Food Program Research Articles

A review on biodegradable polymers: Used as packaging Materials

In current years littering of plastics and the problem associated with their chronic inside the environment have end up a primary awareness in the each studies and information. There is high need of biodegradable polymers and especially in the discipline of packing and additionally want to create biodegradable polymers for traditional packaging material. The current review paper focuses towards the various types of biopolymer sources that are available in nature which are able to reduce the risk of environment damage through the use of alternative of plastics as a packaging material. This review present review of the exclusive biodegradable polymers and records about biodegradable polymers which are degraded by way of microorganisms and additionally include biodegradation technique. The excellent of biopolymers can be expressed as distinct properties like gas barrier, thermal and mechanical barrier, and moisture barrier properties. Biopolymers may be classified into classes in keeping with natural, synthetic and based totally on repeating units. Biodegradable polymers can be used as an approach to the troubles posed via plastics as they effortlessly degrade inside the surroundings and also mimic the properties of traditional polymers. Starch, cellulose based totally biodegradable zero waste plastics can update with non-renewable plastics with comparable packaging properties. Some of organic substances can be incorporated into biodegradable polymers materials with the maximum common being PLA, PCA, protein, starch cellulose etc. This overview additionally nation the biodegradable polymers bundle of food programs and utilized in other discipline and which merchandise are made from this.

Integrating STEM based Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) to Promote Quality Education: A Systematic Literature Review

Promoting quality education through the integration of STEM-based Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has become a significant area of interest. Integrating STEM-based ESD can enhance the quality of education by providing interdisciplinary learning opportunities that engage students in authentic, hands-on experiences. The objective of this study is to analyze existing empirical research on the utilization of STEM-ESD in order to investigate their effectiveness in fostering quality of education. The review process involved a systematic examination of journal papers published between 2018 and 2023, using both keyword search and snowballing techniques on the Scopus database. A total of 15 journal papers were selected for inclusion in this comprehensive review. The analysis indicates that STEM-ESD program is capable in increasing student self-efficacy and student engagement, STEM-ESD learning support student’s critical thinking skills and system thinking, Implementing Local Wisdom Based ESD can increase student knowledge, STEM learning in Sustainable Food Program as an effort to increase sustainable literacy in student, ESD can increase student’s environmental awareness. In this research there are a few implications such as that STEM-ESD need to be implemented in school curriculum in order to support education that is environmentally insightful.

Contextual Factors Influencing the Adoption of Physical Activity Direct Education and Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Initiatives by Virginia EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Staff

ObjectiveTo explore factors influencing the adoption of direct education programs and policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change initiatives focused on physical activity for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-eligible audiences by Virginia Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) staff. MethodsOnline survey with Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and SNAP-Ed peer (paraprofessional) educators (n = 28) and SNAP-Ed agents (master of science level) (n = 9) in Virginia. Descriptive statistics were computed for sociodemographic characteristics and responses to questions on the basis of Likert-type scales. Exploratory factor analyses were run to identify the underlying structures of the different variables. ResultsThe main factors for peer educators were related to substituting nutrition programs or content for physical activity programs. Other factors included staff qualifications and expectations about leading vs teaching physical activities. For PSEs, the top factors were the capacity to reach many community members, attract new partners and stakeholders, and personal interest in the PSE. Conclusions and ImplicationsThe results provide insight into potential barriers and motivators for adopting physical activity education and PSEs within community-based initiatives and can be used to inform program planning and staff training. Additional research is warranted to examine other factors influencing the adoption and implementation of physical activity programs and PSEs.

