Food Program Research Articles

Accommodating Seed Libraries into Public Libraries: A Platform to Address Food Insecurity in India

ABSTRACT There are several initiatives adopted by public libraries to address issues on food insecurity which includes public food programs, community-based agricultural programmes, community food gardens, and seed libraries. The need of a seed library in the community is not just about promoting agricultural practices, it also helps to address the rising food insecurity and hunger issues prevailing in the society. This paper explores how seed libraries could be incorporated within public libraries and their scope in Indian context. For the purpose of the study, previous articles on seed libraries were analyzed to understand its functions and operations. The “Annapurna Seed Library” in Assam is selected to provide insight on the scope for seed libraries in India and how it could be implemented in other states as well.

Response to: willingness v. ability to pay for a universal cost-shared school food programme in Canada.

Response to: willingness v. ability to pay for a universal cost-shared school food programme in Canada.

Letter to the editor: willingness v. ability to pay for a universal cost-shared school food programme in Canada.

Letter to the editor: willingness v. ability to pay for a universal cost-shared school food programme in Canada.

Restructuring the FDA's Food Program: Promises and Pitfalls.

Following an outbreak of Cronobacter sakazakii infection in infant formula, the US Food and Drug Administration commissioned a series of reports and then undertook a major reorganization of its food program. This article describes the changes that went into effect on 1 October 2024, why those changes are likely to improve the new Human Foods Program, and additional work that must be undertaken to enhance the agency's impact upon public health.

The costs and the potential allocation of costs of bouillon fortification: The cases of Nigeria, Senegal, and Burkina Faso.

Food and condiment fortification programs are needed to address micronutrient deficiencies and their health, developmental, and mortality consequences; but these programs are never free. Knowing program costs and their allocation across stakeholders is essential to design and manage effective, efficient, and sustainable programs. We developed 10-year hypothetical bouillon fortification program cost models for Nigeria, Senegal, and Burkina Faso that included start-up and operational costs for government and industry, as well as premix costs generated by an embedded premix cost calculator to allow for alternative premix formulas in cost calculations. The main drivers of total costs were total bouillon consumption and the types and amounts of fortificants in the micronutrient premix. For a premix that meets 30% of Codex Nutrient Reference Values in 2.5g of bouillon for vitamin A, folate, vitamin B12, zinc, and iron, the cost per metric ton of fortified bouillon was ∼$325 for all countries (∼$0.01 per 2.5g serving). Annual start-up costs ranged from ∼$324k (Burkina Faso) to ∼$455k (Nigeria); nonpremix annual operating costs ranged from ∼$108k (Burkina Faso) to ∼$3.9m (Nigeria); and annual premix costs varied from ∼$2.4m (Burkina Faso) to ∼$76m (Nigeria). In policy discussions, program costs should be set alongside nutritional benefits.

Forecasting trends in food security with real time data

Early warning systems are an essential tool for effective humanitarian action. Advance warnings on impending disasters facilitate timely and targeted response which help save lives and livelihoods. In this work we present a quantitative methodology to forecast levels of food consumption for 60 consecutive days, at the sub-national level, in four countries: Mali, Nigeria, Syria, and Yemen. The methodology is built on publicly available data from the World Food Programme’s global hunger monitoring system which collects, processes, and displays daily updates on key food security metrics, conflict, weather events, and other drivers of food insecurity. In this study we assessed the performance of various models including Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) Network, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and Reservoir Computing (RC), by comparing their Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) metrics. Our findings highlight Reservoir Computing as a particularly well-suited model in the field of food security given both its notable resistance to over-fitting on limited data samples and its efficient training capabilities. The methodology we introduce establishes the groundwork for a global, data-driven early warning system designed to anticipate and detect food insecurity.

Stakeholder Perspectives on the School Food Environment: Insights from South African Learners-A Pilot Study.

