Articles tagged with Food Policy
A new study found that unhealthy diets account for almost 20% of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes costs in the US. Suboptimal diets cost approximately $300 per person, or $50 billion nationally, accounting for 18 percent of all heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes costs.
A growing double burden of malnutrition affects individuals, families, communities, and countries in low- and middle-income countries. High-quality diets are crucial to prevent all forms of malnutrition, while changes in food systems drive the emerging global epidemics of type 2 diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
A $1.4 million grant is awarded to improve food security for Aboriginal communities in Central Australia and Torres Strait Islanders. The project focuses on promoting healthier diets through pricing strategies and community engagement.
A new global map assesses the sustainability of food systems, considering factors beyond productivity and nutrition. The study identifies knowledge gaps and provides a standardized framework for measuring food system sustainability.
A study from the UConn Rudd Center found that nearly all teen engagement with food and beverage brands on social media was for unhealthy products. The study also revealed that brand engagement was highest among Black teens, Spanish-speaking Hispanic teens, and teens with lower education levels, raising public health concerns.
A study by University at Buffalo researchers finds that a trade deal between the US and Central American countries led to an increase in unhealthy food imports, including industrial sweeteners and processed foods. The research highlights the need for policymakers to consider the impact of trade agreements on diet and health.
The EAT-Lancet diet, aimed at improving human and planetary health, is unaffordable for millions due to high food prices. The study estimates that daily costs exceed household income in many low-income countries.
A new book reveals how Bangladesh's aquaculture growth defied predictions, improving poverty reduction, employment generation, and food security. The 'Blue Revolution' increased fish consumption and reduced prices, benefiting all income groups.
A new study from IFPRI found that rural poor in Ethiopia tend to live near lower-quality markets with fewer food groups sold at high prices. This limits children's access to non-staple foods, leading to poor diets. The study highlights the importance of improving access to high-quality markets for better child nutrition.
A new US food-labeling policy will require packaging to display the amount of added sugars and their daily value. Food companies are developing low- or no-calorie sweeteners, such as allulose, which promises to deliver sugar properties with one-tenth the calories.
Researchers aim to address sustainable food systems for a growing population by developing an optimal food system from an economic and resource-use perspective. The study will examine the role of trade in making resource use more efficient and providing safe and nutritious food.
Researchers found that evocative labels like 'twisted citrus glazed carrots' can increase vegetable consumption by 29% and calorie intake by 39%. Careful word choice matters, as references to ingredients, preparation methods, and words that convey a positive experience can make healthy foods more crave-worthy.
The study highlights significant gaps in knowledge about underassessed foods, which represent more than half of animal production and over 25% of total food globally. The researchers argue that a more complete global food assessment is necessary to develop sensitive and versatile local solutions to environmental and food security issues.
Researchers propose targeted government support and food programs to address nutrition gaps, reducing environmental impacts compared to increased agricultural production. Eradicating hunger by 2030 requires only a marginal increase in overall agricultural production, with potential benefits for environmental sustainability.
A study published in The BMJ suggests that taxing high sugar snacks may be more effective in reducing obesity levels than increasing the price of sugar sweetened drinks. Increasing the price of biscuits, cakes, and sweets by 20% could lead to an average weight loss of 1.3 kg over one year.
A new study published in Public Health Nutrition found that Canadian children's diet quality during school hours improved by 13% over an 11-year period. The improvement was largely due to increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as a reduction in calories from minimally nutritious foods.
A study by researchers at the University of Queensland and University of Cambridge found high levels of agreement among scientists and research stakeholders on principles to prevent conflicts of interest with the food industry. However, there is ongoing debate about what constitutes acceptable interactions and funding arrangements.
A new book from IFPRI researchers reveals that urbanization has spurred growth in nonfarm jobs but little impact on agricultural intensification, with stagnated growth in the non-cocoa sector. Raising land productivity is key to transforming the national economy and ensuring future growth.
A recent study found that nearly half of university and two-year college students in the US experience food insecurity, leading to academic struggles, mental health issues, and reduced career opportunities. Food insecure students often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms or go without meals, exacerbating the problem.
A new study highlights the benefits of a US salt reduction strategy for the food industry, finding that meeting FDA targets could produce significant health gains and cost savings. The researchers modelled the impact on food companies and workers, finding that the value of CVD-related health gains and cost savings exceed government costs.
