Articles tagged with Food Security
Researchers at University of Toronto found that women with food insecurity are less able to sustain breastfeeding than those who are food-secure. By the age of two months, half of the food-insecure women had stopped breastfeeding exclusively, compared to most food-secure women who continued for four months or longer.
A Canadian study found that mothers living in households with food insecurity are less likely to breastfeed their infants exclusively for six months. The research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, highlights the negative impact of food insecurity on breastfeeding duration.
A team of climatologists at UC Santa Barbara's Climate Hazards Group has developed skillful predictions for droughts and famines, helping to mitigate their effects on severe food insecurity. Their work, in collaboration with various organizations, aims to make the world more food secure by anticipating climate extremes.
A study found that food insecurity occurs in 9.2% of older adults, with higher rates among women, people without a spouse, and those with certain health conditions. The researchers highlight the need for combined methods to identify food insecurity and connect older adults with community-based resources.
A new study by University at Buffalo social work researcher Elizabeth Bowen found that food assistance programs often fail to provide reliable access to nutritious food for homeless young adults. The research highlights the need for policy changes, such as revising SNAP eligibility guidelines and providing more flexible support structu...
The study highlights the importance of considering access to wood fuels when formulating policies to deal with food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers suggest expanding sustainable biomass production and consumption, including agroforestry practices to ease the burden on women, who collect most firewood.
A food insecurity screening at pediatrician's offices was found to be effective but struggled with referrals due to fear of Child Protective Services and complicated processes. The study recommends better communication and connecting families with immediate resources to alleviate social stigma and improve outcomes.
A new study from Ohio State University found that nearly a third of households in Columbus struggled with food insecurity, exceeding previous estimates. The research highlighted disparities in access to healthful foods, particularly in low-income and racially diverse neighborhoods.
A study led by Temple University and the University of Houston aims to boost academic performance and persistence in college among low-income students through a food scholarship program. The program, which provides direct access to food, has shown promise in improving student outcomes and closing the gap on college completion rates.
A new study from the University of Illinois reveals that people who are juggling bills and using financial coping strategies may be at risk for food insecurity. The researchers used data from the Hunger in America 2014 survey to show that these strategies can help identify individuals who are very food insecure or at risk.
The European Union has approved the renewal of glyphosate for five years, recognizing its importance in maintaining food production and affordability. However, experts emphasize the need to balance this decision with reducing pesticide use and finding alternative weed control methods.
A new study suggests that understanding rainfall patterns is key to effectively addressing food insecurity among smallholder farms in Africa and Asia. Financial supports, such as cash or loans, were more frequently correlated with improved food security for drier farms, while agricultural inputs and practices were more effective for we...
A new study estimates that between 0.9% and 1.3% of UK adults used emergency food banks in 2013-2015, equating to approximately 850,000 people annually. Repeat visits indicate that distributing emergency food is not a long-term solution to food poverty.
A study models the effects of removing farmed animals from the US agricultural system on food production and greenhouse gas emissions. Removing animals resulted in increased food availability, but also led to nutrient deficiencies and reduced GHG emissions by 28%. The removal of animals had unintended consequences on the food supply
The USDA has announced grants to support integrated pest management (IPM) projects, aiming to increase production and ensure food security. These projects focus on developing safer, more effective pest management approaches for various crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops.
The partnership aims to improve food security crops with enhanced native traits, disease resistance, nutritional value, and biotic stress resilience. Gene editing is being employed to increase understanding of crop plants and deliver benefits to African farmers.
A new study suggests that Palau's reefs can be better maintained by shifting seafood consumption to open water fish. The health of reefs is critical for local communities' culture, food security and livelihoods. Researchers recommend a 70% reduction in reef fish consumption to mitigate climate change impacts.
According to a recent report, 8.1% of seniors in the US are food insecure, with some states experiencing significantly higher rates. The top 10 states for senior food insecurity rates include those in the South and Northeast, highlighting regional disparities in access to nutritious food.
A new study predicts that six planned dams in the Amazon river system could reduce sediments and nutrients by 69% and 51%, respectively, threatening regional food security. The construction of these dams could have catastrophic effects on the entire Amazon River basin and its wildlife.
A recent study finds that nearly one in five two-year college students live in food-insecure households, with 21% experiencing food insecurity. The study suggests that extending the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to these students could help alleviate hunger and improve outcomes.
