A University of Illinois study found that a simplified equation to calculate income loss fails to recognize household substitution effects, leading to overestimation of poverty rates. By accounting for these effects, the study provides a more accurate measure of income loss and its implications for policy responses.
A survey of US elementary school students found that about half have access to competitive food venues like vending machines and snack bars, where sugary foods are commonly sold. However, healthier options like salads and fruits were less accessible, with many schools prioritizing lower-fat products over whole grains and low-fat dairy.
A study of 26 wealthy nations found that countries with a higher density of fast food restaurants per capita had much higher obesity rates compared to those with lower densities. Obesity rates in the US and Canada were significantly higher than in Japan and Norway, suggesting free market policies may have unintended side effects.
A study found that consumers associate larger food sizes with higher status, particularly among vulnerable populations. However, when given smaller options at prestigious events, powerless individuals chose smaller items with fewer calories.
A new study at the American Dietetic Association Conference shows that moving fruit into a colorful bowl increases fruit sales by 104% in schools. The Cornell Center for Behavioral Economics in Child Nutrition Programs is working with the White House and food industry leaders to promote healthier school lunches.
The global obesity epidemic has grown over four decades, with high-income countries experiencing a rise in the 1970s and 80s. Low-income and middle-income countries are now also affected, particularly women from wealthy urban environments. The authors argue that policy-led solutions, such as government regulations and healthy public se...
The Lancet Obesity Series identifies effective policies to reduce obesity, including taxes on unhealthy food and restrictions on TV advertising. Governments are urged to prioritize prevention programs and monitoring to tackle this complex and intractable problem.
A new study by Tufts University researchers found that 19% of restaurant food samples contained at least 100 calories more than listed. Lower-calorie foods purchased in sit-down restaurants also tended to have more calories than stated.
Research recommends considering dried fruits equivalent to fresh fruits in dietary guidelines, highlighting their comparable fiber and potassium content. Dried fruits also contain bioactive compounds with potential health benefits, including anti-cancer properties.
Access to fresh and healthy foods is crucial for long-term food security, according to Michelle Kaiser. Increasing local food production can reduce economic and environmental impacts of transporting food, enabling people to avoid processed, unhealthy foods.
Canada's food safety system lacks adequate regulation, allowing preventable contamination to harm many people and potentially lead to deaths. The current system needs improved standards and incentives for industry to prioritize food safety.
A new study identifies 44 high-risk counties with high food insecurity and prices, requiring an estimated $56 monthly boost per person to meet food needs. The study highlights disproportionate impacts of hunger on Latino and American Indian populations.
A new study found that calorie labeling had a minimal impact on the purchasing behavior of teenagers and their parents at fast-food restaurants. While teens noticed calorie information at the same rate as adults, they responded at a lower rate, with only 9% reporting it influenced their choices.
A recent study by Case Western Reserve University reveals that misleading food labels can lead to excessive trans fat consumption and increased risk of deadly diseases. The FDA's current labeling protocol allows for 'zero grams' of trans fat, masking significant amounts that exceed recommended limits.
A new study found that parents have a limited impact on their children's eating habits, with complex factors like schools and peer influence playing a significant role. Researchers analyzed worldwide studies to conclude that correlations between parent-child dietary intakes have become weaker over time.
African leaders are set to adopt a new strategy for transforming the continent's agriculture and economy. The plan calls for increased investment in modern technologies, infrastructure expansion, and improved education, with a focus on women's empowerment and rural prosperity.
A new study estimates that 2.5% of the US population has food allergies, with higher rates found in children, non-Hispanic blacks, and males. The research also identifies an association between food allergy and severe asthma, highlighting the need for increased awareness and monitoring of these conditions.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that nearly all NYC public school students have access to convenient, energy-dense foods within a short walk. Small grocery stores and bodegas are common sources of unhealthy food, with higher concentrations near schools attended by low-income and minority students.
The MU Healthy Lifestyle Initiative is helping communities make healthy living easier by increasing access to affordable, locally produced foods and safe physical activities. The initiative has seen positive changes in four initial counties, including schools and local farms participating in Farm to Cafeteria and farmers markets.
