Living near a “food swamp” may increase stroke risk among adults 50 and older
Adults living in neighborhoods with dense fast food and unhealthy food environments, known as
Food Security
Articles tagged with Food Security
Product images could boost food pantry use
A recent study from Cornell University found that visual depictions of food pantry offerings, including brand names, have an ameliorative effect on negative product perceptions. The research also revealed that participants' pantry use history plays a role in their assessment of the quality of the food pantry products.
Can Iceland feed Europe?
A new study reveals Iceland's potential to become a protein self-sufficient nation, producing hundreds of thousands of tonnes of biomass while mitigating over 700 million tons of CO2 emissions. This could significantly reduce Europe's reliance on imported protein-rich feed crops and enhance food security.
Early tastings shorten breastfeeding
A new study from Uppsala University found that early introduction of solid foods to infants leads to an earlier end to breastfeeding and a shorter duration of breastfeeding. The research involved 1,251 infants and their mothers, with nearly half receiving tastings as early as four months.
SourceUppsala University·JournalInternational Breastfeeding Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023
Early humans: Annual cycles in tooth enamel provide insights into life histories
Researchers analyzed ancient teeth from Homo erectus and great apes to reveal annual cycles in tooth enamel, providing insights into their diets and seasonal food supplies. The study shows that humans and great apes had distinct dietary patterns, with humans exhibiting less pronounced peaks and lower Sr/Ca values.
SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2023
Genetically modified rice could be key to tackling food shortages caused by climate change
New research from the University of Sheffield reveals genetically modifying rice to reduce stomata can make it more salt-resistant and survive in environments with high salt levels. This adaptation could help tackle food insecurity caused by climate change.
Families with food insecurity have greater health care expenditures
A recent study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that families experiencing food insecurity have significantly higher health care expenditures. The research analyzed data from the 2016 and 2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and found an annual difference of about $2,456 between food-secure and food-insecure families.
NSF awards UMBC’s Lauren Clay $624K Convergence Accelerator grant to address food insecurity in disasters
The NSF Convergence Accelerator program invests $11M in solutions for vulnerable communities, with UMBC's Lauren Clay awarded $624K to develop the Food Index for Resilience. This index will measure food system functioning in communities and support disaster response and recovery.
Soaring fertilizer prices could see millions more undernourished
A study suggests that high fertiliser prices could lead to an additional 100 million people being undernourished, with up to one million deaths annually. The war in Ukraine has disrupted food exports, but energy and fertiliser price spikes are the primary drivers of food price rises.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 23, 2022
Culturally-informed mental health screenings improve school and community successes
A UCR-led analysis recommends culturally sensitive mental health screenings for schools, focusing on identifying social determinants of health and strengths. These screenings can help schools build resilience, address needs like food insecurity, and combat disproportionate referrals for special education or exclusionary discipline.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of School Psychology·TypeContent analysis·DateDec 21, 2022
COVID-19 pandemic increased the vulnerability of people living with obesity
A recent study by University College London reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues and food insecurity among individuals living with obesity. Nearly half of participants reported worsening mental health, while nearly a third experienced severe depression. Food insecurity also increased significantly, wi...
SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeSurvey·DateDec 21, 2022
Insights get the right fish on the right plate
A team of scientists from Michigan State University conducted a study to track the supply and demand of fish in sub-Saharan Africa, revealing surprising gaps in traditional analysis. The research found that smaller fish species like usipa were more widely available than larger species like chambo, but policies were prioritizing the lat...
Not everyone aware sustainable diets are about helping the planet
A new study by Bournemouth University found that young adults in the UK are willing to change their diet for environmental reasons, but many are unclear about what changes to make. The research highlights the need for greater awareness and knowledge about sustainable diets and their impact on the environment.
New index shows regions in the north have higher risk of food insecurity
A new index reveals North England neighborhoods with the highest risk of food insecurity, particularly in urban areas such as Wirral and Blackpool. The map can help local authorities target support to households most at risk during the cost of living crisis.
JUA Technologies International receives $600,000 USDA grant to develop solar-powered crop dehydrator
Purdue University professor Klein Ileleji's startup JUA Technologies International aims to improve crop drying methods using a high-efficiency, smart solar dehydrator. The grant will support product-design improvements and manufacturing, enabling small growers to add value to their crops and increase income.
