Articles tagged with Food Policy
Researchers found that combined policies would likely increase fruits, vegetables, and healthier drink purchases among low-income consumers. Targeted taxes on sugary drinks could save millions of years of life globally.
A more sustainable, flexitarian diet can extend the global CO2 budget by 125 gigatons and stay within the 1.5°C limit with a 50 percent chance. Healthy diets also reduce GHG emissions from land use and cut economy-wide prices by 43 percent in 2050.
A recent study found that California county agency workers struggle with complex SNAP eligibility criteria, leading to low participation rates among eligible college students. The research suggests simplifying the process to increase access for historically minoritized groups and low-income students.
Researchers found no significant impact on liquor store sales or employment despite concerns from owners. The study also tracked the opening and closing of stores, finding a slight increase in independent liquor stores but no change in grocery store numbers.
Research in Canada found that kids perceive sponsored sports as 'generous' and 'cool', increasing their desire to purchase unhealthy products. The study suggests regulatory actions are necessary to protect children from unhealthy food marketing.
A new study reveals that adults living in extreme poverty in LMICs have high rates of hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and dyslipidemia, yet are often untreated for these conditions. The findings challenge the common assumption that poverty protection against cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A Photovoice project documented the lives of Seattle-area pet owners experiencing homelessness, revealing the benefits of human-animal bonds on mental and physical health. The study also identified barriers to services and recommendations for improved policies.
A recent study analyzing 85,000 kilograms of donated food to Foodbank WA found that 96% met food safety standards, while four per cent were not safe for human consumption. The research highlights the need for improved regulation and guidelines in Australia's food relief sector.
The study highlights a substantial increase in recurring and chronic food insecurity among US families with older adults over the past 20 years. This trend has significant implications for health policy and programmatic strategies to address food insecurity in this population.
The study highlights the urgent need to tackle obesity and underweight globally, particularly in poor countries. Obesity rates have surpassed one billion, with combined rates of underweight and obesity being more common than malnutrition in many countries.
Replacing half of red and processed meat intake with plant protein foods reduces diet-related greenhouse gas emissions by 25%. Partial substitutions also lead to increased lifespan and mitigate chronic disease risk.
A modelling study suggests that mandatory menu calorie labelling in England could prevent approximately 730 deaths from cardiovascular disease between 2022 and 2041. If extended to all food businesses, this number could increase to around 9,200 deaths.
A new study found that the 2021 Child Tax Credit expansion significantly reduced food insufficiency among American families, particularly those with children who experienced economic shocks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The monthly advance payments included in the expansion enabled all families to afford enough food and had a greater i...
Frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods in the US diet is associated with increased rates of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases. This may be attributed to additives such as emulsifiers that can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, leading to disease promotion.
A study published in Nutrients found that eighth- and 11th-grade students in Texas who used Nutrition Facts labels made healthier food choices. The study analyzed data from the 2019-2020 Texas School Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey and found a positive association between label use and healthy eating habits.
A recent study found that multistate foodborne illness outbreaks have a significant impact on restaurant stock prices and public perception. Single-state outbreaks were previously met with little attention and no financial losses, but after a multistate outbreak, they received national media coverage and financial losses.
A systematic review of Pacific Island countries' food taxation policies found that five countries introduced new excise taxes, while 14 made changes to tariffs on imported foods, primarily targeting processed foods, sugar, fatty meats, and salt.
A study of 123 adults found that providing nonalcoholic beverages significantly lowers alcohol consumption, with no significant gender differences in the rate of decline. Men reduced the quantity consumed per session, while women decreased their drinking frequency.
A major research study argues that diversifying away from maize and switching to crops like cassava, millet, and sorghum will improve nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa. The study highlights the need for policymakers to prioritize nutritional quality in agricultural policy.
The study found that bodega owners and customers face challenges such as high prices for fresh produce, lack of digital literacy, and mistrust of online ordering. Despite these obstacles, researchers believe that implementing online grocery shopping in bodegas can greatly benefit communities by increasing access to healthy food options.