Leveraging learner-driven insights to enhance the SFE can significantly influence food choices by decreasing the consumption of unhealthy foods and increasing access to healthier options. Using learners' voices as important stakeholders in the school food environment (SFE), this qualitative research study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives, identify barriers and enablers to fostering a healthy SFE in South African public schools, and explore the link between the SFE and learners' food choices. Six focus group discussions (FGDs) with 4-6 participants were held in six schools, including three primary and three secondary schools in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education's iLembe district, SA, with learners aged 12-14 and 15-18 years, respectively. Learners were asked how schools could help them eat healthier and how their SFE benefitted them. The data were analysed using thematic data analysis methods. The FGDs generated 14 themes and subthemes. Emerging information suggests a lack of control over the sale of unhealthy food despite the existence of guidelines. This is further exacerbated by the marketing of unhealthy foods, which prevents learners from selecting healthier options. Furthermore, they stated that promoting the school food programme (SFP) and changing attitudes towards healthy food intake through comprehensive nutrition education are useful ways to enhance the SFE. The findings of this study underscore the critical role of learner insights in shaping effective strategies to improve the SFE.

FDA food program is in flux

FDA food program is in flux

The Reasons for Special Talented Secondary School Remoteness Towards Student’s Academic Performance: Case Study; Urban District at Zanzibar

This paper sought to investigate the reasons for special talented secondary school remoteness towards students’ academic performance; a case study of Urban District Council in Zanzibar. Specific objectives were: to determine reasons for special talented secondary school remoteness in Urban district at Zanzibar, and to find out the strategies for improving students’ academic performance in special talented secondary school remoteness in Zanzibar. This article employed a mixed approach research method and is centered and guided by social capital theory propounded by Robert Putnam in 1993. A sample of 151 respondents including 1 DEO, 6 head of schools, 36 teachers, 84 students and 24 parents were used. Simple random sampling techniques were used in selection of ordinary teachers and students while purposive sampling technique was used in selection of the head of schools, DEO and parents in the area of study. Questionnaires, interviews, and documentary reviews were used in data collections. The findings identified reasons for special talented secondary school remoteness in Urban District Council at Zanzibar include limited financial support, nomadic lifestyle, community's negative attitudes towards education, lack of open spaces for constructions of schools, geographical dispersion and unfriendly transport infrastructure. Lastly, the study proposed which can be used to improve students’ academic performance in special talented secondary schools are construction of hostels, introduction of food programs, provision of transport facilities and clear policies on school locations

Impacts of water, energy, and food nexus challenges on household vulnerability: the case of Harare City, Zimbabwe

Abstract Water, energy, and food (WEF) are interwoven, and their scarcity in the face of climate change intensifies household vulnerability (HV), particularly in developing countries. The interlinkage is complex; it makes it difficult to make decisions and requires coordinated and integrated approaches. Policymakers face problems when attempting to identify and implement appropriate policy actions at the nexus of these challenges. This study interrogates the contribution of WEF challenges to HV in Harare to create good policies that can enhance synergies. Data was collected from 314 urban households through questionnaires. In addition, 11 in-depth interviews and one focus group discussion were conducted with the Harare Residents’ Association. The stakeholders interviewed included six city council officials, one representative from UNICEF, two from the World Food Program, and two from the Zimbabwe electricity supply authority. Survey data was analysed using both SPSS Statistics and SPSS AMOS software. While SPSS Statistics was used for descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and inferential tests, SPSS Amos was used for construct validation and structural equation modelling (SEM) path analysis. Interviews were recorded, collated, transcribed, and coded through the summative thematic analysis using QSR NVivo v14. SEM was used to test the proposed relationships between WEF challenges and HV. The findings revealed a positive relationship between the WEF constructs and HV among Harare residents. Socioeconomic factors were also found to have a statistically significant effect on the relationship between Climatic Change and HV. Most climate impacts were found to be water-related, meaning, interventions to address water challenges can boost energy and food production. This will enable policymakers to allocate resources for positive results.