Deprivation in childhood linked to impulsive behaviour in adulthood – research
Research at Aston University found a significant link between childhood deprivation and impulsive behavior, leading to addictions and unhealthy choices later in life. The study showed that children from deprived areas had a higher discount rate, indicating a preference for immediate gratification.
Inbred to well-fed: Maize breeding efforts to improve food security and safety in Africa
Researchers developed disease-resistant maize genotypes for smallholder farmers, increasing safe yields and reducing aflatoxin contamination. The findings offer a promising strategy to protect food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A win, win, win for dairy production in East Africa
A new study reveals that adopting high-yielding dairy cattle breeds and improving feed can help Tanzania increase milk production while reducing planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions and alleviating poverty. The research found that better feed can increase milk yield by up to 179% and improve the country's climate commitments.
SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 16, 2022
Dams could play a big role in feeding the world more sustainably, Stanford researchers find
Stanford researchers found that dams could store over 50% of water needed for crop irrigation, but emphasize alternatives like small dams and recharged groundwater systems as more environmentally friendly options. The study aims to increase food security without depleting water stocks or harming nature.
Passion fruit yields high antioxidant ingredient for stable edible food coatings
Researchers have discovered a high-antioxidant ingredient in passion fruit peels that can preserve fresh fruits and cuts in an edible coating, reducing spoilage and plastic packaging. The microencapsulated powders are stable, non-hygroscopic, and suitable for industrial applications.
Seafood farming’s growth rate has already peaked, and now it’s in decline
A new study finds that seafood farming's growth rate has already peaked in 1996 and is now declining, requiring rebuilding of wild fish stocks to meet future demand. Without this approach, relying solely on aquaculture could lead to a global seafood shortage by 2030.
Food pantry access worth billions nationally, study finds
Researchers estimate food pantry services contribute up to $28 billion nationwide, with households spending $40-$60 per trip and $600-$1,000 per year. The study provides valuable insights into the economic value of food pantries, highlighting their importance in addressing food insecurity.
What is free food worth? Study estimates the value of food pantry services
A study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics estimates that access to food pantries provides a value of $600-$1,000 per client household annually. The collective value of food pantry access among pantry client households may be between $19 billion and $28 billion dollars annually.
Air pollution threatens natural pest control methods in sustainable farming
Research found that air pollution from diesel exhaust and ozone significantly reduces the reproductive success of parasitic wasps controlling aphids on oilseed rape plants. The pollutants alter plant chemistry, attracting a specific wasp species more successfully.
SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022
There’s room for improvement in a popular climate-smart agricultural practice, Stanford-led study shows
A Stanford-led study found that cover cropping in the US Corn Belt leads to yield losses of 5.5% for corn and 3.5% for soybeans, despite its potential climate benefits. The practice's environmental impacts are complex, with reduced runoff and soil erosion but also increased water usage.
Words matter in food freshness, safety messaging
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that changing the wording on expiration dates could help reduce food waste. The study suggests that certain labels, such as "use by" or "best if used by," may lead to more food being discarded than others.
Study proposes measures to strengthen Burundi’s plant health system
A CABI-led study proposes seven key steps to strengthen Burundi's plant health system, aiming to enhance food security and tap into valuable export markets. The research found inadequate skills and capacity in diagnosing crop pests, hindering agricultural productivity.
Reducing childhood poverty could cut criminal convictions by almost a quarter, study shows
A study in Brazil found that reducing childhood poverty could prevent up to 22.5% of future criminal convictions. The researchers analyzed 22 risk factors and interviewed over 1,900 children twice, finding that poverty was the only modifiable factor significantly associated with crime.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 1, 2022
Climate change linked to health crises and food insecurity
Climate change is exacerbating health crises among migrant workers in the US agriculture sector, with extreme heat and chemical exposure posing significant risks. The Lancet report highlights the unequal burdens of climate change, particularly on vulnerable populations.
Lack of access to healthy food may raise risk of death from heart failure
A new study found that living in a community with easy access to grocery stores and affordable, healthy food is associated with lower heart failure death rates. The research analyzed data from nearly 3,000 counties in the US and found that food insecurity is linked to increased rates of death from heart failure.
