Articles tagged with Food Security
New technologies, such as artificial meats, 3D printing, and vertical agriculture, hold promise for transforming the global food system. The study identifies an arsenal of highly promising options that can be tailored to different institutional and political contexts.
A new poll reveals that one in seven adults between 50 and 80 experience food insecurity due to cost or other issues. Older adults with lower household incomes and education face significant disparities. The pandemic may have worsened these disparities, highlighting the need for increased access to nutritious food and health resources.
A University of Illinois study finds climate-smart agricultural practices increase maize yields, particularly when farmers have access to training and resources. The practices, such as absorption trenches and agroforestry fertilizer trees, help conserve water and soil nutrients.
Researchers at UB and UNC Chapel Hill have developed a new evidence-based roadmap for mobile produce markets, providing step-by-step instructions for starting and running a market. The Veggie Van model has been tested through research and shown to increase access to fresh, healthy food for low-income families.
Poor Amazonians struggle to catch enough fish during massive seasonal floods, leading to widespread malnutrition and lifelong health consequences. Researchers found that families often go without food for days or eat smaller portions.
The study found that respondents from the South and mid-South reported above-average levels of food insecurity, while the Midwest and Northeast were lower. In the U.S., nearly half of all respondents report food insecurity in the wake of the pandemic.
A recent study by UConn researchers found that mismanagement and inadequate infrastructure are the root causes of supply problems for Ugandan farmers. The study revealed discrepancies in the quality of agricultural supplies like seeds and fertilizers due to improper handling, not adulteration.
A study in Colombia and Spain found that territorial short food supply chains foster governance processes that prioritize social narratives, reflexive governance, and network governance. These mechanisms enable stakeholders to participate in decision-making and collective action, leading to more sustainable and democratic food systems.
A Colorado State University economist and his team analyzed the toll of long-term school closures on US health care providers, finding that closures could potentially negate mortality benefits. The researchers' work provides new insights for policymakers as schools nationwide shutter for weeks or months.
Researchers from the University of Córdoba have developed a methodology to assess restaurant food waste and select the best valorization path. The study identifies that food waste can be turned into various valuable products, including biodiesel, electricity, and bioplastic, which could help industries within the circular economy.
A new study reveals that people with avoidant attachment styles are less likely to share food or form intimate relationships due to trust concerns. In contrast, those with secure attachment styles exhibit greater willingness to share food and engage in prosocial behavior.
Research suggests that urban horticulture can provide a significant portion of the local population's 'five a day' by growing fruit and vegetables in domestic gardens, allotments, and public green spaces. This could feed approximately 709,000 people per year if all space is utilized.
Researchers at the University of Warwick estimate that a hard Brexit could lead to an increase in food prices for families, with some households facing rises of up to £20.98 per week. The study found that meat, dairy, and jams would be most affected by the changes.
Dr. Catherine Nakalembe from NASA Harvest is helping countries in Eastern Africa build systems to monitor crops using free satellite data, enabling life-saving decisions on food security. Combining satellite and ground data with weather forecasts allows for early warnings of crop failure due to drought, floods, disease, or pests.
A survey of 1,923 NC State students found that nearly 10% experienced homelessness and over 14% struggled with food insecurity in the previous 30 days. The study highlights the need for institutions to address these challenges and provide support services for students facing housing and food insecurity.
According to Penn State researchers, US households waste an estimated 31.9% of the food they acquire, with an aggregate value of $240 billion per year. This inefficiency has significant implications for health, food security, and climate change.
Adults with food insecurity are 10-37% more likely to die prematurely, on average 9 years earlier than their food-secure counterparts. Policies addressing food insecurity could reduce premature deaths.
A three-year UQ study aims to improve food security among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children through a community-led framework and knowledge-sharing solutions. The study will capture participants' experiences and develop effective mechanisms to improve food security in remote Australia.
A $1.4 million grant is awarded to improve food security for Aboriginal communities in Central Australia and Torres Strait Islanders. The project focuses on promoting healthier diets through pricing strategies and community engagement.
A new study suggests that investing in pollinator monitoring schemes can yield significant economic benefits, with potential savings of at least £1.50 for every £1 invested. The research, presented at the British Ecological Society's annual meeting, explores cost-effective methods for improving pollinator monitoring in the UK.
