Articles tagged with Food Policy
The US Department of Agriculture has awarded $16.8 million in grants to support initiatives encouraging SNAP participants to purchase fruits and vegetables. The funding will benefit regional food producers, local economies, and the health of low-income families.
Eating a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetable fats like olive oil and nuts has been shown to have little effect on bodyweight or waist circumference compared to a low-fat diet. The study suggests that current health guidelines recommending low-fat diets may be creating unnecessary fear of healthy fats.
The new guidelines call for population-based approaches to prevent cardiovascular disease, with adapted target levels for blood pressure and lipids. Reducing population risk by 1% can prevent 25,000 CVD cases and save €40 million per year.
The Johns Hopkins Berman Institute will pursue two projects on global food ethics, including explicit discussion of future food systems and ethical certification. The program aims to address complex issues in food security, nutrition, and agriculture with a focus on bioethics.
Research from the University of Cambridge found that neighborhoods saturated with fast food outlets exacerbate social inequalities in diet and obesity. Individuals with lower education levels consumed more unhealthy takeaway food and were more likely to be obese in areas with higher takeaway outlet densities.
A study by MIT professor David Atkin found that migrants who hold onto their native cuisines often face a caloric tax, resulting in reduced calorie intake. In India, this phenomenon affects poor migrants on tight budgets, with a 7.2% reduction in calories.
Researchers at Cornell University found that consumers who have poor eating habits benefit most from long-term reward incentives for healthy food choices. In contrast, healthy eaters are more likely to purchase less healthy items when offered price breaks.
Research from Ohio State University found that stores in low-income areas are often closed too early, limiting access to healthy food options. The study suggests that extended store hours and transportation services could help meet consumers' needs.
One third of global food is lost or wasted, causing environmental harm and contributing to global warming. Individual actions, such as checking fridge contents before shopping and adjusting consumer choices, can significantly impact sustainability.
The cooperative extension program has been instrumental in keeping farmers on the farm, with the federal program helping to retain over 137,000 agricultural businesses. By leveraging research from land grant universities, the program provides education and learning opportunities to farmers and citizens alike.
A new study suggests that improving the nutritional facts panel on food packages could lead to better consumer choices and reduced obesity rates. The research found that adding key nutrients and using a traffic light system improved consumers' ability to make informed decisions.
Researchers at the University of Alberta advocate for increasing dietary fiber intake to regain lost microbial biodiversity. A recent study found that mice fed a Western diet with low fiber transferred lower beneficial microbial species to future generations, indicating extinctions had occurred in just a few generations.
Michigan State University has been awarded $4.4 million from the US Agency for International Development to strengthen its efforts in food security policy and research in Mali. The grant will support policy initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity, nutrition, and livelihood resilience.
A Stanford University simulation model analyzes how modern interventions affect the Amazon rainforest and its indigenous inhabitants. The study reveals that agro-industrial land development and loss of traditional taboos lead to biodiversity decline and ecosystem collapse.
Experts call for legislative action to reduce food waste, citing 7% global emissions contribution and need for sustainable food system. Voluntary agreements deemed insufficient, smaller portions and healthier diets proposed as complementary measures.
A new study suggests that caregivers can lower children's meal calories by choosing lower-calorie products and strategic portion sizes. By serving larger portions of lower-calorie foods with smaller portions of higher-calorie foods, children's overall caloric intake can be substantially reduced.
Agricultural expansion is a leading cause of wild species loss and greenhouse gas emissions. To combat this, researchers propose "land-sparing mechanisms" that link yield increases with habitat protection, such as zoning and smart subsidy schemes. By minimizing farming's footprint, land can be spared for conserving natural habitats.
A new study by University of Liverpool health expert Dr Emma Boyland confirms that unhealthy food advertising significantly increases food consumption in children. The analysis of 22 studies found that television and internet advertising equally impact children's eating habits.
A new study suggests that lifting the EU pigswill ban could save around 1.8 million hectares of land by using heat-treated food waste as pig feed, cutting land use by 21.5% and feed costs in half. The model also shows that swill feeding is a safer alternative to grain-based diets.