Offshore mussel farms could have wider environmental benefits
A new study found that offshore mussel farms can increase species abundance, including Atlantic horse mackerel and European lobster, on degraded seabed habitats. The research suggests that this practice could have wider environmental benefits, supporting the national and international Blue Growth agenda.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalAquaculture Fish and Fisheries·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022
US food insufficiency spiked by 25% after monthly Child Tax Credits expired
A new study found that the expiration of monthly Child Tax Credit payments led to a 25% increase in food insufficiency among US households with children. The loss of cash relief benefits disproportionately impacted Black, Latino, Indigenous, and immigrant families, exacerbating racial and economic inequities.
SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2022
A smoky solution — for plants
Researchers have made a surprising discovery that liquid smoke can enhance plant defense against pests and diseases, leading to new farming practices. The study found that sunflowers grown in soil treated with liquid smoke had larger, thicker, and greener leaves and appeared less prone to pests and disease.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 19, 2022
Over 250 health journals urge world leaders to deliver climate justice for Africa
The editorial urges wealthy nations to step up support for Africa and vulnerable countries in addressing past, present, and future impacts of climate change. The climate crisis has destroyed a fifth of the GDP of the most vulnerable countries.
Native predatory fish help control invasive species in Hawaiian fishpond
Research found that native predatory fish like jacks and barracuda feed on Australian mullet, an invasive species introduced to Oahu waters. This shift in diet helps control the invasive mullet population, which competes with native fish for resources.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalAquaculture Fish and Fisheries·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2022
Global hunger, carbon emissions could both spike if war limits grain exports
Researchers predict that reduced Ukrainian grain exports due to the war will lead to increased food insecurity and higher carbon dioxide emissions. The study estimates a potential increase in global agricultural land use of 16.3-45 million acres, driving up carbon emissions by 527-1.6 billion metric tons.
SourceIowa State University·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2022
Scientists unravel millet genotype-microbiota interaction insights to enhance crop adaptability and yield
Researchers identified 257 rhizoplane microbial biomarkers associated with six key agronomic traits, revealing a complex association between millet genotype, root microbiome, and crop growth. The study provides insights into precision agriculture based on genotype-dependent microbial effects in foxtail millet.
Caregivers have it tough — and the COVID-19 pandemic made things worse
A new study found that caregivers, particularly women, experience higher odds of health-related vulnerabilities such as food insecurity and financial strain. Caregivers must balance their own lives with those of their dependents, finding ways to care for themselves while dedicating time to caring for loved ones.
$30M USAID grant sees soybean innovation through the last mile in Africa
The University of Illinois has received a $30 million investment from USAID to develop soybean value chains across Sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to remove last-mile obstacles to technology adoption, including seed, productivity-improvement, and credit issues.
Rate of food insecurity skyrockets for Americans with cardiovascular disease, study finds
A recent study found that 38% of people with cardiovascular disease were food insecure in 2017-2018, more than doubling from two decades earlier. Food insecurity exacerbates existing racial and ethnic health disparities and can lead to increased risk for cardiometabolic risk factors.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2022
Rising food prices hit less-healthy older adults hardest, poll suggests
A recent poll found that rising food prices have a disproportionate impact on the diets of older adults, especially those in lower-income households and with fair or poor physical or mental health. The study also shows that these groups are more likely to experience food insecurity and eat less healthy diets due to increased food costs.
New Sub-Saharan Africa partnership expands 4R Nutrient Stewardship’s inclusive approach to agricultural transformation
The African Plant Nutrition Institute, Fertilizer Canada, and OCP Africa have signed a MoU to collaborate on agriculture development programmes that target sub-Saharan rural farmers. The planned interventions will see an improvement in food-security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers through joint programming, shared learning, and...
Women facing food insecurity could be at high risk for addiction to highly processed food
A new study found that women experiencing food insecurity report more symptoms of food addiction, such as compulsive eating and withdrawal symptoms. Participants in food-insecure households had significantly more food-addiction symptoms than those in food-secure households.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2022
Crop disruption from war in Ukraine could increase global carbon emissions, food prices
A new study predicts that the disruption of crop production in Ukraine due to the Russian invasion will lead to increased global carbon emissions and food prices. However, other countries are stepping up their production to compensate for the loss, which may alleviate food insecurity but with significant environmental impacts.
Prevalence, risk factors for medical debt, subsequent changes in social determinants of health
A study found that many people with health insurance still struggle with medical debt, which can lead to evictions, foreclosures, and food insecurity. The analysis of survey data suggests a significant association between medical debt and worsening social determinants of health.
