Articles tagged with Food Security
A new report highlights the need for clearer policies to address unpaid meal charges, which can lead to practices like lunch shaming. The study found significant disparities and gaps in communication across US school districts, with notable similarities in North Carolina's policies.
The new Hispanic Thrifty Food Plan (H-TFP) is a cost-neutral alternative to the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan, respecting traditional Hispanic eating patterns while adhering to established nutritional guidelines. The H-TFP aims to preserve cultural food preferences while promoting healthy eating at the same cost.
Plant roots use a silent molecular 'language' to direct fungi to attach, providing phosphates. Researchers discovered that strigolactone activates fungal genes associated with phosphate metabolism, leading to new strategies for cultivating hardier crops and combatting disease-causing fungi.
A new CABI-led research study reveals low access to plant health services in South Sudan, hindering agricultural productivity. The findings highlight the need for strengthening government-led initiatives, service accessibility, and inclusivity in plant health systems to address climate change-induced pests.
Researchers at the University of Bath will investigate the micro politics of famine in South Sudan and Somalia using £1.25 million ERC funding. The team aims to deliver a new theory on famine politics, prioritizing community perspectives and social realities.
A case study of a 65-year-old woman with scurvy highlights the need to consider vitamin C deficiency in patients with restrictive eating patterns and limited social support. Vitamin C deficiency is more common than expected, especially among those with low socioeconomic status or substance use disorders.
A new study by Harvard researchers found that food insufficiency increased after pandemic-era SNAP emergency allotments expired, leading to greater use of food pantries and difficulty paying household expenses. Black SNAP participants reported higher anxiety symptoms than white participants.
A new study found that sexual and gender minority adults in the US experience multiple social risk factors, including life dissatisfaction, social isolation, and stress. This highlights the need for policies advancing health and socioeconomic well-being of these groups.
Research shows that poverty and inadequate food supply drive poaching in East African national parks. The study found that alleviating food insecurity and poverty are key to building cooperation between parks and local villages. By addressing these needs, conservation efforts can be more effective.
Researchers used cutting-edge molecular biology tools and GPS tracking data to determine the dietary habits of different animal species in Yellowstone. They found that feeding behaviors depend on body size, with smaller species diversifying their diets in summer and larger animals competing for resources in winter.
A new scientific statement emphasizes the role of social determinants, such as immigration status, socioeconomic position, and access to healthcare, in shaping cardiovascular health among Asian American adults. The statement identifies future research directions to advance health equity and reduce disparities in these communities.
A new NIH-funded study found that children who experienced food insecurity during early childhood or whose mothers experienced it during pregnancy had a higher BMI and increased chance of developing obesity. Researchers explored how neighborhood food access affected child body mass index and obesity over time.
A new study reveals that inpatient food insecurity among caregivers during pediatric hospitalizations is associated with longer hospital admissions and increased odds of readmission. Caregivers experiencing food insecurity were found to have a 2.4 day longer length of stay and 1.8 times higher odds of readmission within 30 days.
A nationwide multi-cohort study found that residence in low-income-low-food-access neighborhoods during pregnancy or early childhood significantly raises the risk of obesity and severe obesity from childhood to adolescence. The study underscores the importance of early-life neighborhood environments in shaping child health outcomes.
New research using satellite technology tracks the movement of albatrosses and petrels, finding that they use sea ice-affected parts of the ocean for feeding and scavenging. The study suggests that Antarctica's shrinking sea ice could force seabirds to travel further or alter their food patterns, affecting ecosystems.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior examines the connection between food insecurity and gestational diabetes risk among young American Indian and Alaska Native females. The research highlights how targeted risk reduction methods could significantly improve diabetes health outcomes for this popula...
Two studies highlight elevated blood pressure prevalence among 8-19 year-olds in the US, with social determinants impacting health outcomes. Addressing these factors through targeted public health strategies is essential to improve outcomes and prevent long-term heart disease.
The Eat Local WNY initiative, funded by the US Department of Agriculture, aims to create a thriving community through investment in local food, businesses, and people. The project encourages shoppers to purchase at least 10% of their food from local producers, promoting fair wages for farmers, better stewardship of farmlands, and fresh...
A new study found significant intake inadequacies for nearly all evaluated micronutrients, with iodine and vitamin E deficiencies being the most prevalent. The researchers estimated inadequate intakes were higher for women than men in some countries, highlighting a need for targeted dietary interventions.
