Articles tagged with Food Security
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.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening all children for food insecurity and refers families to community resources. Lack of adequate healthy food can impair concentration, lead to behavioral problems, and increase risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The Center for Agriculture and Food Security and Preparedness at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is developing a national training program for produce food safety with a $1.5 million grant from the FDA.
The symposium will cover the entire food supply chain, from input companies to consumers, and feature representatives from major food companies, including American Crystal Sugar and General Mills. Sustainability will be a key focus of the event, with panel discussions from industry experts.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association reveals a strong link between food insecurity and the development of metabolic diseases in children. The research found that adolescents from households with low to very low levels of food security were more likely to be overweight and have central obesity,...
A recent study highlights the importance of ozone research in the IGP region, which is agriculturally important and densely populated. The results show that seven out of 18 rice cultivars are adaptable to high-ozone environments, suggesting a useful strategy for food security in India.
A study published in CMAJ found that people with food insecurity use more health care services and incur higher health care costs. Adults in marginally food-insecure households had 23% higher health care costs, while those in severely food-insecure households had 121% higher costs.
Researchers argue that restrictive guidelines on total fat consumption have led to unhealthy choices and neglect the importance of healthy fats like nuts, vegetable oils, and fish. They advocate for a focus on adopting a healthier food-based dietary pattern with more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
A new nationally representative survey found that nearly three-quarters of Americans believe they waste less food than the national average, despite 31-40% of the American food supply being wasted. The top foods wasted are fruits and vegetables, with food waste costing Americans $161.6 billion annually.
A new study by Michigan State University economists suggests that public deliberation is crucial for stable economic growth. By considering diverse citizen opinions, policymakers can create policies that regulate the economy and allocate resources effectively.
A recent study by the American Diabetes Association found that Latinos experiencing food insecurity have poorer glycemic control and eat fewer vegetables. The study suggests that food insecurity should be considered in overall diabetes management, highlighting the need for individualized care.
The new supplement discusses the impact of dietary fats and oils on health, including challenges in changing food types and producing healthier solid fats. It also highlights advances in using healthy fats in foods and developing technologies to decrease calories.
A summer feeding program in California has served over 33,000 meals to 1,200 children and adults, significantly reducing food insecurity. The program, established in 2013, provided breakfast and lunch to kids, lunch to adults, and take-home meals for families.
The UK is investing £4.5 million in research projects to tackle the challenges of water-energy-food nexus. The three projects aim to improve resilience, produce nexus models, and identify existing structures with low impact across water, food and energy systems.
By channeling food to large individuals, fish biomass doubles, highlighting the importance of size-dependent efficiency in population growth. This study has significant implications for fisheries management and predator-prey interactions.
Researchers found depression to be a strong predictor of both dietary quality and BMI in low-income residents. Depression was associated with lower scores in dietary quality and higher BMI scores, suggesting mental health interventions could have broader benefits in this population.
The Lancet's Obesity Series reveals that global progress towards tackling obesity has been 'unacceptably slow', with only one in four countries implementing policies on healthy eating. The series calls for a radical shift in approach, including smart food policies and increased accountability to governments and industries.
Researchers at the University of Houston explore the interplay between four key risk factors and food insecurity in families. A mother's poor health is found to be a determining factor in extreme food insecurity cases, while financial strain affects non-poor households experiencing marginal food security.
A new study suggests that smart agricultural practices and trade networks enabled the Romans to thrive despite a water-limited environment. However, this stable food supply promoted population growth and urbanization, pushing the Empire closer to its food resources limits.
A study found that female great tit birds excel in spatial and learning abilities compared to males. This cognitive superiority may be linked to their lower social standing and increased need for food pilfering, allowing them to supplement their limited food supply.
Researchers found that using grocery byproduct as a supplemental feed source in total mixed rations improves dry matter intake and apparent digestibility, leading to increased animal performance. The study also developed a pricing method for the feed based on its nutrient content and market prices.
Researchers found that four destructive pests are identical, leading to improved international cooperation in pest management. The identification of these pests as a single species will also lead to more effective quarantine measures and reduced barriers to international trade.
Researchers will study past interventions and decision-making processes at the household level to understand what works and what doesn't. The project aims to identify drivers of food security status and constraints on improvements at the household level.