Association of social risk factors with mortality among adults with new cancer diagnosis
Researchers found associations between financial hardship, food insecurity, housing instability, and transportation difficulties with increased mortality risk among adults with new cancer diagnosis. The study highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health for improving patient outcomes.
New study published in The Crop Journal cracks the code to increasing grain size and reducing chalkiness in rice
A new study published in The Crop Journal has identified the gl9 gene variant as a key factor in increasing grain size and reducing chalkiness in rice. By introducing this allele into elite rice varieties, scientists have improved grain length, width, and weight, leading to enhanced appearance quality and yield.
Pandemic federal programs helped kids in need get access to 1.5 billion meals every month
The study found that pandemic federal programs, including grab-and-go school meals and the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program, reached over 30 million children and provided nearly 1.5 billion meals in 2020. The programs helped low-income families access nutritious food during a critical time when schools were closed due to COVID-19.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2022
Women with disabilities more likely to report poor diet, food insecurity
A new study led by NYU researchers found that women with disabilities are nearly twice as likely to rate their diet as poor and experience food insecurity. Women with disabilities were also less likely to be the main person in their households responsible for meal planning, preparing, and food shopping.
Asking about food insecurity at hospital admission is feasible, effective
A quality improvement project at a hospital found that asking patients about food insecurity is feasible and effective. The process, which included two simple questions, identified 6% of patients as needing assistance with food resources, resulting in reduced healthcare costs and improved patient health outcomes.
Study finds that agricultural diversity has a positive impact on food security
Researchers found that in almost two-thirds of cases, agricultural diversity had a positive effect on food security. However, the relationship was mixed or showed no effect in about one-third of cases. The study highlights the importance of preserving agrobiodiversity to ensure food systems can adapt to climate change and other stresses.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalGlobal Food Security·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 26, 2022
Socioeconomic and health risk profiles among mothers of young children predicts risk of food insecurity, study finds
A new study identified five socio-economic and health risk profiles among mothers of young children that may lead to food insecurity. The study found that these risk profiles can help pediatricians identify families at risk for food insecurity, who may be reluctant to disclose their struggles due to fear of child removal.
Large regional differences in agricultural adaptation to future climate change in Europe
Climate change affects European agriculture in distinct ways across regions, with southern Europe experiencing the highest number of initiatives and adaptations. Northern Europe expects a longer growing season, while central and southern Europe struggle with drought and erratic rainfall.
Cooking, diabetes self-management education, intervention improves quality of life
Researchers found that participants who received cooking education showed improvements in eating more vegetables, fewer carbohydrates, and lower A1C levels. The study also highlighted the importance of addressing food insecurity in diabetes management.
SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 22, 2022
How Atlantic air alters India’s food and water supply
A study found that winter storms in north-west India are 31% more frequent and 45% more intense during positive NAO phases, leading to increased moisture and precipitation in the western Himalayas. This could impact crop yields and water security in states like Jammu and Kashmir.
Climate change threatens food supply chains with cascading impacts on diet quality, income – new modelling shows
New University of Sydney research models the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on Australia's food systems, finding potential job losses, nutrient availability declines, and localized food price increases. The study highlights the need for climate preparedness and mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable populations.
SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 18, 2022
Fast-growing poplars can release land for food production
Researchers at Stockholm University have developed a novel value chain to produce textile fibers and biofuel from fast-growing poplars. This sustainable approach enables the conversion of marginal land from cotton to food production, minimizing water consumption and supporting global food security.
Climate-resilient breadfruit might be the food of the future
A new Northwestern University study reveals that climate change will have little effect on breadfruit cultivation, making it a promising crop for areas with high food insecurity. The starchy tree fruit is resilient to predicted climate change and can thrive in areas with high levels of humidity.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2022
Multi-channel approach to extension reaps benefits for farmers fighting fall armyworm pest in Eastern Rwanda
A CABI-led study reveals a multi-channel information campaign significantly increases maize yields for smallholder farmers in Eastern Rwanda by up to 34%. The research also found that the approach benefits farmers in the region, improving their ability to manage fall armyworm pests.
Earlier wheat planting will boost yields in eastern India
Researchers found that adjusting sowing dates for wheat in eastern India can increase production by 69% while maintaining rice productivity. The study provides new recommendations for rice sowing dates and cultivar types to accommodate earlier wheat planting.