A new study demonstrates a cost-effective method for producing cultivated meat, addressing scalability and cost challenges. The continuous manufacturing process enables daily biomass harvests and reduces costs by up to $6.20 per pound, aligning with organic chicken prices.
A recent study by Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT found that women's empowerment is associated with improved child nutrition, health, and education. The research shows that empowered women contribute to fewer underweight and wasted children, as well as improved household dietary diversity.
A cohort study found that expanded child tax credit (ECTC) enacted substantially lowers food insecurity, whereas ECTC expiration significantly raises it. The monthly payment structure and lack of earnings requirements may play a crucial role in preventing food insecurity.
A systematic review found that universal free school meals were associated with increased meal participation and no significant improvements in attendance. The study also noted a decrease in obesity prevalence and suspension rates, although the evidence for these findings was moderate to low certainty.
A study by University of Surrey researchers highlights the importance of public bodies investing in local food systems to create healthier communities. Community cafes and pantries have been shown to empower volunteers and promote knowledge sharing about food, while grant funding and council support can unlock new projects.
Research published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that meals from community cafés had significantly higher diet quality than meals not eaten at the café, measured by the Healthy Eating Index. This improvement was particularly pronounced for individuals with very low food security. The study suggests that commu...
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that mothers' mental health suffers when their families lack food resources, especially if they are the ones going without food. The study highlights the need for strategies to help moms or caregivers manage their mental health during times of food insecurity.
A comprehensive study reveals that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly added to US pesticide products, contaminating waterways and posing potential threats to human health. The study found that pesticides containing PFAS are widely used in staple foods, flea treatments for pets, and insect-killing sprays.
A research team led by Clemson University Professor Shahid Mukhtar aims to identify natural biological solutions through the microbiome to help soybeans survive extreme heat and drought. The study will focus on the cellular level, soil microbiomes, and plant responses to environmental stresses.
Households in Liberia that participated in forest-based activities reduced their food scarcity by 84 percent. The research also found that forests can capture carbon and advance sustainability goals for low- and middle-income countries, reducing hunger and improving well-being.
Climate change is predicted to decrease strawberry yields by as much as 40% due to increased temperatures. Sustainable farming practices can help mitigate this effect, ensuring a stable food supply for everyone.
A recent poll of older adults reveals that those in their 50s and early 60s who face financial stress are more likely to experience negative health effects. The study found that 47% of people aged 50-64 reported being impacted by inflation, with many cutting back on everyday expenses.
The Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) has issued a position paper emphasizing the importance of emergency-related food and nutrition education before, during, and after disasters. The paper highlights challenges in accessing safe, nutritious foods and beverages in post-disaster situations, particularly among historica...
A USC Dornsife study finds that nearly one in four LA County residents experience food insecurity, while almost half with nutrition insecurity do not report food insecurity, highlighting the need for addressing both issues to improve access and address barriers to healthy diets.
Researchers found that WIC enrollment was associated with lower rates of gestational diabetes, preterm birth, blood transfusions, and ICU admissions. This suggests that programs like WIC can improve pregnancy health.
A new outreach program, NESTS, has been developed to address the unique needs of Spanish-speaking trauma patients. The program connects patients with follow-up care, community resources, and social services, helping to improve their recovery outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a new source of resistance to the devastating wheat blast disease, leveraging a gene that also protects against powdery mildew. The Pm4 gene, found in European wheat varieties, confers dual protection against the pathogen and its effector molecule AVR-Rmg8.
Researchers use laser scanning to generate 3D models of sugar beet plants, capturing essential characteristics for AI-assisted crop improvement. The 3D models are reproducible and freely available, enabling efficient and cost-effective plant breeding in resource-poor settings.
A new study found that Americans are eating better, but disparities in diet quality persist among marginalized communities. The proportion of adults with poor dietary quality decreased from 48.8% to 36.7% between 1999 and 2020, while those with intermediate diet quality increased.
A study by Boston University School of Public Health found that over 1 in 10 FQHC patients experience major social risk factors such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, and financial strain. These challenges are significantly higher among FQHCs serving historically disenfranchised groups.
A new study found that adolescents with higher rates of prediabetes often experience adverse social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and low household income. Screening for these non-medical factors may help identify youth at risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes.