Research shows that high prices of healthy foods are a major factor in malnutrition worldwide, particularly in poorer countries where access to nutrient-dense foods is limited. The study finds that economic development tends to make healthy foods more affordable, but also makes unhealthy processed foods cheaper.
Climate change and increased CO2 levels are projected to significantly reduce the availability of critical nutrients such as protein, iron, and zinc worldwide. By 2050, nutrient availability is expected to decrease by 19.5% for protein, 14.4% for iron, and 14.6% for zinc globally.
Michigan State University has received a $38 million USAID grant to implement a new Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy Research, Capacity and Influence. The lab will partner with local agricultural policy research organizations to strengthen their ability to carry out rigorous research on food security policy.
A new study published in Science Advances found that El Niño-Southern Oscillation and other climate patterns significantly affect global corn, soybean, and wheat production. The research estimated that climate variability accounted for 18% of year-to-year changes in corn production.
A new study found that becoming new parents leads to increased spending on produce in middle- and high-income households, with a significant increase in fruit consumption. However, lower-income families did not exhibit similar changes in their produce purchases.
The Urban Studies Institute has been awarded a two-year grant to study the impact of mobility support options on the health behaviors and outcomes of low-income individuals with Type 2 diabetes in metro Atlanta. The research aims to address social barriers to health, reduce healthcare costs and advance health equity.
A new study found that Latino and black households have a greater negative environmental impact per dollar spent on food due to their purchasing patterns. They tend to buy more environmentally intensive foods like grains and protein, and spend more money overall.
A recent study has uncovered how a non-profit research organisation has been deployed by its corporate backers to push industry-favourable positions to policymakers and international bodies. The International Life Science Institute (ILSI) analysed over 17,000 pages of emails obtained through Freedom of Information requests.
Two large European studies find positive associations between ultra-processed food consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Consuming highly processed foods was associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease.
The introduction of Nutrition North Canada led to a significant increase in food insecurity, affecting 46% of households in 2014 compared to 33% in 2010. Despite the program's focus on nutritious foods, high prices and other factors contributed to worsening food access issues in Nunavut communities.
Researchers argue that increasing crop yields is insufficient to end global hunger, as it overlooks the environmental impacts and nutritional quality of diets. A new study suggests that adopting ecological principles can improve the environmental sustainability of food production and promote biodiversity.
The FDA faces significant politicization, threatening its ability to make scientifically-informed decisions on public health. Experts argue that increased independence is needed to protect the nation's health, citing precedents from other agencies such as the FCC and SSA.
A science advisory from the American Heart Association describes system-wide innovations to improve access to healthy foods. Improvements in food production, distribution, and consumer behavior can favorably impact health behaviors, such as reducing calorie consumption and increasing fruit and vegetable intake.
Research reveals that front-of-pack food claims on breakfast cereals can be uncorrelated with actual nutritional quality, yet still influence consumers' perceptions of taste, healthiness, and fattening consequences. The study identifies four distinct types of claims and their effects on consumer choices.
A new study found that poor diet is responsible for more deaths globally than tobacco, high blood pressure, or any other health risk. The study, published in The Lancet, highlights the importance of low consumption of healthy foods and emphasizes the need for comprehensive food system interventions.
A new report found that white individuals produce an average of 680 kg of carbon dioxide per year from their food choices, while Latinx individuals produce 640 kg and blacks produce 600 kg. White diets require 7% more water than Latinx diets due to higher consumption of resource-intensive foods.
A study found persistent income-related inequalities in psychological distress and suicidal behaviors among Indigenous peoples. Improving social determinants of health, such as income and food availability, may help address these mental health issues.
A new report by University of Toronto researchers evaluates Canada's largest food and beverage companies based on their policies and commitments to sell healthier products. While many companies are making meaningful efforts to reduce sodium, sugar, and saturated fat in products, there is significant variability among them.
A new study from the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity found that meal kits and recipe tastings in a food pantry increased the selection of whole grains and leafy greens by three times. The study also showed a spillover effect, where clients selected additional healthier options when meal kits were available.
A new study suggests that healthy food prescriptions for adults in Medicare and Medicaid could prevent millions of cardiovascular disease events and save billions of dollars in healthcare costs. The study found that programs incentivizing diet, particularly through fruit and vegetable purchases, could be highly cost-effective.