Improvement of Elderly Welfare Through Food Program

The general background increasing number of elderly in society requires effective welfare programs to meet their specific needs. Specific background in Indonesia, the Food Program of the Ministry of Social Affairs aims to provide essential nutritional support for this demographic group. Knowledge gap although this program has been implemented, there is still a lack of comprehensive analysis regarding its effectiveness and reach, especially in the Sidoarjo District. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by evaluating the program through descriptive qualitative methods, including observation and interviews. Results findings indicate that the implementers' understanding of the program has improved due to socialization activities. Positive changes have been recorded among beneficiaries, demonstrating the program's potential to improve the welfare of the elderly. The novelty of this study lies in the comprehensive assessment of the components of the Food Program. Implications these findings can serve as a guide for improving and adapting social welfare programs in the future, emphasizing the importance of addressing the welfare of the elderly in community development initiatives. Highlights: Improved understanding of the Food Program through socialization activities. Need to increase the number of eligible elderly beneficiaries. Program meets health standards, indicating successful food provision. Keywords: Program, Food, Social, Effectiveness, Welfare

Social contribution on payroll and exemption from food allowance

This article aims to explore the legal indeterminacy surrounding the possibility of free transit of credits between meal vouchers and food vouchers and its impact on the exemption of social contributions on payroll. Employing the Logical-Semantic Constructivism method and foundations from the philosophy of language, the article seeks to clarify whether this practice affects eligibility for exemption. Initially, the article underscores the importance of revisiting the interpretation given to the tax benefit, considering new business models and in light of changes in labor relations, such as the increase in remote work. Companies that offer meal and food vouchers are important partners for employers, facilitating the provision of food benefits to employees. A rigorous analysis of legal language is emphasized to ensure scientific accuracy. The legal norm is discussed from two perspectives: a broad sense (propositions derived from legal statements) and a strict sense (propositions structured in hypothetical-conditional judgments capable of regulating intersubjective conduct). It analyzes the norm that establishes the social contribution on payroll, identifying its five criteria (material, spatial, temporal, personal, and quantitative). The material criterion is defined as the provision of remuneration in exchange for work performed. The tax base is the total remuneration paid to employees. The article discusses the exemption of food assistance as provided by legislation (CLT and Law 8,212/91), which excludes the social security contribution on in natura food provided to workers. The legislation allows food assistance to be offered through vouchers, provided they are used exclusively for the purchase of food. Federal Decree No. 10,854/2021 is analyzed to explain the necessity of keeping funds in separate accounts and ensuring their exclusive use for food, prohibiting withdrawals or transfers to accounts not linked to the Worker’s Food Program (PAT). The article concludes that the free transfer of credits between meal and food vouchers does not affect the exemption of food assistance, as long as the funds are used exclusively for the purchase of in natura food. Subordinate legislation does not impose significant restrictions on this practice, and even if it did, it could not supersede higher normative provisions that grant the exemption. Thus, the arrangement between meal and food credits does not limit the exemption from social contributions on payroll.

Retrofitting food and nutrition programmes to curb the global syndemic of undernutrition, obesity and climate change

Retrofitting food and nutrition programmes to curb the global syndemic of undernutrition, obesity and climate change

Child and Adult Care Food Program: Family Childcare Home Providers’ Perceptions of Impacts of Increased Meal and Snack Reimbursement Rates during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The U.S. Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides tiered reimbursements for healthy foods for children at participating family childcare homes (FCCH). Higher tier 1 reimbursements are for providers who operate in low-income communities or who are themselves living on a low income. All FCCHs received a higher rate to address food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A survey was administered in the spring of 2023 to a randomly selected sample of licensed California FCCHs to assess the perceived impacts of the increased reimbursement on CACFP participation and anticipated challenges with reinstated tiered rates. A total of 518 surveys (261 tier 1, 257 tier 2) were analyzed using linear or logistic regression, adjusting for confounders. Results: Among tier 1 and tier 2 providers combined, over half reported lowering out-of-pocket spending for food (59%) and serving greater variety (55%) and quality (54%) of foods. Tier 2 providers reported experiencing more benefits (p < 0.05) and tended to be more likely to implement optional CACFP best practices (although not significantly different between tiers). Most FCCH providers found reimbursement rates were inadequate before (83%) the pandemic; this amount decreased to 54% post-pandemic for tier 1 and tier 2 providers combined. Conclusions: The temporary CACFP reimbursement positively impacted the perceived quality and variety of foods served to children, especially among tier 2 providers. Increased reimbursements for all FCCHs may ensure children have access to the healthy meals and snacks provided by the CACFP.