A study of 2,329 Mexican-inspired fast food restaurants in six US locations found that consumers purchase fewer calories at restaurants with calorie labels. Consumers are sensitive to calorie information on menu boards, leading to reduced calorie purchases.
The report highlights six key recommendations to change course, including coordinated action to trigger positive tipping points. Averting the crisis and doing so equitably must be the core goal of COP28 and ongoing global cooperation.
The study found that CACFP participation rates vary significantly across states, with lower-income areas having higher rates. Contributing factors for the program's underutilization include differences in state-level policies and outreach efforts.
A six-month produce prescription program improved hemoglobin A1c levels, indicating better blood sugar control. Participants also showed improved food security and nutrition security.
A new study found that social media platforms restrict user-generated content and advertising related to illegal muscle-building drugs but offer few restrictions on legal dietary supplements. This has raised concerns about the potential negative effects of these products on young people's health and behavior.
Researchers estimate that halving Europe's food loss and waste can save 51 million tonnes CO2 equivalents, 6% agricultural land use, and 7% water consumption. Monitoring and reporting of food loss and waste is crucial for policy intervention to prevent food loss and waste.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased prevalence of depression symptoms and PTSD across eight nations, with food insecurity and job loss being major contributing factors. Higher income was linked to higher depression symptoms, while lower income was associated with higher PTSD symptoms.
A new method, probability of food security (PFS), measures food insecurity likelihood and finds that a third of US households experienced at least temporary food insecurity. PFS identifies chronic and transitory food insecurity groups for more refined policy addressing.
The Kenyan government and food industry could save billions USD by implementing trans fat limits, which would also reduce heart disease cases and prevent deaths. Experts urge food manufacturers to prioritize consumer health by removing trans fats from products now.
A new study surveyed leading UK food experts, finding that logistical distribution issues are the most likely cause of civil unrest in the next 10 years, but catastrophic failure resulting from extreme weather is more likely over 50 years.
A randomized controlled trial found that nonalcoholic beverages significantly reduced alcohol consumption in adults, with the reduction persisting after 8 weeks. The study suggests that these beverages may replace alcoholic drinks in consumption.
An international team of scientists recommends a global shift in food choices due to the potential for addiction. They suggest that certain ultra-processed foods have characteristics similar to addictive substances, which may improve global health.
The SNEB position paper highlights the critical issue of food insecurity among college students, emphasizing the importance of systemic approaches and student advocacy. Research shows that food insecurity is associated with unhealthy dietary habits, less sleep, and higher odds of mental health issues.
A new analysis estimates that switching all pet dogs and cats to vegan diets could spare nearly 2 billion land-based livestock animals yearly in the US, and nearly 7 billion globally. This could lead to significant reductions in environmental impacts such as land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent study found that households headed by single women of color in Brazil are four times more likely to experience food insecurity compared to those headed by married white men. The researchers argue that policies addressing gender equality, antiracism, and family considerations can help reduce poverty and hunger.
NUTRITION 2024 will convene in Chicago to explore the latest nutrition research and share findings on diet and disease, artificial intelligence, and precision nutrition. The event promises to be a knowledge-packed experience with scientific symposia, educational sessions, and networking opportunities.
Researchers found that etripamil nasal spray restored normal heart rhythms within 30 minutes in 54% of patients, making it a potential new option for self-treating paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The study showed the medication to be safe and well-tolerated.
The new HEI-Toddlers-2020 index measures diet quality in toddlers aged 12 through 23 months, with a total score of 63.4 for young children. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) tool is designed to measure alignment with the evidence-based Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).
New research from The George Institute for Global Health suggests applying Google's nutrition advertising policy in the US market could reduce products eligible for online marketing to children, leading to significant health gains. Only 18% of products would be allowed under this policy.
New research shows that food is the primary driver of the EU-27's outsized Ecological Footprint, exceeding regional biocapacity from 2004 to 2014. The study highlights the need for holistic policies across the food supply chain to advance towards the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy.
Replacing meat and milk with plant-based alternatives can significantly reduce agriculture's impact on the environment. By 2050, this shift could halve future declines in ecosystem integrity and contribute up to 25% of global land restoration needs. The study suggests that a 50% substitution scenario would substantially reduce environm...