A recent study suggests that eliminating food deserts may not lead to improved dietary quality in the US. Instead, initiatives like education and changes to food assistance programs can have a greater impact on reducing disparities in diet quality. The authors argue that addressing these disparities is crucial for improving public health.
The project aims to enhance access to nutritious food for the rural poor, particularly for women and children, by scaling up research and policy changes that promote a more diverse diet. Empowering women through leadership roles in producer groups and labor-saving techniques is also key to addressing malnutrition.
Reducing large food portions could lead to a 12-16% reduction in daily energy intake among UK adults and a 22-29% reduction among US adults. Experts suggest implementing policy changes such as smaller serving sizes, restricted packaging, and pricing practices.
Michigan State University has been awarded $18.5 million in USAID grants to support food security initiatives in Nigeria and Senegal. The grants will help strengthen the countries' policies and procedures necessary for achieving their own food security goals.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that federal policy changes led to an increase in healthy food availability at smaller urban corner stores in Baltimore. The researchers found that stores in neighborhoods with a majority of black residents showed the greatest improvement, suggesting that boosting hea...
Researchers found that specific food items like potato chips, butter, and sugary drinks contribute to weight gain in children. Policy experts suggest labeling unhealthy products, changing food marketing, and increasing access to healthy options to promote healthier choices.
A study of 7,699 fast food diners in NYC and NJ found that calorie labels don't reduce overall calories consumed. While some consumers notice and respond to calorie counts, awareness decreases over time, suggesting a need for multi-faceted approaches to address obesity.
Researchers at UCSF and Feeding America found that providing nutritious food and education to low-income individuals with diabetes improved glycemic control and medication adherence. The intervention also encouraged the consumption of healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables.
A recent study found that US adults who follow a 'moderation' diet with less dietary diversity are more likely to experience central weight gain and increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. In contrast, those with higher dietary diversity, as measured by dissimilarity, actually experienced worse metabolic health.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening all children for food insecurity and refers families to community resources. Lack of adequate healthy food can impair concentration, lead to behavioral problems, and increase risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans should incorporate sustainability considerations to address the health and wellbeing of Americans and the planet. Sustainability evaluations may lead to future regulation, change food-group guidance, and form new political coalitions that favor sustainable diets.
A new study in the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing suggests that both numeric calorie labels and traffic lights are effective ways to encourage consumers to make low-calorie choices. The research found that employees who received either type of label made food selections with 10% fewer calories.
A study published by a University of Missouri sociologist explores how the perception of authenticity in Mexican restaurants varies among owners, staff, and patrons. The research suggests that consumers' expectations and experiences play a significant role in determining what constitutes authentic Mexican food.
The study aims to assess the effect of a new food hub, Hub 55, on residents' dietary habits and health outcomes in Cleveland. Researchers will compare patterns between residents near the hub and those in a similar community without access to a food hub.
A five-year grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture will support a graduate training program combining laboratory research and practical application to enhance food safety in the produce industry. The program aims to develop tested, validated methods to reduce food safety risks in an affordable way.
New research from Cornell University suggests that farmers should wait 24 hours after a rain or irrigation to harvest crops, as this reduces the risk of exposure to the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. By doing so, farmers can minimize the presence of Listeria on fresh produce and ensure consumer safety.
A recent study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization found a strong correlation between global increases in food energy supply and obesity rates. The research analyzed data from 69 countries and discovered that both body weight and food energy supply had increased in 81% of them between 1971 and 2010.
A new Cornell University study suggests that emphasizing the positive when it comes to nutrition education leads to healthier food choices. The study found that policies framed positively, supporting choice, are more effective than those with limitations.
Researchers found that creating conflict with target population can backfire, while positively framed policies support choice and lead to positive responses. The study highlights the need for policymakers to empathize with their audience and work with them rather than against them.
A landmark report outlines seven projects to address global food security's complex ethical issues, including redefining farming as a service-oriented profession and developing climate-smart agriculture. The '7 by 5 Agenda' aims to make progress on divisive issues in the next five years.