Addressing diabetes by elevating access to nutrition (ADELANTE) - A multi-level approach for improving household food insecurity and glycemic control among Latinos with diabetes: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLatinx adults are disproportionately impacted by the interrelated challenges of food insecurity and nutrition sensitive chronic diseases. Food and nutrition insecurity can exacerbate the development and progression of chronic diseases, such as diabetes. Sustainable, effective interventions aimed at improving food insecurity and diabetes management for Latinx populations are needed. MethodsThis hybrid type 1 trial evaluates the effectiveness of a multi-level intervention that includes a medically supportive food and behavioral lifestyle program on the primary outcome of Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at 6 months. Latinx adults (n = 355) with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c of 6.0–12.0 %), overweight/obesity (BMI > 25 kg/m2), and self-reported risk of food insecurity will be randomized 1:1 to intervention (12 weekly deliveries of vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain foods + culturally-modified behavioral lifestyle program) versus control (food deliveries after a 6-month delay). Outcome asessments will occur at 0, 6 and 12 months, and include HbA1c, dietary intake, psychosocial health outcomes, and diabetes-related stressors. In addition, food insecurity and the impact of the intervention on up to two household members will be measured. Qualitative interviews with patients, healthcare providers, and community partners will be conducted in accordance with Reach, Effectivenes, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenence (RE-AIM) framework to identify barriers and best practices for future dissemination. ConclusionsThe ADELANTE trial will provide novel insight to the effectiveness of a multi-level intervention on diabetes-related outcomes in Latinx adults. The mixed-method approach will also identity the reach of this ‘Food is Medicine’ intervention on additional household members to inform diabetes prevention efforts.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05228860

Observing the use of technology for students' independent work on online learning assignments

This research aims to determine students' responses to online learning, the level of student independence in carrying out online learning assignments, differences in the level of independence of students in Fashion, Culinary, and Tourism study programs, the difficulties faced by students when participating in the online learning process and carrying out learning assignments, and Efforts to find solutions when experiencing difficulties following the online learning process. Conducted at SMK N 4 Yogyakarta, this quantitative descriptive research found that student responses to this research were in the medium category at 71.25% (114 students) with an average score of 18.71. Meanwhile, the level of independence in online assignments is in the high category at 78.13% (125 students), with an average score of 62.00. Not only that, there is a difference in independence in carrying out students' online learning assignments in the Fashion and Catering study program, there is no difference in independence between students in the Food and Tourism study program, and there is no difference in independence between students in the Fashion and Tourism study program. On the other hand, the difficulty in online learning assignments in the medium category was 63.75% (102 students) with an average score of 41.03. Lastly, students' efforts when experiencing difficulties were in the high category at 99.37% (159 students), with an average score of 46.37.

Developing children's local food programs: One volunteer's perspective

While volunteers are widespread in U.S. local food systems, they have not been the focus of data collection or research. As a result, we have limited understanding of the perspectives and motivations of local food volunteers. In this reflective essay, I describe my insights from volunteering in Alexan­dria, Virginia. The two initiatives that I focus on were to establish a “Power of Produce” program at my local farmers market and an after-school culinary and gardening program at a private ele­mentary school. The former program I have been able to sustain for three years (as of this writing), whereas the latter program was discontinued after two eight-week sessions. In this essay, I describe my motivations in conceptualizing and organizing these programs. I also describe challenges I encoun­tered due to inexperience or capacity constraints as a volunteer. I conclude by discussing how additional research that examines the roles and motivations of volunteers could be valuable.