A new study from Columbia University suggests that planting less rice and more nutritious crops like finger millet, pearl millet, and sorghum can enhance India's food supply while reducing environmental impact. This diversification could increase protein by 1 to 5%, iron supply by 5 to 49% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2 to 13%.
Researchers explore controlled environment agriculture as a means to address urban food systems, offering advantages such as year-round crop production and reduced energy consumption. The study highlights the potential for controlled environments to increase food security and support local economies.
David Julian McClements, a UMass Amherst distinguished professor, received the 2019 Nils Foss Excellence Prize for his groundbreaking research on functional foods and nanotechnology. The award will support new equipment and investigation in areas like plant-based foods and nano-enabled nutraceuticals.
A study by University at Buffalo researchers finds that a trade deal between the US and Central American countries led to an increase in unhealthy food imports, including industrial sweeteners and processed foods. The research highlights the need for policymakers to consider the impact of trade agreements on diet and health.
A $1.6 million grant from NSF will study linkages between urban food security and rural agricultural production, focusing on small-sized urban areas in sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to translate scientific knowledge into data for policymakers to mitigate food security challenges.
A new book reveals how Bangladesh's aquaculture growth defied predictions, improving poverty reduction, employment generation, and food security. The 'Blue Revolution' increased fish consumption and reduced prices, benefiting all income groups.
The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Crop Improvement will support national breeding programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America with advanced technologies and methods. This project aims to deliver staple crops that can increase yields, enhance nutrition, and show greater resistance to pests and diseases.
A recent EU study found that expanding forest areas in Europe can help mitigate global warming by reducing meat consumption and transforming the food system. The research suggests that a minimum of 23% increase in forest area is needed to meet the Paris climate goal, while also ensuring a secure food supply.
A new study of over 10,000 Canadian households reveals a strong correlation between food insecurity and nonadherence to prescription drugs. Food insecure households are more likely to experience cost-related nonadherence, which can exacerbate health issues associated with food insecurity.
A recent study by UCSF researchers found that young adults with food insecurity are more likely to develop disorders associated with obesity and obstructive airway diseases like asthma. Chronic stress from food insecurity can lead to inflammation, insulin resistance and increased risk of mental health issues.
A new study found that halving red and processed meat consumption reduces LDL 'bad' cholesterol levels and heart disease risk by an average of 10%. Researchers discovered that even small changes to RPM intake can induce significant changes in LDL cholesterol, potentially reducing the risk of developing heart disease.
Food insecurity has serious consequences for health and wellbeing, including inadequate intake of key nutrients, depression, and poor physical and mental health. Experts propose strategies such as improving weekend access to nutritious foods during summer months and understanding the psychosocial effects of food insecurity on college s...
Researchers at UTHealth developed a two-year study focusing on north Pasadena, Texas, where food insecurity is high. The program provided food prescriptions for healthy food and nutrition education, resulting in 71.1% of participants redeeming their prescriptions and 94% reporting healthier eating habits.
A new University of Maryland School of Medicine study examines the impact of food insecurity among children from birth to age four, finding a steady rise in obesity rates as they grow. Despite food insecurity, toddlers are more likely to experience poor overall health and developmental problems.
Interventions in health care settings focus on referrals or direct provision of food, but suffer from poor follow-up and limited statistical power. The review highlights the need for effective food interventions to address the adverse impact of food insecurity on health and well-being
A new study by researchers at Boston University and American University confirms the negative impact of food insecurity on child health, highlighting its unique and pervasive effects. The study suggests an urgent need for policies to address this issue, with potential solutions including increased federal SNAP benefits.
A recent study found that nearly half of university and two-year college students in the US experience food insecurity, leading to academic struggles, mental health issues, and reduced career opportunities. Food insecure students often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms or go without meals, exacerbating the problem.
Preppers in the US are no longer portrayed as extreme right-wing individuals, but rather as those responding to general fears of economic collapse, cyber-attacks, and environmental disasters. Research by Dr Michael Mills found that prepping is a nuanced response to modern American society's culture of fear.
A Northwestern University study found that 80% of Americans' calorie consumption comes from store-bought foods, highlighting the need for healthier options. The food supply plays a central role in obesity and cardiovascular disease development.