A recent study by the University of Illinois reveals that food insecurity exists in rural areas, and Feeding America's food banks are effectively reaching these communities. Despite the presence of food assistance programs, the social and economic conditions in rural areas have not improved significantly.
A Dartmouth study reveals that Big Food companies have little control over the farmers who supply their raw materials, despite ambitious goals to reduce emissions and environmental degradation. The companies' reliance on commodity trading companies for staple ingredients further limits their knowledge and influence.
Scientists at Michigan State University found that examining daily climate minutia provides a better understanding of variable land climates, crucial for policy-making. The study reveals dramatic swings in northern China's climate, affecting agriculture and economic development.
A recent study found that discarded food in the US food supply chain contains large amounts of key nutrients like vitamin D, fiber, and potassium. The study estimates that around 1,217 calories per person per day are squandered, equivalent to 5.9g dietary fiber, which is 23% of the RDA for women.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates that US food waste contains approximately 1,217 calories, 33 grams of protein, and other essential nutrients. These lost nutrients are important for maintaining healthy diets, particularly dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D.
A new study found that food insecurity is associated with poorer mental health and specific psychosocial stressors across global regions. Nearly one in three individuals experience common mental disorders, which may be exacerbated by food insecurity's impact on nutrition and social norms.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture is providing $4.2 million to repay veterinary school loans for eligible veterinarians who serve in areas with a shortage of veterinary resources. This assistance aims to retain veterinarians in rural America, where they can provide essential services to farmers and ranchers.
A new study found that children who experience food insecurity in early childhood are more likely to start kindergarten less ready to learn than their peers from homes that are food secure. The study also showed that the timing and intensity of food insecurity matter, with longer episodes linked to poorer outcomes.
A 20-year demographic study of wild chimpanzees in Uganda's Kibale National Park revealed that favorable ecological conditions, including abundant food supplies and low predation risk, drive high life expectancy. The study establishes an average life expectancy of about 33 years, nearly twice as high as other chimpanzee communities.
A systematic review of 23 studies found associations between food insecurity and adverse childhood developmental-behavioral outcomes in infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, and adolescents. Food insecurity is linked to impaired cognitive development, academic performance, mental health symptoms, and behavioral problems.
The study reveals that Chinese hydropower operations have significantly altered the Mekong River's dry and wet season flows, affecting its ecological productivity. The changes in river flow have been particularly pronounced since 2014, with the Nuozhadu dam project having the largest impact on downstream Cambodia.
A nutrition education program in Indiana improved food security for participating families by 25%, according to a Purdue University study. The program, SNAP-Ed, teaches practical ways to stretch food dollars while eating nutritiously, with lessons focusing on maximizing the food budget and nutritional components.
A new study by researchers at the University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment has produced a map of farming households across the world. The map highlights the distribution of average farm sizes at subnational scales and reveals the contribution of smallholder farming to global food production.
Researchers from the University of Exeter found that parthenocarpy increases fruit quality and quantity in crops like apples and tomatoes, which traditionally rely on insect pollination. The study suggests this technique could improve food security by extending growing seasons and increasing crop resilience.
A new study by CDC researchers reveals that American children are consuming excessive sodium levels, exceeding the daily recommended limit. The average sodium intake for kids was found to be 3,256 milligrams per day, with nearly 90% of children surveyed exceeding the upper level of recommended sodium intake.
A better diet is associated with an increase in the middle class, leading to economic and political independence and fostering democratic values. Improved nutrition precedes democracy, contrary to conventional wisdom, and has a higher correlation with democratization than income growth and trade liberalization.
Research from Lund University finds that ENSO leads to increased shortages of food and animal feed in rural areas of eastern and southern Africa. The study calculates the impact of carbon dioxide absorption by vegetation on food production and predicts a worsening situation as weather phenomena become more frequent.
Replacing maximum SNAP allotment with a real-cost benefit and expanding WIC eligibility to age 6 can help families who experience food insecurity. Additionally, maintaining CEP for school meal programs can increase access to food for children in low-income households.
A new study found that US federal food assistance programs face a critical issue with their age limits, which can lead to increased food insecurity for families. The current program restricts eligibility for children at the age of five, despite many not attending school immediately after.
