Articles tagged with Food Security
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.
Native to the US, tepary beans are drought-heat tolerant and require less water than common bean crops. They can be used as forage or cover crops, adding atmospheric nitrogen to soil and improving food security.
Researchers are developing a novel 'food as medicine' intervention to address high rates of food insecurity and insulin resistance in Oklahoma's HIV community. The five-year project will test the impact of diet on insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, with a focus on identifying community-based solutions.
New research from Lehigh University explores the link between drought, food insecurity, and HIV among women in less-developed countries. The study finds that drought escalates food insecurity, leading to reduced access to education, healthcare, and autonomy, ultimately increasing the percentage of HIV cases among women.
A study from the University of Illinois found that college students have significantly lower rates of food insecurity than non-students and the general population, with 9.9% of full-time students facing insecurity. The gap is largest for young adults, with part-time students showing similar rates to non-students.
Researchers at North Carolina State University recommend a coalition, CLEAR-GOV, to provide basic information about gene-edited crops for greater transparency. The proposed model would include details on plant species, trait modifications, and downstream uses.
The UTIA Smith Center will partner with the Royal University of Agriculture to improve food and nutritional security in Cambodia through research, education, and training. The program aims to increase agricultural production, enhance soil and water quality, and support small-scale farmers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened food insecurity in the United States, particularly in lower-wage jobs and service industry areas. According to a report by Craig Gundersen, over 50 million Americans will be food insecure in 2020, with regional differences existing across the country.
A new study by the American Heart Association reveals that food insecurity is independently associated with an increase in cardiovascular death rates among US adults aged 20-64. The study analyzed county-level data from 2011 to 2017 and found that counties with higher levels of food insecurity had significantly higher cardiovascular mo...
A national study by Penn Medicine researchers reveals a significant link between food insecurity and cardiovascular death rates among adults. The analysis found that counties with increasing food insecurity levels had higher cardiovascular mortality rates, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
Rapid climate change can cause sudden disruptions in food supply for certain species, making it difficult for them to adapt and survive. Studies found that great tit populations would be guaranteed to become extinct by 2100 if larvae appeared 24 days earlier than normal.
A new mobile app aims to provide full transparency in food supply chains, helping smallholder farmers, boutique producers, and industrial growers combat food fraud. The system uses a decentralized QR code-based tracking system, allowing consumers to track the origin of their ingredients.
Researchers developed a platform using aerial images from mobile phones, drones, and satellites to detect banana diseases in Africa. The system uses machine learning and has been downloaded 2,500 times.
Despite expansion of NYC food assistance programs, high rates of food insecurity remain among low-income and minority communities. The latest survey found that 38% of New Yorkers worry about running out of food before they can buy more.
A new study reveals that nearly 20% of US adults face food insecurity, with worse rates among Hispanics, Blacks, people with obesity, and women. The report also links food insecurity to obesity and other health issues, highlighting the need for public policy solutions.
A new study shows that most meat products, including ribeye steak, have high digestible indispensable amino acid scores, making them suitable for improving nutrition in developing countries. This research uses pigs as a model for humans and finds that processing can affect protein quality.
A San group in Namibia faces malnutrition due to a dysfunctional local food system, with no agency over food sources and limited access to traditional foods. The researchers recommend context-specific solutions, including eliminating movement restrictions and supporting traditional foodways to supplement diets with key nutritional groups.
A new study found that infants from households with very low food security are more likely to have above-average body mass indices, higher fat levels, and other measures indicating greater obesity risk. This association suggests that household food insecurity may be especially hazardous for infants.
A new research study documents the impacts of COVID-19 lockdown measures on low socioeconomic families in rural Bangladesh, revealing increased financial hardship, food insecurity, domestic violence and mental health challenges. The study highlights the need for welfare support and social protection for women and their families during ...
A Berkeley Lab study predicts warmer California temperatures will impact cool-season crops like broccoli and lettuce, while warm-season crops like tomatoes may require relocation. The research aims to ensure food security by predicting future climate conditions and informing agricultural response strategies.
US public plant breeding programs are facing significant declines in personnel hours, budget shortfalls, and retirements of program leaders. This erosion of capacity poses a risk to US food security, natural resource resilience, and public health if not addressed with stable funding and expertise.
Researchers employed a gendered ecosystem services approach with Lozi communities to identify locally relevant strategies for sustainable agricultural development. The study found that agroecological intensification, such as multiple cropping and agroforestry, can restore and maintain ecosystem services in cultivated lands while reduci...
A survey of 95 Central American migrants found that 74% experienced food insecurity, with factors including days in transit and travel companion illness. The researchers offer potential remedies for strengthening migrants' access to food, including information on procuring nutrition and prioritizing inexpensive food.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of agricultural technologies to ensure food supply security. Roboticized farms, vertical farming, and gene-edited foods are being used to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens among workers and minimize reliance on human labor.
A Rutgers-led study examines 40 options to tackle interrelated problems of climate change, food security and land degradation. The research finds that integrated water management and agroforestry have fewer trade-offs than well-known options like planting trees.
A new study found that low-income families receiving SNAP benefits later in the month experience fewer emergency room visits for childhood injuries, likely due to better meal planning and food security. The researchers suggest that supporting federal food assistance programs like SNAP can help reduce childhood injuries and morbidity.
A recent survey by the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health found that one in four households with children under 18 have reported a child experiencing hunger, leading to weight loss and health concerns. The survey also highlights widening dietary inequities among low-income and minority households.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity and financial instability for low-income households, with many struggling to access affordable groceries and navigate online shopping systems.
The Building Wealth and Health Network program at Drexel University's Center for Hunger-Free Communities reduces food insecurity by promoting healing and financial control through group experiences. Participants are 55% less likely to experience household food insecurity after completing the 16-session program.
Researchers have identified 75 new technologies that can transform global food production to meet growing demands while protecting the environment. These solutions include artificial intelligence, micro-algae production, vertical farming, and other innovative approaches.