Vocational students in the hospitality industry explain guests’ sexual harassment

This study’s purpose is to contribute knowledge which can be used as a basis for vocational teachers in hospitality when they discuss sexual harassment with their students. We therefore explore how students in training for vocations in the hospitality industry explain why some guests subject staff to sexual harassment. The empirical material consists of focus group interviews with students in the Swedish Hotel and Tourism programme and the Restaurant Management and Food programme. Twenty-two focus group interviews were conducted, 2–8 students participated in each group. The interviews took place in ten different municipalities in southern Sweden. The students’ explanations are that the sexual harassment is an issue linked to the generation, an issue of information, an issue of personality, an issue related to alcohol, an issue to do with male nature, and an issue of guests taking advantage of their status. These different explanations are linked to overarching discourses. Several of these are historical discourses that have been repeated for a long time. For teachers in the hospitality vocational education programmes a pedagogical point can be to highlight all the explanations and discourses in order to examine together with the students the assumptions on which their explanations rest.

The Perception of Contraceptive Practice Among Female Patients Treated With Isotretinoin in Saudi Arabia.

Background Practicing and following a Pregnancy Prevention Program (PPP) is crucial to prevent isotretinoin-induced teratogenicity. Our study aims to assess the current practice of dermatologists about PPP when prescribing oral isotretinoin and the compliance of the patients toward contraceptive methods. Methods The research used a cross-sectional design and utilized a probability sampling method in Saudi Arabia. An online self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data that included female participants who were previously treated/being treated with isotretinoin for acne. Data was analyzed using SPSS (IBM Inc., Armonk, New York). Results Our study examined 359 female patients receiving isotretinoin treatment. Isotretinoin was primarily used for severe nodular forms of acne resistant to regular treatment 229 (63.8%). Regarding awareness, 326 (90.8%) were familiar with isotretinoin's teratogenic effects, and 112 (31.2%) were familiar with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority's Pregnancy Prevention Program. Physicians were among the most prevalent information sources 254 (71%). In terms of isotretinoin usage, 227 (63.2%) had one course. Regarding contraceptive practice, 167 (46.5%) were informed about the necessity of a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment, and 29 (50.9%) of those who received more than two courses had good awareness. Conclusion The study identified a notable awareness gap among the participants, as over two-thirds demonstrated a poor awareness level regarding isotretinoin. A significant proportion of participants were informed about the importance of contraceptive practices, including the necessity of a negative pregnancy test before, during, and after treatment.

Are food and nutrition assistance programs fostering an equitable early care and education (ECE) food environment? A systematic review utilizing the RE-AIM framework

BackgroundHealth inequities related to poor diet, food insecurity, and obesity negatively affect children from low-income minority families. The USDA administers Food and Nutrition Assistance Programs (FNAPs) in Early Care and Education settings (ECEs) to safeguard the health of vulnerable children. However, the extent to which FNAPs provide an equitable food environment in ECEs remains unclear. ObjectiveExamine FNAPs’ association with young children's (2–6 years) food environment in ECE through a systematic review using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework. The primary focus is to operationalize RE-AIM in ECE context and evaluate FNAPs' association with the ECE food environment using an equity lens. Measurable outcomesFood environment dimensions were assessed at three levels: ECE setting (availability, accessibility, affordability, acceptability, accommodation); ECE provider (feeding practices); and child (dietary intake, food insecurity, BMI percentile). ResultsThe review included 38 articles (cross-sectional=30, mixed method=1, pre-post=5, longitudinal=2) with Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP; n = 35), Farm to ECE (n = 2), and Food Bank-ECE program partnership (n = 1). No study addressed all RE-AIM indicators. CACFP participation showed positive association with healthy food availability (n = 28), feeding practices (n = 12), child dietary intake (n = 6), and reduced risk of being overweight (n = 1). Farm to ECE interventions showed increased local food affordability (n = 1) and children's acceptance of healthy foods (n = 1). No study addressed foods served in ECEs to accommodate cultural diversity, special dietary needs, developmental disabilities, or reported child food insecurity. ConclusionCACFP emerges as the most prevalent FNAP nationally for having potential to improve ECE food availability and feeding practices, but further research is needed to address equity gaps by examining its impact on child outcomes (dietary intake, BMI percentile) across diverse geographic locations (urban vs. rural), ECE organizational structures (center-based vs. home-based), and demographic characteristics of ECE providers and children.