Is localization better than globalization for sustainability? Evidence from the nutraceuticals industry for managing malnutrition in India

The socioeconomic consequences of the worldwide burden of malnutrition are substantial, with long-term consequences for individuals, their families, and their countries. Despite being one of the world's greatest producers of various agricultural products, India has regularly performed poorly in the Global Hunger Index. The World Food Programme provides funds to deliver a nutraceutical product (Plumpy Nut) to malnourished children in Low- and Medium-Income Countries (LMIC). The cost of obtaining these items from the international market is high, and worldwide logistics contribute to pollution. Despite these efforts, there has been insufficient food to feed nearly 40% of malnourished children in India, owing to budget constraints. This research provides a linear programming model and the Augmented ε-Constraint Method for developing a sustainable nutraceutical network. The model examines whether localizing the availability of nutraceutical items, in comparison to global sourcing, might be a viable option for improved managing malnutrition in LMIC's. The findings illustrate that localization can lead to a significant reduction in both cost (50%) and greenhouse gas emissions (90%). In addition, localization leads to feeding increased number of malnourished children in the budget constraint environment. Localization can also lead to a reduction in lead time related to due import-related logistical delays. The study offers insights into various policy interventions for stakeholders such as the government, producers, malnourished children (consumers), and others, to reduce malnutrition, while contributing towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Zero Hunger and Responsible Consumption-Production by 2030. We use a case study from India to validate the model.

'I know you like the back of my hand': biometric practices of humanitarian organisations in international aid.

Humanitarian organisations are increasingly utilising biometric data. However, we know little about the extent and scope of this practice, as its benefits and risks have attracted all the attention so far. This paper explores the biometric practices of the United Nations Refugee Agency, the United Nations World Food Programme, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières, and World Vision International. The study analysed relevant documents published over the past two decades and 17 semi-structured interviews with humanitarian workers conducted between June 2021 and June 2022. The findings reveal that humanitarian organisations use diverse types and functions of biometric data for different services, collaborate with many actors, and employ various data protection measures. Ultimately, challenging the straightforward generalisations about the use of such data, the paper argues that variational applications of biometrics in the humanitarian context require case-by-case analysis, as each instance will likely produce a different outcome.

Shortening food supply chain in home-grown school feeding: experiences and lessons from south central China

Abstract Both home-grown school feeding (HGSF) and short food supply chain (SFSC) emphasize on proximity and aim to strengthen the competitiveness of local smallholder farmers. From a theoretical perspective, HGSF implemented as a type of SFSC could help deliver synergies. A pivotal question is how HGSF can be combined with SFSC and the benefits and drawbacks of such combination. Using an HGSF program which was implemented as an integral part of a free preschool lunch pilot in South Central China, this paper shows that HGSF and SFSC (in its full term) could be combined through one structured demand intervention. This study uses both qualitative and quantitative materials. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions with government and preschool staff, parents or caregivers, cooks, World Food Programme representatives and other stakeholders involved in the pilot program. The quantitative part used both small panel data and cross-sectional data from 106 smallholders. This study analyzes the design, implementation, good practices, benefits and constraints of the HGSF-SFSC model. We find that direct purchase from smallholder farmers was linked with higher income and production and dietary diversity. Moreover, this study identifies several constraints of the current HGSF-SFSC model. The policy implications for sustaining and scaling up the current pilot are discussed in the paper.

State Agency Perspectives on Successes and Challenges of Administering the Child and Adult Care Food Program

The federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) improves nutrition and reduces food insecurity for young children while helping cover food costs for care providers and families. Despite its important benefits, the program is underutilized. This report uses qualitative interviews with state CACFP administrators representing 28 states to explore federal and state policies and practices that support or discourage CACFP participation among licensed child care centers. We report on successful approaches to program outreach and administration, barriers that make CACFP participation challenging, and recommendations to expand access to CACFP for eligible child care providers and the populations they serve.