A new study by Tufts University researchers finds that healthy food prescriptions in Medicare and Medicaid could prevent millions of cardiovascular disease cases and diabetes cases, while reducing healthcare utilization and costs. The programs would be highly cost-effective, with incremental costs of less than $50,000 per quality-adjus...
A new study estimates that living in districts with intense crop residue burning increases the risk of acute respiratory infection three-fold among children. The study also found that crop burning causes an estimated USD 30 billion annual economic loss due to exposure to air pollution. Implementing targeted government initiatives can i...
The study found improved access for historically marginalized castes and tribes, but women with low education and poorest households were relatively excluded from program benefits. Utilization of ICDS services increased significantly between 2006 and 2016, especially in central and southern states.
A study found that Chilean food regulations targeting obesity have a positive impact on mothers' understanding, perceptions, and spending habits. Mothers recognized healthier choices and perceived a cultural shift toward healthier eating.
Sera Young, a Northwestern University anthropologist, has developed the first scale to measure household water insecurity, a universal need bounded by disciplinary and geographic silos. The 12-question HWISE Scale will transform how we understand the prevalence, causes, and consequences of water insecurity on maternal and child health.
A recent survey by Michigan State University found that the oldest Americans are most focused on reducing food waste, with 88% of all respondents taking steps to reduce it. Among those who make efforts, 71% try not to purchase excess food and 71% often consume food before it spoils.
Dietary inequities in Canada refer to differences in diet quality between people of lower and higher socioeconomic status. Existing nutrition policies are insufficient to address the root causes of poor diets, particularly among those with lower social positions.
A no-deal Brexit is predicted to result in the greatest price hikes for imported fruits and vegetables, leading to a substantial drop in intake. This could contribute to an estimated 12,400 extra cardiovascular deaths over the next decade in England.
A new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that nearly a quarter of employed adults obtain high-calorie foods at work. The CDC investigated food acquisition habits through the Food Acquisition and Purchasing Survey, which revealed that these foods often don't align with the Dietary Guidelines f...
A new study published in the Journal of Marketing Research found that ambient food scent can directly influence food choices. Researchers discovered that participants exposed to the smell of unhealthy foods for longer periods were less likely to crave them, opting instead for healthier alternatives.
A new report finds that food companies spend 8 out of 10 dollars on unhealthy snacks and fast food ads targeting Black and Hispanic youth. The study analyzed 32 major food companies' advertising to children and teens in 2017, revealing a lack of healthy product promotion.
A Dartmouth-led study found that displaying calorie information on food images decreases the brain's reward system activation and increases control system activation, making unhealthy foods less appetizing. The results suggest that nutritional interventions should consider consumer motivation, including dieting status.
Researchers found that vice foods with hero labels were more compelling than the same foods shown with villain labels, while healthy foods benefited from villainous labels. In a real-world experiment, consumers were willing to pay more for bottled water and cheese curds when labeled as 'villainous' rather than 'heroic'.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that UK supermarkets' checkout food policies led to a 17.3% reduction in small package purchases of sugary foods within four weeks of policy introduction, with a sustained impact over time.
New research suggests that removing sweets from checkouts can lead to a significant reduction in the amount of unhealthy food purchased, with 17% fewer small packages of sugary confectionary and chocolate taken home, and 76% fewer on-the-go purchases made.
A new study found that implementing strong school nutrition policies is associated with healthier weight trajectories in middle school students. The study, which followed 595 students over three years, found that students from schools with nutrition policy interventions experienced less than a 1% increase in body mass index (BMI), whil...
Researchers identified common characteristics among resilient food organizations, including formal emergency planning, staff training, and redundant supply chains. These factors enable the recovery of smaller, less-resourced organizations in crisis situations.
A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that more than three quarters of French-speaking adults in Quebec fall short of meeting Canada's dietary guidelines. The study suggests that stronger public health policies are needed to support healthier dietary habits and reduce chronic disease risk.
A new report from 130 national academies warns of a catastrophic failure of global food systems, which contribute up to 25% to greenhouse gas emissions. The report calls for climate-smart agriculture, incentives for consumers to change their diets, and innovative foods to address the root causes of the failing system.
A growing number of state laws are limiting local governments' ability to create food and nutrition policies, preventing regulation of areas like nutrition labeling and soda taxes. This trend is driven by industry pressure, with businesses using preemption to thwart public health efforts.