Articles tagged with Food Security
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A recent study, published in JAMA Network Open, investigated the relationship between food insecurity and allostatic overload in older adults. Researchers found that food insecurity is associated with increased allostatic overload, which can have negative effects on health outcomes.
A new index ranks US states based on their support for successful aging across five domains: productivity, security, equity, cohesion, and well-being. The study found that no single domain drives the results, and state policies play a significant role in adapting to an aging population.
Researchers developed a framework to evaluate urbanization's impact on food and land use biodiversity. Urban areas can provide a range of approaches to increasing food diversity, including peri-urban agriculture and small farms. Strengthening food biodiversity among the urban poor can improve nutrition and security.
A new study has catalogued all possible genetic variations in over 3,000 chickpea plants to improve the crop's yield and resilience to climate change. The research proposes a breeding model using genomics-assisted breeding to enhance agriculturally valuable traits.
Two hundred ninety scientific researchers from 46 countries urge the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ban harmful fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing. The signatories cite research showing that such subsidies lead to unsustainable fishing practices, contravening UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.
The 'transforming irrigation in southern Africa' project empowers farmers with knowledge and tools to grow high-yielding crops while minimizing water usage. By providing basic field books to calculate costs and profits, farmers are conserving water and saving time.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine shows that participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) among older adults dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid is associated with fewer hospital visits and lower healthcare costs. Researchers used data from over 115,000 people aged 65+ in North Carolina to d...
A study by University of Cincinnati professor Michael J. Fry found that a single large warehouse would be the most cost-efficient approach for disaster relief supplies, but a single location is vulnerable to destruction. The research suggests cooperation between government and relief organizations can improve response effectiveness.
The emergency food management sector is ill-prepared for digital disaster management due to the lack of effective digital tools. A recent study found that existing digital strategies have not been proven effective or tested, leaving personnel with no guidance on potential best practices and the impact of digital tools.
A study found that Amazonian and Afrotropical communities consuming wild meat may spare up to 71 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year by replacing beef or poultry with wild meat. This could generate millions of dollars in carbon credit sales, but unsustainable hunting practices must be avoided.
Researchers have identified a key component of plants' light response, allowing them to regulate gene expression and control stem growth. By reducing PIF protein activity, they can slow down stem growth and promote leaf and seed production, leading to increased crop yields and improved food supply.
A new report by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) suggests that accelerated adaptation can substantially reduce Egypt’s food production losses from climate change. Climate change-induced biophysical crop stress could lead to a 10% reduction in food crop yields by 2050, but investing in agricultural research and devel...
A new study suggests microgreens can be grown in small spaces indoors with minimal inputs, providing a reliable source of essential nutrients and antioxidants. Microgreens offer great potential as an efficient food-resilience resource for addressing malnutrition issues and nutrition-security inequality.
Pollinators contribute significantly to global food production, particularly for small-scale farmers who rely heavily on these services. The author emphasizes the need for increased support and research efforts to maintain biodiversity and improve crop yields.
Food insecurity among migrants on the move is a pressing issue, with limited scientific literature documenting its prevalence and severity. A new study proposes a definition of migrants in active mobility and recommends interdisciplinary actions to inform policy and strategies guaranteeing access to food.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened food insecurity, particularly among families with children, with nearly 18% of households reporting low or very low food security. NYU researchers are developing a technological solution to reduce food insecurity and waste, including a mobile app called Food2Share.
Researchers identified climate-resilient root, tuber and banana crop varieties with flexible planting dates to adapt to warmer and wetter conditions. Cassava, banana, and sweet potato are most adaptable, while potato growing areas are vulnerable.
A study by Penn State researchers found that regions exposed to both heavy earthquake shaking and abundant rainfall in Nepal are more likely to experience food insecurity. The findings suggest that climate change is exacerbating the impact of compound events, such as earthquakes and heavy rainfall, on agriculture and human health.
A global food panel could bring together scientists, governments and stakeholders to tackle food insecurity, climate change and health crises. However, its legitimacy and impact depend on ensuring diverse knowledge participation and inclusive governance.
A comprehensive review found that site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) increases yield by 12% and profitability by 15%, while saving 18 kg N/ha and reducing environmental risk. SSNM can detect and correct long-standing nutrient input inadequacies, improving outcomes.
