Articles tagged with Food Policy
A study found that 79% of households are willing to pay extra for cropping diversification, valuing agroecosystem services and socio-cultural benefits. The total non-market value of cropping diversification can be up to 47-95% compared to annual market revenues.
A new approach is needed to tackle diet-related diseases and disparities in nutrition quality, experts argue. The US should prioritize 'nutrition security' over 'food security', emphasizing access to healthy, nourishing food for all, to effectively address modern health challenges.
Researchers found that alternative seafood networks (ASNs) experienced unprecedented growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, as consumers temporarily relocalize their seafood purchases. This growth underscores the importance of functional diversity in supply chains and regional food systems for resilience, with policy changes and data col...
A new study found that healthy plant-based diets rich in leafy greens, whole grains, and beans lower overall stroke risk, but not hemorrhagic stroke risk. The study suggests that future nutrition policies should consider the quality of food to reduce stroke risk.
Researchers at MU found cognitive biases can create and worsen foodborne disease outbreaks, with motivated blindness and omission bias contributing to the Jensen Farms outbreak. The study emphasizes the importance of considering unconscious motivations in outbreak prevention policies.
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 University of Texas at Arlington assistant professor is leading a study on making 'farm to table' more sustainable by examining peri-urban farming in central Iowa. The goal is to produce 50% of Des Moines residents' nutritional needs and reduce environmental impact.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health examines the impact of state preemption laws on local sugar-sweetened beverage taxes. The research reveals that since 2017, four states have passed laws preempting local SSB tax policies, with three of them passing within an average of just 29 days.
The UK's first national lockdown from March 2020 caused a massive shift in consumer habits, with shops and restaurants experiencing huge fluctuations in sales. Online sales peaked during lockdown, but remained above pre-lockdown levels in August 2020, suggesting a potential long-term impact on shopping habits.
Researchers found that human-as-machine representations can lead to unhealthy food choices among consumers with low confidence in their ability to make rational decisions. Adding reassuring messages can increase healthy food choice by 22%. The study highlights the need for a nuanced approach to public health strategies.
The article highlights the potential of fish as a solution to global malnutrition and hunger. Scientists argue that viewing fish as more than just a natural resource can help alleviate poverty and improve nutrition, especially for vulnerable communities. The authors suggest four pillars for action: improving metrics, promoting nutritio...
Researchers analyzed fast-food exposure near schools and found no association with childhood weight gain. Despite concerns about the role of fast food in obesity, the study suggests that simple exposure is not a primary driver of excess weight gain.
A new study by FAO and University of Twente reveals that small cities and towns play a significant role in shaping food systems, social development, and economic growth. The research highlights the need for greater coordination between urban and rural administrative authorities to address unequal access to services and employment oppor...
A new study by Dartmouth researchers calls for stricter regulations on commercial educational websites that expose children to unhealthy food marketing. The team visited popular sites and found ads for sugary cereals and packaged kids' meals, prompting companies like McDonald's and Kellogg to pledge to stop marketing on these platforms.
A new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that exposure to small grocery stores with healthier inventories is associated with significant improvements in childhood obesity. In contrast, increased availability of convenience stores selling predominantly unhealthy foods was linked to a higher li...
A new study investigates the closure of a marine area in the Pacific Ocean to fishing, revealing that it could drive up offshore fish prices and increase tourists' consumption of reef fish. However, offering tourists a local and sustainable offshore fish choice can avoid environmental impacts on nearshore reef ecosystems.
The adoption of Front-of-Package (FOP) nutrition labeling in a product category results in significant improvements in nutritional quality. Manufacturers increase nutrient reduction by lowering calorie content and limiting key nutrients like sugar, sodium, and saturated fat.
A new study suggests that incorporating wrinkled 'super peas' into foods, such as whole pea seeds or flour, could help tackle the global type 2 diabetes epidemic by preventing 'sugar spikes'. The research found that consuming these peas resulted in a more stable increase in blood sugar levels compared to regular peas.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes decreases addictiveness, particularly among those with mental illness and socioeconomic disadvantage. The research suggests that lower nicotine content could lead to policy changes benefiting all smokers, especially the most vulnerable.
