, mimicking natural biological interactions. The START platform enables tunable control over sensor response and detection of various molecules, including drugs and proteins.
Researchers analyzed nighttime light data to assess power restoration rates in urban and rural areas, finding disparities between socioeconomic status and community type. The study highlights the need for targeted policy solutions to address these disparities and improve disaster recovery.
Researchers investigated the effects of initial microbiota on microbial succession during eggplant fermentation, finding two distinct patterns of LAB dominance. They also identified Lactiplantibacillus plantarum as a primary contributor to lactic acid production and nutrient content.
Kiruba Krishnaswamy's project aims to tackle hidden hunger by developing a circular, culturally appropriate food system model. The research focuses on micronutrients and community-based solutions to address malnutrition and obesity, with the ultimate goal of reducing chronic hunger.
A new study at McGill University suggests that international food assistance systems are not designed to eradicate hunger by 2030. The authors argue that a paradigm shift is needed in the existing systems, prioritizing a human-rights based approach over the dominant discourse on trade regimes.
Researchers have found that sorghum bran packs a bigger nutritional punch than whole grain due to its high levels of calcium, magnesium, leucine, and valine. The climate-resilient grain holds its own against other top grains in terms of macro- and micronutrients.
Researchers identified structural chokepoints in US agri-food supply chains to enhance resilience and security, critical for global food systems. The study's findings may inform policies aimed at bolstering the nation's ability to respond to threats.
A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals racial disparities in food insecurity among low-income households without Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) access. The research highlights the importance of improving SNAP access to address these disparities.
A new study finds that exposure to posthospitalization home-delivered meals is associated with lower 30-day rehospitalization and mortality rates. The study suggests that this service may help prevent hospital readmissions and improve patient outcomes.
A new tool can accurately forecast the prevalence of individuals with insufficient access to food, allowing for timely responses. The tool was developed using data from six countries and achieved high accuracy rates, particularly in Yemen and Syria.
A digital food voucher system in Indonesia has significantly increased the frequency with which poor households receive their full allocation of food, from 24% to 81%. The program's success was achieved by replacing traditional rice-bag delivery with digital card vouchers, allowing recipients to purchase food themselves.
Researchers from Kingston University find that foodbanks are evolving to meet growing demand with alternative models like community supermarkets and pay-as-you-feel services. These innovations aim to reduce stigma, provide choice, and make food aid more sustainable.
A significant increase in household food insufficiency was observed among lower-income households following the discontinuation of child tax credit payments. The lowest-income households experienced the greatest increase, highlighting the vulnerability of these families to changes in government support.
A new study found that the expiration of monthly Child Tax Credit payments led to a 25% increase in food insufficiency among US households with children. The loss of cash relief benefits disproportionately impacted Black, Latino, Indigenous, and immigrant families, exacerbating racial and economic inequities.
A study found that B12 deficiency is widespread among young children in low-income countries, leading to poor motor development and anaemia. Daily B12 supplements are crucial for brain development, but food relief programs often fail to provide sufficient amounts.
Researchers at Clemson University have identified a genetic variation associated with congenital idiopathic megaesophagus (CIM) in German shepherd dogs, which is often fatal if left untreated. A genetic test using melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 2 and dog's sex can predict the risk of CIM with 75% accuracy.
A new study warns that co-occurring droughts could place an unprecedented strain on the global agricultural system, threatening water security and exacerbating food insecurity. The researchers' analysis shows a ninefold increase in agricultural and human population exposure to severe co-occurring droughts by the late-21st century.
Researchers found that machine learning models can help predict village food insecurity outcomes in Sub-Saharan African countries. The models incorporate publicly available data on weather, geography, and food prices to capture a wide variety of factors that can influence food insecurity. Key takeaways include the need for interpretabl...
A study by University of Cincinnati professor Michael J. Fry found that a single large warehouse would be the most cost-efficient approach for disaster relief supplies, but a single location is vulnerable to destruction. The research suggests cooperation between government and relief organizations can improve response effectiveness.
A new study published in Nature Food found that long-running wars are the primary driver of rising hunger in Africa, displacing people, raising food prices, and blocking aid. Droughts have played a smaller role in exacerbating food insecurity, with their impact remaining steady or even decreasing over time.
An analysis of federal food aid delivered after Hurricane Maria found that nearly 10% of items exceeded daily limits for sodium, added sugars, or saturated fats. The study highlights the need for better programs to protect the health of communities affected by disasters.
A review of existing empirical evidence suggests that food puzzles can improve cats' physical health by aiding weight loss, and their emotional wellbeing by reducing aggression and fear. By introducing food puzzles, owners can provide cats with stimulation and exercise, leading to a more balanced lifestyle.
A recent study by UC Davis and UN World Food Program found that refugees receiving cash aid can create significant economic benefits for their host countries. The researchers discovered that each additional refugee increased local income by up to 96% in one of the camps, with most of this money spent on goods and services outside the c...
A study found that Vietnamese fish sauce can reduce sodium chloride by 10-25% without compromising taste. Researchers suggest using fish sauce as a partial substitute for salt to create lower-sodium foods.
Research finds that UK food banks are more likely to open in areas with high unemployment rates and greater central government welfare cuts. This is associated with a higher rate of people seeking emergency food assistance.
A new study suggests that feeling sad can decrease cravings for unhealthy foods like chocolate and deep-fried treats. By making individuals feel sad, their negative emotional response to these foods highlights the potential health risks associated with overindulgence, leading them to make healthier choices.
Research suggests that healthy snacks like peanuts, nuts, and high-fiber snacks can limit overall daily food consumption. Studies have shown that regular consumption of almonds or cereal as a mid-morning snack can lead to increased feelings of fullness and reduced energy intake at subsequent meals.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded nearly $3.8 million to develop healthier food products for humanitarian assistance programs. These projects aim to improve the nutritional delivery and functional form of food aid products, particularly for infants and young children at risk for malnutrition.
The study analyzed health-related quality of life in Gaza before, during, and after the 2009 Israeli attack. The findings show a significant decline in quality of life, with nearly half of respondents reporting less-than-good scores. The survey also identified urgent needs, including home repair, a source of livelihood, and utilities.
Experts call for more focused efforts on delivering better quality food aid to prevent and treat malnutrition in high-burden areas. A broader strategy involving local agricultural development and empowering women is needed to address global food insecurity.
The US food import system is a complex network of policies and procedures that regulate the entry of foreign foods into the country. The Food Policy Institute report provides an overview of current issues, processes, and proposed changes to the system.
A nutritional supplement called Sprinkles has been shown to reduce anemia in poor children by more than half, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition. Children aged 6-24 months are most vulnerable to iron-deficiency anemia.
A humanitarian response is required in Lebanon due to the dire situation faced by millions. The lack of access, security, and funding for aid delivery has exacerbated the crisis.
The Bush Administration proposed purchasing 25% of its food aid abroad to reduce transportation costs, but Senate leaders opposed the move, prioritizing domestic interests over international efforts to combat hunger. The World Food Programme emphasized the need for a concerted global response to address the issue.
A study by Penn State researchers found that consuming larger portions of puffed-up food servings can reduce hunger and lead to a lower calorie intake. The study suggested using whipped foods like low-fat frozen desserts or air-popped popcorn as alternatives to manage weight.
Emerging technologies in food processing, such as high pressure and biotechnology, promise to enhance food safety and nutrition. These methods can preserve nutrients better than traditional heat pasteurization, while also providing new antimicrobial systems for extended shelf-life.