Global and national aspects of food security in the minds of an unstable economy

As a result of Russia's aggression and the cessation of the export of Ukrainian agricultural products by sea, 22 million tons of grain were blocked in Ukrainian ports. This has significantly limited the ability of Ukrainian farmers to sell grain for the 2021 and 2022 harvests, while at the same time increasing the threat of global hunger, since almost half of all supplies under the UN World Food Program come from Ukraine. The subject of the study is ensuring food security in Ukraine and the world as a whole. The purpose of this scientific work is the analysis of modern conditions that affect compliance with food security in the global dimension. The main scientific methods used in writing the article were: analysis, synthesis, systematization, comparison, abstract-logical method. It has been established that the unblocking of Ukrainian ports and the resumption of grain and oilseed exports is of crucial importance both for the economy of Ukraine and for global food security. The results of the study indicate that Ukraine currently has three export routes - ports on the Danube, railways and highways. However, each of them has its own shortcomings. For example, the Danube ports have limited capacity due to the lack of barges, berths and terminals. Previously, Ukraine almost did not use this export route and therefore did not invest in it. In turn, railway and road logistics are hampered by heavy traffic jams at the borders, lack of wagons and fuel, phytosanitary procedures, as well as the difference between the European and Ukrainian (wider by 9 cm) tracks. Another significant problem is the lack of storage capacity in European ports, which are not adapted to such volumes of grain transshipment. It has been studied that almost a third of agricultural land is unsuitable for planting because it is mined. It was considered that even if the Ukrainian government manages to organize new ways of exporting food from the country, the export of the 2021/2022 marketing year was significantly smaller than last year. In 2023, due to the significant reduction in cultivated areas caused by the war, it is likely that it will not be possible to collect too large crops, and therefore, the share of Ukrainian products in the world food market will significantly decrease. Ukraine's place can be taken by other producers, in particular Brazil, Argentina, India, Canada and the USA. A significant reduction in Ukraine's exports has been established. The food security system is presented, which includes the conditions for ensuring food security and dimensions of food security. Russian aggression against Ukraine has been proven to be another economic challenge for developing countries in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which threatens their food security. A decrease in the production and export of grain from Ukraine and Russia, as well as an increase in the price of energy raw materials and fertilizers will lead to an increase in food prices in the world. Key words: food security, war in Ukraine, export, food security system.

Designing English Teaching Materials for Students of the Food and Beverage Service Study Program based on industry needs

Every student has different needs in learning English, including their needs in the workplace. This research aims to determine the existence of English language skills of students in Food and Beverage Service (FBS) department, identify their English language needs in the workplace, and design English language teaching materials based on their needs in the workplace. This research is a quantitative study by using survey methods. The data collection techniques used were questionnaires, interviews and observations by taking the FBS students who had carried out internship program as the population while the sampling technique used was purposive and accidental sampling by involving 143 respondents. Based on the results of the data analysis, it was found that 1) The existence of English language skills of students in FBS department is at the elementary and pre-intermediate levels, namely 73.42% and speaking skills are the skill they have mastered the most as well as the most difficult skill. And vocabulary and pronunciation are two language components they considered as the most difficult to be understood, 2) The English language needs of FBS students in the workplace show that speaking skills are the most needed skill, namely 76.92%, where all outlets in the FBS departments require language mastery English, namely 68.53%, especially in the restaurant section around 20.98%, 3) English teaching materials designed should be based on students' needs in the workplace by using a priority scale on the learning materials and activities which described in the form of learning plans.

ОСНОВНЫЕ ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ И ПРИНЦИПЫ УСТОЙЧИВОГО РАЗВИТИЯ МАЛОГО БИЗНЕСА АГРАРНОГО СЕКТОРА ЭКОНОМИКИ

Small agricultural enterprises, providing high growth rates of agricultural production, are a significant resource of the state, whose role in the implementation of the food program is growing every year. Recent years have shown an increase in the number of small enterprises engaged in the cultivation of grain crops in the Russian Federation and in the Voronezh region.
 At the same time, many small agricultural enterprises have an insufficient level of production, labor and financial resources, which disrupts the sustainable development of economic entities and the occurrence of bankruptcy of small businesses, the termination of activities. All this requires the search for new approaches and principles for the formation of sustainable development of agricultural enterprises and the definition of their priority areas.
 The article summarizes and analyzes the existing concepts of "sustainability". The economic realities in the field of grain production are considered on the example of small enterprises in the Voronezh region. The risks and threats that contribute to the decline in the development of the grain sector of the economy, represented by small agricultural enterprises in the Voronezh region, are identified.
 The author proposes a system of qualitative and quantitative indicators to assess the level of sustainable development of small agricultural enterprises.
 To obtain conclusions on the stated topic of the publication, the method of comparing and comparing the indicators of small enterprises in the Voronezh region was used. The main principles of sustainable development of small businesses in the agricultural sector are disclosed, the implementation of which in the practice of small agricultural enterprises will contribute to the sustainable development of small businesses, the growth of food security in the Voronezh region and the Russian Federation as a whole.