Michigan State University has received a $38 million USAID grant to implement a new Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy Research, Capacity and Influence. The lab will partner with local agricultural policy research organizations to strengthen their ability to carry out rigorous research on food security policy.
Researchers identify novel genes and networks underlying senescence in maize, a complex trait affected by internal and external factors. Understanding the triggers for senescence in crops like maize can lead to altering plants that can benefit a hungry world, slowing down senescence to keep the plant green longer.
A Duke University study found that worm offspring of mothers who experienced nutrient stress during pregnancy were better equipped to handle starvation later on. This is due to changes in insulin signaling transmitted via eggs, which helped the larvae develop normally and avoid reproductive abnormalities.
A collaborative study by Connecticut researchers shows that food insecurity is linked to insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes in Latinos. The study found that households with food-insecure individuals had higher levels of inflammation, stress hormones, and insulin resistance compared to those who were food secure.
Food insecurity affects 11% of young adults and is linked to a higher prevalence of migraine. The study suggests that clinicians screen for food insecurity among people with migraine, as it may exacerbate symptoms.
A new Iowa State University study reveals that combining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) improves food security by at least 2 percentage points.
A study of college students in Southern Appalachia found that food insecurity prevalence is significantly higher than the national average, with 30.5% of students experiencing it, compared to 12% nationally.
Researchers discovered how plant cells shield themselves from excessive reactive oxygen molecules that can cause cellular damage. By diverting these reactivity into other processes, plants minimize self-inflicted harm, which could help scientists engineer crops with improved yields.
The introduction of Nutrition North Canada led to a significant increase in food insecurity, affecting 46% of households in 2014 compared to 33% in 2010. Despite the program's focus on nutritious foods, high prices and other factors contributed to worsening food access issues in Nunavut communities.
A study by IIASA researchers and colleagues finds that stringent climate policies could negatively impact food security, threatening 130-280 million people with hunger in 2050. However, smart and inclusive policy designs can mitigate these risks at a modest cost of 0-0.46% GDP.
Researchers studied bushmeat markets in Lao PDR to understand the risks of disease transmission. High contact rates between consumers and bushmeat were found, highlighting the need for integrative approaches to conservation, public health, and rural development.
Families with young children who experienced a reduction or cutoff in SNAP benefits showed increased food insecurity and reported poor health. Those whose benefits were reduced experienced more negative outcomes, including housing instability and compromised child and caregiver health.
Researchers measured farmland nectar supplies throughout the year, revealing hungry gaps when food supply is not meeting pollinator demand. Early spring and late summer are periods of great nectar deficit on UK farmland.
A study suggests that the proportion of UK adults on low incomes who face hunger has almost doubled since 2004, with those who are unemployed or disabled being most vulnerable. Nearly one-third of adults with children under 16 were food insecure in 2016.
A new study reveals discrepancies in food insecurity estimates among college students, emphasizing the importance of accurate measurement to address hunger. Researchers found varying prevalence rates depending on survey protocols, suggesting that traditional methods may not capture the full scope of food insecurity on campus.
A new study found that food insecurity at home, particularly during early childhood and adolescence, hampers learning abilities in Indian adolescents. The research team analyzed test scores and found that 47% of children experienced household food insecurity, leading to lower scores in reading, vocabulary, maths, and English.
Genome editing enables crop development with resistance to pests, diseases, drought, and heat, reducing losses and chemical pesticide sprays. However, regulatory hurdles in Europe may hinder the adoption of these technologies, posing a risk to developing countries.
Researchers found a way to exploit Striga's Achilles' heel by using artificial plant hormones called strigolactones. The treatment reduces Striga plants by over half, making it a game-changer for farmers in sub-Saharan Africa where the weed threatens up to 40% of staple crops.
A recent US study by UTSA researchers links food insecurity and living in a food desert to an increased risk of obesity. The study found that women are more likely to experience obesity due to food insecurity, while Black and Hispanic households face higher risks.
A study at the University of Copenhagen found that 8% of Danish households experience food insecurity, affecting their quality of life and psychological well-being. The researchers found a correlation between financial pressure and unhealthy diet, low psychological well-being, and lower quality of life.
Childhood malnutrition remained stable in Nepal's hardest hit areas despite the devastating 2015 earthquake. Household food insecurity decreased significantly, with child wasting rates declining by nearly half.