A new report reveals that nearly half a million B.C. residents struggled to afford food in 2011-12, with families and children facing extreme hardship. Provincial government actions are needed to address this issue.
Researchers developed a method to identify impoverished areas using high-resolution satellite imagery and machine learning. The approach outperformed existing methods and could be used to map poverty worldwide at low cost.
A new study by Iowa State University researchers suggests that prolonged periods of food insecurity coupled with harsh parenting practices can lead to obesity in early adulthood among female adolescents. The study's findings indicate that females who experience food insecurity are more likely to be overweight or obese by age 23.
Researchers from University of Nebraska-Lincoln developed a novel process to recycle water from whey, demonstrating its safety and effectiveness in food processing plants. The reconditioned water showed comparable cleaning efficiency to potable water.
Cornell University has received a $4.8 million USAID grant to improve genetically engineered eggplant production in Bangladesh and the Philippines. The project aims to increase farmers' livelihoods by reducing yield losses and improving food security.
A recent study published in Population Health Management found that 30% of patients with high hospitalization rates are food insecure and struggle to shop for or prepare their own meals. The research highlights the impact of food insecurity on health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations with chronic diseases.
Climate change poses a significant threat to African food production, with up to 30% of maize and banana-growing areas becoming unviable by the end of the century. Transformation could involve changing crop types, improving irrigation systems, or abandoning agriculture altogether to ensure food security.
A new study estimates that climate change could lead to twice as many deaths from reduced fruit and vegetable intake compared to undernutrition. The research predicts that changes in diet composition and bodyweight could cause around 529000 extra deaths globally by 2050, with China and India being the most affected countries.
A new NYU study reveals that three out of four top reasons urban farmers grow crops are driven by social motivations, including food security, education, and community building. The research also finds that many urban farms operate as nonprofits, shifting financial focus from sales to donations and grants.
A Kansas State University study found that food stores are largely unavailable in inner-city, low-income neighborhoods of smaller urban cities. The study used U.S. Census tract data to map neighborhoods according to racial composition and income, revealing a correlation between lower incomes and fewer food stores.
Penguin parents' fixed division of labor makes them vulnerable to climate change, as they cannot adapt to food shortages. Sharing roles could provide up to 34.5% more feeds for chicks, but it's a complex strategy due to the smaller, less aggressive females' limitations.
A new study reveals that low-income families with children who have special health care needs are at a high risk for food insecurity, even when they receive government assistance. The researchers suggest re-evaluating criteria for nutritional assistance to decrease this risk.
Researchers at the University of Oregon documented leafcutter ants' prehensile skills, revealing how they divide tasks to process leaves and grow food supply. The study found that energy conservation and division of labor are crucial for the ants' survival and health.
Research by The Miriam Hospital and Rhode Island Community Food Bank found that healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables can be affordable, with an annual savings of nearly $750 per person. A plant-based olive oil diet was compared to the USDA's MyPlate diet and found to be cheaper and more nutritious.
A new study reveals that fluctuating food supplies and competition can alter survival of adult fish and cause populations to fluctuate in abundance. The research found strong interactions between the amount of food and the survival rate as well as the number of fish, with more fish leading to less survival due to competing for limited ...
Researchers found strong associations between hunger and poor health, including birth defects, anemia, and behavioral problems. Doctors are recommended to ask about food security during regular office visits to identify patients at risk.
Researchers at UCSF and Feeding America found that providing nutritious food and education to low-income individuals with diabetes improved glycemic control and medication adherence. The intervention also encouraged the consumption of healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables.
A new study by Rice University sociologists finds that adjusting to less food availability can negatively impact kids, resulting in behavioral problems and poorer health. The study looked at transitions in food insecurity among kindergarteners and first-graders between 2011 and 2012.
A new study finds that polygynous households in northern Tanzania have better access to food and healthier children, as well as more cattle and farmed land. However, the practice is associated with low food security and poor child health in marginalized ethnic groups.
Michigan State University is partnering with the University of Minnesota and J.R. Simplot Company to develop improved potato varieties for smallholder farmers in Bangladesh and Indonesia. The project aims to reduce pesticide use and increase sustainable growing methods.
A new study reveals that potato waste in Switzerland can be reduced significantly through improved cultivation methods and quality standards. The researchers found that 53% of conventionally produced table potatoes are wasted, while organic production leads to a higher waste proportion.