A study found that pesticides imidacloprid, pyraclostrobin, and glyphosate impair the mobility and immune system of Brazilian native stingless bees. Even if bees survive exposure to these pesticides, their immune systems are weakened, making them more prone to infections and increasing the risk of colony collapse.
Researchers use nanomedicine and digital twin technologies to develop Plant Nanobiotechnology, addressing agricultural challenges and increasing crop yield. Digital twins of plants enable the design of nanocarriers that target nutrient delivery to specific plant organs.
A new poll reveals that most older adults are unaware of available resources to help them navigate aging and caregiving. Only a small minority have used programs like Area Agencies on Aging, State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, and long-term services and supports. The findings highlight the need for more awareness about these se...
A new system developed by Boyce Thompson Institute makes affordable, mobile and high-throughput phenotyping tools accessible worldwide. This allows researchers to conduct data-driven studies on plant growth and responses over time, accelerating breeding of more resilient crop varieties.
A mobile app survey during the first trimester predicted future depression with a high level of accuracy, identifying modifiable risk factors such as sleep quality and access to food. The study's findings offer a new approach to predicting perinatal depression and tailoring preventive care for pregnant individuals.
Global greenhouse cultivation has increased rapidly, with Asia accounting for 60.4% of global coverage. The practice provides opportunities for local food security and poverty alleviation, but raises environmental concerns such as water pollution and energy consumption.
Household wealth is strongly associated with food security, with higher relative wealth households experiencing less probability of falling into food insecurity. Assets help preserve human capital by reducing costly coping strategies like dietary modification and spending reductions. Eradicating poverty and inequality is key to reducin...
Anu has received a significant grant to support the development of its 100% compostable seedpods, which are used in its smart gardens. The company's technology enables fast and efficient growth of produce, reducing water usage by up to 90% compared to traditional gardening methods.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a framework to predict crop yield using satellite images of solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence. This approach could help farmers react to changing conditions, improve crop health, and reduce poverty. By leveraging satellite data, the method is cheaper and faster than traditional yiel...
A study of 500 households in Altamira found that 61% experienced food insecurity and malnutrition. The poorest group, with low educational attainment and unemployment, was most affected.
Researchers at NTU Singapore and Temasek Polytechnic develop a new, sustainable feed alternative for farmed Asian seabass, reducing reliance on wild-caught fishmeal. The single cell protein is cultivated from soybean processing wastewater, offering a promising solution to the aquaculture industry's environmental challenges.
Research finds that the Arctic warming is causing a decline in dust levels across India, the Persian Gulf Coast, and the Middle East. The study suggests that addressing dust reduction should be done in tandem with efforts to curb emissions and mitigate climate change.
Researchers evaluated different pig farming systems, finding that none performed well across all four areas: land use, greenhouse gas emissions, antibiotics use, and animal welfare. However, some individual farms did excel in all domains, highlighting the potential for trade-offs to be minimized.
Kiruba Krishnaswamy's project aims to tackle hidden hunger by developing a circular, culturally appropriate food system model. The research focuses on micronutrients and community-based solutions to address malnutrition and obesity, with the ultimate goal of reducing chronic hunger.
A new global study by the University of Copenhagen and University of Hohenheim finds that diversified agriculture improves food security, biodiversity, and well-being while having no negative effect on yields. Strategies such as livestock diversification and soil conservation yield positive outcomes.
Perinatal Mexican-American women discussed challenges facing their families during the pandemic, including accessing food, medical information, and mental health treatment. The study recommended actionable policies and programs to meet the needs of Latino communities during future emergencies.
A recent study found that California county agency workers struggle with complex SNAP eligibility criteria, leading to low participation rates among eligible college students. The research suggests simplifying the process to increase access for historically minoritized groups and low-income students.
A recent NIH study found that living in low-income neighborhoods with limited food access during pregnancy is associated with lower birthweight and higher odds of babies born small for gestational age. However, individual food insecurity was not linked to birth outcomes.
Bee colonies face a critical 'hungry gap' when recommended pollinator plants start blooming too late in the spring, resulting in low colony survival and queen production. Adding early-blooming species like ground ivy and red dead-nettle to existing hedgerows can improve colony success rates significantly.
A team of researchers decoded the origins and spread of the bottle gourd, a staple in ancient civilizations for over 10,000 years. The study mapped the genetic blueprint of 197 varieties, revealing its domestication in Southern Africa around 12,000 years ago.