Warming oceans are causing fish to struggle with both survival and adaptation, leading to potential extinction. The research found that warmer waters reduce the size of fish, making it harder for them to relocate to more suitable environments, and also limit their ability to evolve and cope with changing temperatures.
A University of Delaware study found that diversifying nutritional strategies is key to improving diets for India's smallholder farmers. The researchers suggest individual-level and community-level approaches, such as growing diverse crops or sharing produce at local markets.
Researchers from TUM discovered a toxin in the leafy vegetable Ebolo, which can cause liver damage. They successfully removed the toxin through breeding techniques, paving the way for safer consumption of this nutritious crop.
A new study from the Tata-Cornell Institute for Agriculture and Nutrition found that women's nutritional intake declined during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. The decline was particularly pronounced among underdeveloped regions, with significant decreases in food expenditures and consumption of micronutrient-rich foods.
A recent study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that nearly one-third of emerging adults experienced food insecurity, with Black, Indigenous, and persons of color disproportionately affected. The study also revealed concerns about discrimination and safety barriers to accessing healthy food, emphasizing th...
AgTech NEXT 2021 explores intersections of agriculture, innovation, and climate change. The event features thought-provoking discussions on carbon markets, geospatial sciences, and food security.
A qualitative study found that community health workers are integral to identifying patients' social needs, with roles shifting from screener to implementer. However, social needs screening data is often not integrated into electronic health records or used for population health management, and sites face barriers to its implementation.
Researchers found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, food-insecure individuals made fewer grocery shopping trips due to concerns about contracting the virus, unlike food-secure individuals. However, they did not increase spending per trip, highlighting a serious issue in how different populations are impacted by the pandemic.
A new study proposes restructuring SNAP into a Universal Basic Income (UBI) program to eliminate food insecurity. The plan would significantly reduce food insecurity rates, especially among vulnerable groups, and could be funded through targeted tax increases.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture are investigating consumer and retailer attitudes toward food loss and waste reduction programs. The study aims to provide recommendations for future voluntary food loss and waste reduction programs, which could help reduce US food waste by 50% by 2030.
Researchers developed a model that shows diverse supply chains can explain up to 90% of historically observed food supply shocks in US cities. This finding has practical implications for boosting city supply chain resilience and developing policies to mitigate supply chain shocks.
A study finds that cropland redistribution to marginal lands undermines environmental sustainability, increasing wind erosion, irrigation water consumption, fertilizer use, and decreasing natural habitats. The study suggests restricting land reclamation and boosting crop yields for both food security and environmental benefits.
For over 13,000 years, humans have thrived in tropical forest environments, transforming the natural landscapes into forest gardens. Ensuring local peoples' rights to their ancestral forest lands is crucial for conserving these sensitive environments and boosting food security.
Researchers found associations between COVID-19 infection rates and race/ethnicity, with varying patterns over time. Food insecurity was also linked to increased COVID-19 risk, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A new study suggests that economic recessions lead to a decline in dietary quality, particularly in food-insecure households. The research analyzed data from over 60,000 adults and children in the US during the Great Recession and found significant reductions in nutrient-dense foods.
Research from Cornell University reveals that even slight grocery tax-rate increases can exacerbate food insecurity among low-income households. The study found a correlation between increased tax rates and higher likelihoods of hunger in households.
A recent study presented at the American Heart Association's conference found that black adults who consumed ultra-processed foods were at a 55% increased risk for high blood pressure compared to white adults. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 participants and used the NOVA system to categorize food processing levels.
Researchers found higher rates of testing and positivity in areas associated with food insecurity, which could obscure prevalence estimates. The study used Census-level data to compare testing and positivity rates with demographic data, highlighting disparities among Black residents.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame proposes that food companies can reduce recall uncertainty by embedding recall options into their decision-making. The research identifies three key recall options: scale, deferral, and abandonment, which can help managers segment recalls and make informed decisions as they evolve.
A three-year study in Tanzania found that farmers who learned about sustainable crop-growing methods, gender equity, and nutrition improved the diversity of their children's diets and increased food security. The approach combined agroecology with peer mentoring and attention to nutrition and gender equity.