Cities are crucial actors in tackling food waste, launching effective policies and initiatives to address it. A new framework for assessing urban food waste policies and initiatives has been presented, highlighting the importance of integrated management and multi-actorial collaboration.
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 study suggests that reducing indirect greenhouse gas emissions from UC campus food systems can be achieved through a shift towards more plant-based options. The researchers found that changing the food system could reduce emissions by 42-55% and align with the system's carbon neutrality goals.
A new algorithm developed by Cornell researchers improves the efficient distribution of food resources among patrons, boosting nutrition levels. The Food Bank of the Southern Tier saw a 7.73% increase in efficiency from 2018 to 2019 using the optimized allocation system.
A study published in The BMJ found that eating foods with a poor Nutri-Score score is associated with higher mortality rates from all causes and specific diseases. The findings support the use of Nutri-Score to guide people towards healthier food choices, which could inform discussions on uniform food labelling systems across Europe.
A study by Tufts University researchers estimates that some but not all US metro areas could grow all the food they need locally, based on population, geography, and diet. The modeling study suggests that reducing animal products in the diet can increase the potential to produce sufficient food for a metro area.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated public health-related inequities among people of color in the US, particularly in NYC. A tracking survey revealed disparities in access to healthcare, employment, housing, food, and education among Black and Latinx New Yorkers.
The EAT-Lancet Report proposes a universal healthy reference diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, but implementing this change requires unprecedented global cooperation. Policymakers must prioritize food systems as a top development agenda to realize the recommendations laid out in the report.
A recent UNC-Chapel Hill study reveals that individuals with obesity are at a greatly increased risk for hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and death from COVID-19. Obesity is associated with numerous underlying health conditions, including hypertension, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes, which can impair immune function.
A new study found that children growing up at higher altitudes experience increased stunting rates, even in ideal-home environments. The research suggests that altitude affects growth during the perinatal period, and highlights the need for targeted health-care guidance and nutrition interventions.
Researchers develop a One Health framework to improve sustainability in the rapidly growing aquaculture industry, which now accounts for half of global seafood consumption. The strategy emphasizes metrics such as access to nutritious food, employment quality, and ecosystem health.
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all four pillars of food security, including availability, access, utilization, and stability, according to a new article. Income declines are putting food access at risk, particularly for the extreme poor, who spend 70% of their income on 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 high-level group of experts recommends strengthening federal nutrition research with improved coordination and investment to accelerate discoveries and reduce diet-related diseases. The new approach aims to generate critical science to rapidly treat and prevent diet-related diseases, improving public health and population resilience.
Researchers found that crowdsourced information gathered from mobile apps like Yelp can provide a more accurate real-time representation of food deserts in impoverished communities. The study suggests that the methods used by the USDA to identify areas with low access to healthy food are often outdated and narrow in scope.
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.
Researchers are investigating the effects of pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions on local Colorado farmers and ranchers. They are also examining shifts in emergency food service provisions for low-income students.
Research by Cornell University found that electronic food vouchers, provided to Rohingya families through the United Nations' World Food Programme, allow for a greater range of nutritious foods. This led to improved height and weight gains among young children, as they were able to access more calorically and nutrient-dense foods.
A survey of Singaporeans found that those who dislike GM food tend to also reject nano-enabled food, highlighting the potential for a spillover effect in attitudes towards new technologies. The study's findings have implications for policymakers seeking to promote novel food technologies in Singapore.
A new study estimates that a national calorie menu labeling law will prevent tens of thousands of new heart disease and type 2 diabetes cases over five years. The law is expected to produce $10-14 billion in healthcare cost savings and another $3-5 billion in societal cost savings.
Nutrition experts urge a 'Moonshot' approach to strengthen federal nutrition research and policy, citing dire state of Americans' health and significant potential for new discoveries. The proposed strengthening of federal nutrition research aims to generate new discoveries to improve health, reduce healthcare costs and create jobs.
A new analysis approach helps identify when and where to conduct food safety inspections, reducing waste and lost sales. The researchers found that food recalls are delayed by 1-2 months, peaking from mid-August through mid-September.
