Articles tagged with Food Security
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 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 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 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 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.
A global research effort has resolved a major biosecurity issue by identifying four destructive fruit fly species as one, Bactrocera dorsalis. The combination of these species will lead to improved international cooperation in pest management and enhanced food security for some of the world's poorest nations.
A recent UK study found that the price gap between 'more' and 'less' healthy foods increased over a decade, with healthier options costing up to 200% more. This trend has significant implications for public health and food security, potentially exacerbating social inequalities.
A UTSA researcher has been awarded a grant to create computer models that can predict and address the complex factors contributing to food insecurity in West Africa. The project aims to produce sustainable food security solutions for the region.
A new modeling tool, GAMCAF, predicts a 40% increase in potato production across the ESR and identifies key factors affecting yields, such as soil quality and water management. The platform aims to optimize regional food production and improve food security for consumers, particularly in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
A Rutgers University study found that nonresident father involvement is positively associated with lower food insecurity in early and middle childhood. Involvement includes time spent with the child, monetary contributions, and 'in kind' support, resulting in a 10-12% reduction in food insecurity.
A new University of Illinois study found that nearly three in four low-income families have cut back on food to afford essential non-food items. Food pantry clients often make difficult choices between feeding their children and accessing basic household products.
Research by American University found that higher prices for fruits and vegetables are associated with higher BMI in young children. Children from low- and middle-income households tend to buy less healthy foods when prices rise.
A new study found that malnutrition in pregnant African women reduces the effectiveness of HIV treatment, with up to 41% decrease in antiretroviral exposure. The research highlights the need for nutritional support in HIV-infected pregnant women.
Researchers found a strong relationship between vulnerability to food shortages before a climate shock and its impact. They used long-term archaeological data to understand changing dynamics in the North Atlantic Islands and US Southwest.
A recent study found that 59% of college students at one Oregon university experienced food insecurity, with severe implications for their academic performance, physical and emotional health. The researchers attributed this issue to rising college costs, low-income and first-generation students, and changing demographic trends.
A study by Aalto University found that global food availability has increased in recent decades, especially in regions like the Middle East and Latin America. However, food self-sufficiency remains low, with many countries relying heavily on imports to meet their food needs, putting pressure on natural resources.
A new mathematical model can help business owners and policymakers determine the optimal locations for wholesale distributors to minimize transportation costs and maximize producers' and retailers' benefits. The model considers factors like distributor size, road conditions, and gas prices to identify ideal hubs in various supply chains.
A new study found that SNAP benefits alone do not significantly improve food security or dietary quality among low-income adults. Despite receiving financial assistance, participants showed little improvement in consuming healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a vital public health program that reduces food insecurity, enhances nutrition, and improves child outcomes. Cuts to SNAP would be a misguided investment in American children's health and future success.
A nationwide Feed America study revealed that one in three low-income families had difficulty affording basic household necessities. The University of Illinois Family Resiliency Center contributed to the study by conducting interviews with food-bank clients about essential household products and strategies for obtaining them.
A comprehensive review of food waste in China reveals that approximately 19% of grain produced goes to waste, with related losses of water and farmland productivity. This translates to an estimated 177 billion cubic yards of wasted water and 64 million acres of unused cropland.
Research reveals a significant relationship between chronic illness and household food insecurity, with adults experiencing more severe food insecurity as their health problems increase. The study suggests that managing chronic illnesses imposes additional financial burdens, limiting individuals' ability to afford food.
Chinese agriculture's remarkable success in feeding the world's population comes with significant environmental costs. Massive losses of nutrients pollute streams, rivers, soil, and air, while CAFOs drive global resource consumption. Efforts to shift focus towards food security, efficient use of resources, and environmental protection ...
A new report from the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security charted a path for farmers to adapt to climate shifts despite uncertainties. The study highlights 'regret-free' approaches that build on current capacities in agriculture and environmental management.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Michigan found that parents with heavy TV viewing are more likely to feed their children junk food. Food-secure families' preschoolers have a distorted view of healthy food, and this link is very strong among these households.
