Articles tagged with Food Security
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 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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.