Articles tagged with Food Security
Researchers at the University of California - Riverside discovered fermented food waste can boost beneficial bacteria in plants, increasing crop growth and resistance to pathogens. The treatment reduces carbon emissions from farming and has potential for sustainable agriculture practices.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that food insecurity increased by nearly 80% in two predominantly African American neighborhoods during the first weeks of the coronavirus pandemic. This marked a reversal of decade-long trends, with disparities between these areas and the general US population reaching their highest levels.
A delayed rainy season onset can signal a higher likelihood of seasonal drought and food insecurity in regions prone to these conditions. Analysis reveals that a 10-day delay is associated with a significantly higher risk of drought in the most vulnerable areas.
A new study reveals that 6% of all global terrestrial protected areas are already made up of cropland, compromising biodiversity conservation goals. The persistence of native species in these areas is incompatible with conversion to cropland, highlighting the need for more effective conservation strategies.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that food insecurity increased significantly among older US adults from 5.5% to 12.4% between 2007 and 2016. Older adults with food insecurity tend to have lower quality diets.
Native to the US, tepary beans are drought-heat tolerant and require less water than common bean crops. They can be used as forage or cover crops, adding atmospheric nitrogen to soil and improving food security.
Researchers are developing a novel 'food as medicine' intervention to address high rates of food insecurity and insulin resistance in Oklahoma's HIV community. The five-year project will test the impact of diet on insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, with a focus on identifying community-based solutions.
New research from Lehigh University explores the link between drought, food insecurity, and HIV among women in less-developed countries. The study finds that drought escalates food insecurity, leading to reduced access to education, healthcare, and autonomy, ultimately increasing the percentage of HIV cases among women.
Researchers at North Carolina State University recommend a coalition, CLEAR-GOV, to provide basic information about gene-edited crops for greater transparency. The proposed model would include details on plant species, trait modifications, and downstream uses.
A study from the University of Illinois found that college students have significantly lower rates of food insecurity than non-students and the general population, with 9.9% of full-time students facing insecurity. The gap is largest for young adults, with part-time students showing similar rates to non-students.
The UTIA Smith Center will partner with the Royal University of Agriculture to improve food and nutritional security in Cambodia through research, education, and training. The program aims to increase agricultural production, enhance soil and water quality, and support small-scale farmers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened food insecurity in the United States, particularly in lower-wage jobs and service industry areas. According to a report by Craig Gundersen, over 50 million Americans will be food insecure in 2020, with regional differences existing across the country.
A national study by Penn Medicine researchers reveals a significant link between food insecurity and cardiovascular death rates among adults. The analysis found that counties with increasing food insecurity levels had higher cardiovascular mortality rates, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
A new study by the American Heart Association reveals that food insecurity is independently associated with an increase in cardiovascular death rates among US adults aged 20-64. The study analyzed county-level data from 2011 to 2017 and found that counties with higher levels of food insecurity had significantly higher cardiovascular mo...
Rapid climate change can cause sudden disruptions in food supply for certain species, making it difficult for them to adapt and survive. Studies found that great tit populations would be guaranteed to become extinct by 2100 if larvae appeared 24 days earlier than normal.
A new mobile app aims to provide full transparency in food supply chains, helping smallholder farmers, boutique producers, and industrial growers combat food fraud. The system uses a decentralized QR code-based tracking system, allowing consumers to track the origin of their ingredients.
Researchers developed a platform using aerial images from mobile phones, drones, and satellites to detect banana diseases in Africa. The system uses machine learning and has been downloaded 2,500 times.
Despite expansion of NYC food assistance programs, high rates of food insecurity remain among low-income and minority communities. The latest survey found that 38% of New Yorkers worry about running out of food before they can buy more.
A new study reveals that nearly 20% of US adults face food insecurity, with worse rates among Hispanics, Blacks, people with obesity, and women. The report also links food insecurity to obesity and other health issues, highlighting the need for public policy solutions.
A new study shows that most meat products, including ribeye steak, have high digestible indispensable amino acid scores, making them suitable for improving nutrition in developing countries. This research uses pigs as a model for humans and finds that processing can affect protein quality.
A San group in Namibia faces malnutrition due to a dysfunctional local food system, with no agency over food sources and limited access to traditional foods. The researchers recommend context-specific solutions, including eliminating movement restrictions and supporting traditional foodways to supplement diets with key nutritional groups.
A new study found that infants from households with very low food security are more likely to have above-average body mass indices, higher fat levels, and other measures indicating greater obesity risk. This association suggests that household food insecurity may be especially hazardous for infants.
A new research study documents the impacts of COVID-19 lockdown measures on low socioeconomic families in rural Bangladesh, revealing increased financial hardship, food insecurity, domestic violence and mental health challenges. The study highlights the need for welfare support and social protection for women and their families during ...
A Berkeley Lab study predicts warmer California temperatures will impact cool-season crops like broccoli and lettuce, while warm-season crops like tomatoes may require relocation. The research aims to ensure food security by predicting future climate conditions and informing agricultural response strategies.
US public plant breeding programs are facing significant declines in personnel hours, budget shortfalls, and retirements of program leaders. This erosion of capacity poses a risk to US food security, natural resource resilience, and public health if not addressed with stable funding and expertise.
Researchers employed a gendered ecosystem services approach with Lozi communities to identify locally relevant strategies for sustainable agricultural development. The study found that agroecological intensification, such as multiple cropping and agroforestry, can restore and maintain ecosystem services in cultivated lands while reduci...
A survey of 95 Central American migrants found that 74% experienced food insecurity, with factors including days in transit and travel companion illness. The researchers offer potential remedies for strengthening migrants' access to food, including information on procuring nutrition and prioritizing inexpensive food.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of agricultural technologies to ensure food supply security. Roboticized farms, vertical farming, and gene-edited foods are being used to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens among workers and minimize reliance on human labor.
A Rutgers-led study examines 40 options to tackle interrelated problems of climate change, food security and land degradation. The research finds that integrated water management and agroforestry have fewer trade-offs than well-known options like planting trees.
A new study found that low-income families receiving SNAP benefits later in the month experience fewer emergency room visits for childhood injuries, likely due to better meal planning and food security. The researchers suggest that supporting federal food assistance programs like SNAP can help reduce childhood injuries and morbidity.
A recent survey by the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health found that one in four households with children under 18 have reported a child experiencing hunger, leading to weight loss and health concerns. The survey also highlights widening dietary inequities among low-income and minority households.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity and financial instability for low-income households, with many struggling to access affordable groceries and navigate online shopping systems.
The Building Wealth and Health Network program at Drexel University's Center for Hunger-Free Communities reduces food insecurity by promoting healing and financial control through group experiences. Participants are 55% less likely to experience household food insecurity after completing the 16-session program.
Researchers have identified 75 new technologies that can transform global food production to meet growing demands while protecting the environment. These solutions include artificial intelligence, micro-algae production, vertical farming, and other innovative approaches.
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.