The American Dietetic Association emphasizes that schools and communities share the responsibility of providing students with access to high-quality, affordable nutritious foods and beverages. Strong wellness policies promote environments that enhance nutrition integrity and help students develop lifelong healthy behaviors.
A recent study found that hungry children are more likely to experience poor health, with repeated episodes of hunger being particularly toxic. The association holds even after adjusting for other factors such as low income and lack of home ownership, highlighting the need for policy interventions to address food insecurity.
The Mizzou Advantage initiative brings together researchers, faculty members, and stakeholders to address food-related issues such as obesity, nutritional shortages, and chronic disease. The project aims to create innovative solutions through collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches.
Despite progress, many countries still don't address advertising to children by calorie content and more regulations are needed. Lobstein noted that voluntary actions have some impact, but loopholes undermine efforts, and industry reform is hindered by profit loss.
Researchers in Taiwan have devised a formula to reduce queuing time, improving customer loyalty and sales. The 'balking index' predicts the number of frustrated customers who will leave their position in the queue.
A recent University of Missouri study found that food insecurity and hunger among children persist even in households with food stamps and other forms of assistance. Informal food supports through churches and food pantries are related to improved child food security.
A study by OSU researchers found that rural Oregonians use similar rates of public assistance programs as urban areas, except for food stamps. This may be due to differences in eligibility requirements and social network support. The findings highlight the need for policymakers to address access issues in rural areas.
A Kansas State University study found that the availability of supermarkets, rather than their lack, increases the risk of obesity for low-income women living in small cities. The researchers used a statewide dataset and found that micropolitan areas with higher supermarket availability had an increased risk of obesity.
A study of 5,115 young adults found that increased prices for unhealthy foods like soda and pizza led to decreased calorie consumption and weight loss. The researchers estimate that an 18% tax on these foods could result in a decline of roughly 56 calories per person per day.
A San Francisco State University study found that eliminating sugary beverages and junk foods from schools significantly reduced the rate of overweight children among fifth-grade boys and seventh-grade students. The study showed that governmental policies can shape food behaviors and influence obesity trends in entire student populations.
A four-year project funded by the National Cancer Institute investigates the effect of food advertising on children's weight outcomes, separating it from TV watching time. The study found that 98% of child ads were for high-fat, sugar, or sodium foods.
A study by Kansas State University researchers found that independently owned ethnic restaurants had significantly more food safety violations, including time and temperature control, hand washing, and proper use of utensils. The research aims to help restaurant owners improve their food handling and safety records.
A fragmented system with inadequate data leads to ineffective foodborne illness surveillance in Canada. The lack of a national program results in reliance on surveys, making it difficult to execute meaningful interventions.
A systematic review found no evidence of risks or benefits associated with eating and drinking during low-risk labor. Researchers conclude that women should be able to make their own decisions about food and fluids during labor.
Researchers at Tufts University analyzed the calorie content of restaurant dishes and packaged foods, finding that publically available data is often 18% less accurate than their own analysis. This discrepancy could lead to significant weight gain and undermine health initiatives.
Researchers found significant changes in eating behavior on weekends and holidays, with higher caloric intake and lower nutritional value. The study's findings suggest that the US Department of Agriculture incorporate recommendations for holiday and weekend eating into its food pyramid guidelines.
A new food rating system assesses both nutrition and cost value to create a nutrition-value-per-dollar score. Campbell's Healthy Request condensed vegetable soups ranked among the top affordable, nutritious options.
A new study by RAND Corporation finds that restricting fast-food chain restaurants in South Los Angeles may not address the main reasons for high obesity rates. The region's dense small food stores and high-calorie snack availability contribute more to residents' diets than fast-food establishments.
Research indicates that family mealtimes can have numerous benefits for teens and children, including reduced substance abuse, improved vocabulary growth, and healthier eating habits. Fiese urges cities to support zoning laws, low-interest loan programs, and food labeling initiatives to make healthy food choices accessible to all.
Researchers found that large real increases for some food items were balanced by big falls for others, but variations existed between stores and locations. Some healthy items like fruit and vegetables became increasingly expensive, while others like apples and bananas got cheaper.
A Pew poll shows that 90% of Iowa voters believe the government should have stronger food protections. The survey also found that half of respondents had lost confidence in the safety of US food due to high-profile outbreaks, and more than half of seniors shared this sentiment.