Small-scale farming households in India experienced improved calorie consumption and dietary quality after adopting genetically modified (GM) cotton. The technology enabled these households to afford more and better food, reducing food insecurity by 15-20%. GM crops may be an important component of a broader food security strategy.
A University of Illinois researcher advocates for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as a cornerstone in reducing food insecurity. Improvements are needed to increase participation and benefits, particularly for those at lower ends of the benefit structure.
A recent study suggests that empowering women farmers with knowledge of improved agricultural practices and modern storage methods can significantly increase food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. This approach has been shown to reduce poverty and post-harvest losses, leading to a more stable food supply.
A new study published in Significance magazine assesses how precision agriculture can improve the farming economy and crop quality, ensuring food security. Geostatistics is used to map and predict soil properties, allowing farmers to apply inputs like fertilizers and pesticides more efficiently.
A six-week cooking program with plant-based recipes reduced food spending and improved food security among participants. Adopting a few plant-based meals per week can lead to significant financial benefits and improved health outcomes.
A study at the University of Liverpool found that disease risk in ladybirds cannot be predicted without understanding disease dynamics at a small geographical scale. The researchers discovered that differences in mating rates across habitats, driven by food supply, contributed to varying disease outbreak sites.
Researchers at SMU are analyzing social networks and isolation's role in fighting hunger in North Texas. The study aims to understand the causes of food insecurity beyond household economic resources.
Researchers at University of Illinois mapped 4,648 urban agriculture sites in Chicago using Google Earth, finding that residential gardens and vacant lot gardens contribute substantially to food production. Backyard gardens, underappreciated and unsupported, also play a crucial role in food security, particularly in areas with limited ...
A lack of consideration for older people's needs in emergency situations is hindering their response, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders) and HelpAge International. This group faces unique challenges such as difficulty traveling and accessing relief supplies, leading to increased mortality and morbidity rates.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that food insecurity is strongly associated with adolescent mental disorders. The study examined 6,483 adolescents aged 13-17 years and found that a one standard deviation increase in food insecurity was linked to a 14% increased odds ...
A new study published in the AIDS Journal found that starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV can lead to reduced food insecurity among patients. The treatment improved work status and mental health, resulting in decreased hunger rates, with the most pronounced effects seen in those receiving ART.
Palestinian refugees face chronic illnesses, water leakage issues, and poverty-related health problems. A significant correlation was found between chronic illness and water leakage, as well as between poverty and ill health.
A study published in JAIDS found that starting antiretroviral therapy reduces food insecurity and improves physical health among HIV-infected Africans. Food insecurity is linked to higher rates of opportunistic infections, poorer immune responses, and increased risk of death.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories created a method to analyze food supply networks using stochastic network representation, which can help identify contaminated food sources more quickly. This technique uses probability maps to express uncertainties in supplier-customer relationships and assess the risk of foodborne illness.
A University of Illinois economist warns that cutting SNAP benefits would exacerbate food insecurity in the US. Restricting food choices through programs like New York City's sports drink ban also discourages participation and leads to more food insecurity.
A study by UCSF researchers found that HIV-infected individuals living in San Francisco's urban poor are more likely to visit emergency rooms and have hospital stays if they lack access to sufficient quality and quantity of food. The study found that nearly half of the participants were classified as food insecure.
Participatory agroforestry has restored land and secured the food supply in DPR Korea, increasing tree cover and productivity. The user groups' involvement and rights-to-use agreements contributed to the project's success.
Researchers developed models to address complex interactions among multiple stakeholders in the biofuel supply chain. They found that diverting corn crops to ethanol can affect food prices, but overall system welfare improves, with farmers as primary beneficiaries. The study's holistic model provides guidelines for optimizing the biofu...