A new study suggests that substituting 50% of meat and dairy products with plant-based alternatives by 2050 can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 31%, save forests, and improve nutrition for millions of people. The study also found that restoring land spared from livestock production could contribute up to 25% of glob...
A new study finds that warming temperatures may triple groundwater depletion rates in India under a business-as-usual scenario, with approximately 60% of the country's irrigated agriculture depending on the threatened groundwater. The study calls for policies to conserve groundwater and reduce energy subsidies.
The study found that fruits pollinated by animals are 23% higher in quality, with benefits independent of geographical regions and pollinator species. This suggests that crop quality depends significantly on the presence of pollinating animals.
A Tufts University study found that produce prescription programs associated with significant improvements in health outcomes, including halving food insecurity and lowering blood pressure. The programs provided free fruits and vegetables to low-income individuals with diet-related illnesses, resulting in clinically relevant outcomes.
A new study found that people who received free produce prescriptions experienced increased fruit and vegetable consumption, leading to improved body mass index, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels. This research suggests that produce prescription programs may be an effective way to address food insecurity and promote health.
A Stanford study reveals how the meat and dairy industry lobbies governments to resist competition from alternative animal products, such as plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives. The research found that governments consistently devote more funding to traditional livestock systems than sustainable alternatives.
A coalition of experts warns that Israel's amendment restricts judicial scrutiny of ministerial decisions, posing a threat to public health and the Health in All Policies principle. The authors argue that this erosion could have far-reaching global implications.
A UK-Sri Lankan research network aimed to develop research capacities among senior academic staff members from both countries. The training network investigated differences, overlaps, and synergies between Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) research communities.
Eric Quaempts, Tribal member and Department of Natural Resources Director at Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, has been recognized for his work on First Foods management approach. He received the 2023 ESA Regional Policy Award for integrating tribal ecological approaches into natural resource management.
A study by Tufts University researchers suggests that fully synchronizing school meals with updated US nutrition standards would have significant health benefits for children. The changes, including limiting added sugars and sodium, could prevent over 10,600 deaths per year and save billions in healthcare costs.
A new study from UC San Diego's Rady School of Management suggests that dynamic pricing could be a more effective way for grocery chains to reduce food waste and mitigate climate change. By analyzing data from Pick 'n Save, the study found that dynamic pricing can reduce waste by 21% while increasing profit margins among retailers.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that when children age out of WIC after their fifth birthday, nutritional quality of their diet takes a significant hit, resulting in a 20% reduction. This can have long-term effects on healthy eating habits and nutritional knowledge.
Researchers identified structural chokepoints in US agri-food supply chains to enhance resilience and security, critical for global food systems. The study's findings may inform policies aimed at bolstering the nation's ability to respond to threats.
A new study finds that only a small number of US policies consider ultra-processed foods, which have been linked to weight gain, diabetes, and certain cancers. The US lacks national dietary guidelines for these foods, despite international countries like Belgium, Brazil, and Israel having incorporated them.
A new study published in Circulation journal found that Black adults living in areas historically affected by discriminatory housing practices had a higher heart failure risk. The analysis included over 2.3 million adults from 2014-2019 and mapped historical redlining maps onto modern day maps of US zip codes.
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that converting food waste into energy and bioproducts can be profitable in Illinois. The study analyzes supply chain logistics and technological and economic factors to determine the feasibility of this solution.
A nationwide produce prescription program for patients with diabetes and food insecurity could prevent 296,000 cases of cardiovascular disease and gain 260,000 quality-adjusted life years. The program is estimated to save $39.6 billion in healthcare spending and $4.8 billion in lost productivity costs.
A recent study finds that most phosphorus stakeholders have significant doubts about the sustainability of existing systems, citing concerns over environmental impact. To advance phosphorus sustainability, stakeholders emphasize the need for new regulations, improved management practices, and innovative technologies.
Researchers found that up to half of consumers decide to throw away milk based solely on the date label, without considering the phrasing in front of it. The study suggests that policymakers and industry leaders should work towards settling on a universal two-phrase system for quality and safety concerns.