The Future Ready Food Safety Hub (FRESH) is a tripartite collaboration between NTU, SFA, and A*STAR to address food safety challenges. The hub aims to close the gap in scientific capabilities for food safety risk assessment and validation, strengthening Singapore's food safety ecosystem.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center and economists at the University of Dallas found that consistent use of food pantries can improve food security, health, and well-being. The researchers calculated a 10 percentage-point increase in pantry visits led to a 5.7% reduced likelihood of food insecurity.
A study found that US women faced increased health-related socioeconomic risks, leading to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. The survey also showed that nearly half of all women reported new or worsening conditions, with food insecurity being the greatest challenge.
A new study found that Middle Eastern and North African individuals in Michigan are more likely to experience chronic illness, mental health issues, and poor overall health due to various barriers. The survey also highlighted the prevalence of food insecurity, transportation issues, and financial strain as major risk factors for poor h...
Researchers found that urban agriculture alone cannot meet the nutritional needs of a city's population due to limited crop yields and nutrient deficiencies. However, with fortification or supplementation, urban agriculture can contribute significantly to meeting food demand.
The new resource aims to equip development practitioners with skills to develop grants that foster access to agricultural data, leading to greater food security. The toolkit includes seven eLearning modules, guides, and case studies on FAIR principles and data sharing best practices.
A recent study published in Food and Energy Security reveals that households in Zimbabwe blighted by the fall armyworm pest are more likely to experience hunger. The research found that severe infestation can reduce household income by 44% and increase the likelihood of food shortage.
Researchers found that participants with obesity and food insecurity lost less weight than their food-secure counterparts over a 24-month period, despite following an intensive lifestyle-based intervention. The study highlights the need for weight loss approaches that address both obesity and food insecurity.
Experiences of childhood neglect are associated with increased risk of housing, financial, and food insecurity. The study found a significant link between childhood neglect and violent arrests in adulthood.
A new health equity curriculum at Wake Forest School of Medicine improved students' knowledge and confidence in addressing social determinants of health. The program, implemented in 2018, included simulations, online modules, and community-based partnerships.
Research reveals that low-income families in the UK are aware of healthy diets, yet face significant barriers in accessing nutritious food due to financial constraints. The study highlights the need for policies addressing poverty and geographical access to address food insecurity.
A new study by an international team of economists found that the pandemic caused sharp declines in living standards and rising food insecurity in developing countries. The study reports high levels of food insecurity, with many households unable to meet basic nutritional needs.
A new study from the University of Illinois highlights the complexities of healthy family mealtimes, identifying three distinct family profiles with varying levels of food security and mealtime organization. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing multiple aspects of family risk patterns to promote healthy eating habits.
A study found that unemployment insurance and a $600 weekly federal supplement reduced food insecurity in low- and middle-income households affected by COVID-19. The research investigated the association between these programs and food insecurity among job losers.
A Boston University School of Public Health study reveals that receiving unemployment insurance cuts the risk of food insecurity in half, and larger supplements provide even bigger reductions. The research also highlights significant disparities in food insecurity among jobless individuals, including Indigenous and Hispanic participants.
Researchers at the University of California - Riverside discovered fermented food waste can boost beneficial bacteria in plants, increasing crop growth and resistance to pathogens. The treatment reduces carbon emissions from farming and has potential for sustainable agriculture practices.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that food insecurity increased by nearly 80% in two predominantly African American neighborhoods during the first weeks of the coronavirus pandemic. This marked a reversal of decade-long trends, with disparities between these areas and the general US population reaching their highest levels.
A delayed rainy season onset can signal a higher likelihood of seasonal drought and food insecurity in regions prone to these conditions. Analysis reveals that a 10-day delay is associated with a significantly higher risk of drought in the most vulnerable areas.
A new study reveals that 6% of all global terrestrial protected areas are already made up of cropland, compromising biodiversity conservation goals. The persistence of native species in these areas is incompatible with conversion to cropland, highlighting the need for more effective conservation strategies.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that food insecurity increased significantly among older US adults from 5.5% to 12.4% between 2007 and 2016. Older adults with food insecurity tend to have lower quality diets.