A study found that news coverage of trans fat can reduce short-term purchases of high-fat products, but this effect does not last. The study suggests that broader changes in food policy and public education are needed to sustain long-term reductions in trans-fat consumption.
A Rutgers study found that only 60% of Americans check their homes for recalled food products, and even fewer take action after finding a recall. The study suggests that personalizing communications about food recalls can increase consumer engagement.
The American Dietetic Association supports the consumption of fortified foods as part of a balanced diet to reduce disease risk and promote optimal health. The organization encourages further research into the health benefits and risks of individual functional foods, advocating for evidence-based health claims on food labels.
Research suggests that pricing interventions, such as taxes on unhealthy foods and subsidies for healthy options, can lead to lower body weights and reduced obesity rates. These policies are most effective in reducing weight disparities among vulnerable populations, including children, adolescents, and low-income individuals.
Research by the University of Exeter found that delivering organic vegetable boxes can result in lower carbon emissions than visiting a local farm shop, especially for customers making long-distance trips. The study suggests that a more nuanced approach is needed to understand the environmental impact of food production and distribution
The study found that many schools have improved the nutritional quality of their meals, but there is still much work to be done. Schools need to reduce the availability of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and make school meals more nutritious.
According to ASN President James O. Hill, PhD, small changes in diet and physical activity can prevent weight gain and reduce the magnitude of the obesity problem. Examples of such small changes include taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking extra 2,000 steps a day, and reducing food portion size by 5%.
A study published in Preventive Medicine found that rural Americans who regularly eat at buffets and engage in low physical activity are more likely to be obese. The research also highlights the importance of community-friendly transportation and access to healthy foods in reducing obesity rates.
The University of Illinois Chicago's ImpacTeen project will study policy and environmental factors influencing youth behaviors related to nutrition, physical activity, obesity, and tobacco use. Researchers will assess state policies, school wellness programs, and community environments to inform effective policy and decision-making.
A global recession could lead to increased malnutrition in developing countries, with prices of basic staples rising by 13-27 percent by 2020. IFPRI projects 16 million more undernourished children if economic growth and agricultural investment decline.
A new study found that limiting soft drink availability at school is associated with a 4% decrease in overall consumption. However, available soft drinks remain a significant contributor to daily consumption among children, particularly low-income and rural students.
Limiting soft drink availability at school is associated with a 4 percent decrease in overall consumption. Low-income and black non-Hispanic children consume more soft drinks, emphasizing the need for policy changes beyond food availability at school.
Despite having food allergies, many college students are not taking necessary precautions, such as carrying emergency medication and having a plan in place. Researchers found that only 50% of students with food allergies always avoid their allergenic foods, and 43% do not have an EpiPen on hand.
Recent research suggests that almonds contain prebiotics that can stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, supporting overall digestive health. The study found that finely ground almonds significantly increased levels of certain beneficial gut bacteria, with this effect being attributed to the presence of almond lipids.
A study by Bart Minten found that global supermarket chains charge significantly higher prices for food in poor countries, making affordable options inaccessible to the majority. In Madagascar, shoppers preferred locally sourced foods at lower margins over imported goods from multinational chains.
An obese population requires 18% more food energy to maintain daily living activities compared to a normal population, resulting in increased global food demand. Promoting walking and cycling through transport policies can reduce obesity and decrease food prices by reducing transportation fuel consumption.
Researchers found that fruit tuck shops significantly increased fruit consumption among children when paired with a 'no food' or 'fruit only' policy. Children who attended schools with these policies reported higher fruit intake, even if they didn't use the fruit tuck shop.
Carnegie Mellon researchers argue that dietary choice, not food miles, determines a household's climate impact. Shifting to a local diet or reducing meat and dairy consumption can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. Eating more plant-based meals can reduce emissions by up to 8,000 miles driven per year.
Research published in International Journal of Health Geographics found that supermarkets are building in newer suburbs, leaving smaller shops and food deserts in their wake. Residents living in food deserts face poor access to supermarkets, leading to higher prices for basic supplies and devastating health effects.
The US food import system is a complex network of policies and procedures that regulate the entry of foreign foods into the country. The Food Policy Institute report provides an overview of current issues, processes, and proposed changes to the system.