A study categorizes innovations with potential to transform the food system, including artificial meat and fine-tuned photosynthesis. To succeed, these innovations require policy conditions and social acceptance.
The EU's ambitious climate goals may lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions worldwide if non-EU countries don't adopt similar strategies. The EU-Calc model forecasts a CO2 leakage of 61.5%, resulting in an increase of 615 kilos of CO2 for every tonne of emissions avoided by the EU.
The Journal of Public Policy & Marketing explores the complex relationship between consumer power and access, examining how technology, wealth, and industry organization influence this dynamic. Key findings highlight the importance of perceived access to healthcare, financial capability, and trait hope in improving consumer outcomes.
The Russian Journal of Economics special issue highlights the country's agricultural growth and its impact on global markets. Despite achieving national food security, experts warn that neglecting nutrition in policies may expose Russia to public health risks like malnourishment and obesity.
A national study found that most American children and adolescents still have poorly quality diets, with significant disparities based on socioeconomic status. Despite improvements in sugary beverage consumption and whole grain intake, kids' diets are still lacking in essential nutrients.
Researchers at Princeton University have created a framework to understand and compare cities' food systems and their effects on climate change, water use, and land use. The study highlights the impacts of differences in meat consumption between Indian and U.S. cities, as well as differences in food processing.
A survey of over 1,000 German consumers found broad support for nutritional policy action, despite initial concerns about social acceptance. Key findings indicate that people's opinions on food policies are not tied to individual dietary struggles, with those who eat a healthy diet also being in favor of regulation.
A University of Utah Health study found that poor communications in 22 Utah communities hinder efforts to connect those in need with food resources. The researchers identified four clusters of communities: Food Secure, Food Insecure, Information Deserts, and Information Uncertain.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that adults increasingly prefer sweet e-cigarette flavors over traditional tobacco flavors. The study suggests that restrictions on flavored e-liquids may drive long-term users to seek illicit sources, posing health risks.
A participatory study in Bilbao reveals that the urban environment influences eating behavior, with socioeconomic differences affecting food choices. The study identified six themes, including unhealthy eating behaviors, cultural diversity, and limited involvement of citizens and authorities in improving neighborhoods.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that consumers may be wasting more than twice as much food as commonly believed, and that affluent consumers waste more food. The researchers used a human metabolism model to quantify the relationship between food waste and consumer affluence.
A study by the University of Bonn found that commercials aimed at children decreased in Germany after EU-level voluntary commitment was put in place. However, companies exploited loopholes and the initiative showed partial success. The researchers also highlighted the need for stricter guidelines to regulate food advertising.
A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that most American adults consume meals of poor nutritional quality when dining out, with disparities affecting certain groups. The researchers recommend improving the nutritional quality of restaurant meals and reducing health disparities to promote healthier eating.
A study found that adopting a plant-based diet in New Zealand could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4-42% annually, improve population health, and save the healthcare system NZD $14 to $20 billion over time. The research also highlights the importance of reducing food waste and promoting climate-friendly eating patterns.
A new study suggests that rural communities in Vermont are already managing their food waste effectively through composting and feeding scraps to pets or livestock. While support for banning food waste is high, only a minority of residents are willing to pay for curbside compost pickup programs.
Adults with food insecurity are 10-37% more likely to die prematurely, on average 9 years earlier than their food-secure counterparts. Policies addressing food insecurity could reduce premature deaths.
The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act led to significant improvements in school meal quality, with increased whole grains, dairy, and fruits, while reducing refined grains. Participation rates rose in schools serving healthiest lunches, offsetting concerns about costs.
Research found that South Korea, China, and Taiwan have experienced significant changes in food supply, with increased animal source foods and sugar contributing to obesity issues. In contrast, many Western countries have seen declines in animal source foods and sugar, accompanied by increases in vegetable availability.
Researchers identified families with high carbon footprints as consuming more sweets, alcohol, and restaurant food. These food choices contribute significantly to their higher carbon footprint, with meat consumption explaining less than 10% of the difference.