A California study found that school food policies improved childhood obesity prevalence, particularly in affluent neighborhoods. The prevalence of overweight-obesity stabilized among disadvantaged students after policy implementation.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that the percentage of children eating fast food on a given day dropped from 38.8% to 32.6% between 2003-2004 and 2009-2010, respectively. Calorie intake from burger and chicken restaurants also decreased, while Mexican and sandwich restaurants remained constant.
A study found that government biofuel policies rely on reductions in food consumption to generate greenhouse gas savings. The reduction in food available for consumption drives the decline in carbon dioxide emissions. This means that less food is available, and prices go up, disproportionately affecting the world's poor.
A lack of regulatory definition for natural foods has led to increased consumer lawsuits, forcing companies to reformulate products. The FDA and FTC have previously abandoned efforts to define natural products due to limited progress.
A new RAND Corporation study reveals that Los Angeles' fast-food ban has failed to improve diets or reduce obesity rates in low-income areas. Despite the ban, fast-food consumption increased and obesity rates rose faster than in other parts of the city.
A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers found that locating full-service supermarkets in food deserts has no appreciable impact on household food availability or children's dietary intake. The introduction of a government-subsidized supermarket did not result in significant changes in dietary habits, despite the expectati...
African food security requires a customized approach, according to new research. The study suggests that developing new technologies for tree and root crops could be more effective than copying Asian approaches. Key findings reveal that labor-intensive technologies are not suitable for Africa due to abundant labor costs.
The study found that overall diet quality worsened globally despite increased consumption of healthier foods in many countries. Poorer regions, such as Sub Saharan Africa and Latin America, showed little improvement in dietary patterns, highlighting the need for urgent action to address diet-related health issues.
Global diet quality has improved for healthy foods like fruits and vegetables over the past two decades, but unhealthy foods have increased in consumption. The study found that diet patterns vary widely by national income, with low-income countries having poorer diets.
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.
A new study sheds light on nutrition, land use, and water security dimensions of global food trade. The research reveals that more than one-fifth of calories grown in farm fields are traded, requiring about 20% of the world's croplands.
A recent study by Robert Mai and Stefan Hoffmann found that healthy food is often perceived as tasting bad, leading to overconsumption of unhealthy options. Despite education on ingredients, consumers prioritize taste over healthiness, making it challenging to combat obesity rates.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers reveals that Illinois plays a vital role in distributing over 400 million tons of food annually, with the state transporting more than 70 million tons. The study highlights the importance of investing in infrastructure to ensure national and global food security.
A new coalition aims to promote balanced dietary guidance, backed by a survey of healthcare professionals who favor balanced information over prescriptive food policies. The Coalition suggests that approach based on balanced, moderate consumption of a wide variety of foods would be the most effective.
Researchers found significant differences between two commercially available datasets used to analyze the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics and food and alcohol establishments. The study highlights the need for accurate data to support policy decisions on issues like incentives for grocery stores in econom...
A new study suggests that companies with strong social responsibility reputations can inadvertently create a 'health halo' around their products, leading to overconsumption and underestimation of calories. This phenomenon can have serious health consequences for individuals and society.
A study found that fast food marketing tactics are more prevalent in middle-income, rural, and majority-black neighborhoods than in other areas. Marketing strategies targeting children were associated with higher rates of unhealthy food consumption.
Canadian health organizations call on governments to implement policies that facilitate access to affordable healthy foods and beverages in workplaces, schools, and communities. This can help prevent diet-related diseases like obesity and hypertension, ultimately improving cardiovascular health.
Consumers of frozen meals had higher daily intakes of dietary fiber, potassium, calcium and protein, while QSR consumers had lower intakes. Frozen meal eaters also consumed 253 fewer calories and 2.6 grams less saturated fat per day.
A new study finds that more healthy foods have risen significantly in price over time, with a total average increase of £1.84 per 1000kcal for more healthy food across the decade, compared to £0.73 for less healthy food. This trend could contribute to growing food insecurity and health inequalities.
A global research agenda is necessary to address the challenges of climate-smart agriculture, which aims to improve farm productivity while maintaining ecosystem services. The initiative focuses on three key areas: farm and food systems, landscape and regional issues, and institutional and policy matters.