"Everyone's struggling right now": Impact of COVID-19 on addressing food insecurity in rural primary care.

Primary care practices can address food insecurity (FI) through routine screening, practice-based food programmes, and referrals to community resources. The COVID-19 pandemic had disproportionate impacts on health outcomes for food-insecure households. To describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on FI screening and interventions in rural primary care practices in northern New England. We conducted semi-structured interviews with thirteen providers and staff regarding changes to FI screening and interventions, community resources and partnerships, and patient food needs during the pandemic. Themes and exemplar quotations were identified through iterative discussion. Practices reported more frequent informal discussions with patients about FI during the pandemic. Despite limitations in site operations, practices created programmes to distribute food at practice locations or through food deliveries. The adoption of telemedicine had variable impacts on FI screening, creating challenges for some while facilitating screening outside of scheduled visits for others. Practices reported increased food availability due to new or expanded community programmes, but lack of transportation and delivery availability were challenges. New and stronger connections formed between practices and community partners. Increased awareness of FI among both patients and practice staff resulted in decreased stigma. Screening for and addressing FI was a priority for rural primary care practices during the pandemic. The implementation of practice-based FI interventions was supported by stronger practice-community connections and a decrease in stigma. The experiences of providers and staff during the pandemic provide insight into best practices for engaging primary care practices in reducing FI.

The distributional impact of SNAP on dietary quality

AbstractThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the nation's largest domestic food and nutrition assistance program for low‐income Americans. Recent studies that examined the effect of SNAP on dietary quality focus on the average effects. Using the USDA's 2012 National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (FoodAPS) and an unconditional quantile estimator, we examine the distributional impacts of SNAP on dietary quality as measured by Healthy Eating Index‐2010 (HEI‐2010). To identify the differential impacts of SNAP across the distribution of dietary quality, we exploit exogenous variation in state's maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefits and state outreach spending per capita as instrumental variables. We find that SNAP has no significant impact on households’ dietary quality on average. However, for households with initially low‐to‐intermediate dietary quality, SNAP participation reduces their HEI scores by over 17% or more than 7 points out of a total score of 100. The negative impacts of SNAP on these HEI quantiles are mainly driven by an increased acquisition of empty calories.

Use and influence of food and nutrition security vulnerability assessment and analysis reports in Zimbabwe

Background: Vulnerability assessment and analysis have gained increasing significance as they provide essential data to guide governments on food insecurity issues. Aims: This review was aimed at establishing the use and influence of food and nutrition security vulnerability assessment and analysis data and reports in Zimbabwe. Methods: A total of 18 databases and search engines were explored. The inclusion criteria were English articles published after 31 December 2016 to 15 February 2022. Results: A final list of 65 scientific publications and 32 grey literature documents was found from the literature search. From the academic publications citing the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC) reports or products, the most popular thematic areas were food and nutrition security (36%, 24/67), climate change 18% (12/65), Nutrition 9% (6/65), Resilience 9% (6/65) and Livelihoods 9% (6/65). Regarding grey literature documents citing ZimVAC products, most were humanitarian response appeals by the United Nations Representative Office in Zimbabwe and the Government of Zimbabwe. In scientific literature there was use of ZimVAC information for both conceptual and symbolic purposes and in grey literature it was used mainly for instrumental and symbolic purposes. The results also revealed that several food and nutrition security programs in Zimbabwe have been informed by VAA information presented in the ZimVAC products. Conclusion: The findings in this paper show that VAA data and products are well-cited in both scientific and grey literature. However, as food and nutrition security appear to be the most important theme informed by ZimVAC data, ZimVAC needs to speak to a wider spectrum of policymakers and programmers by illuminating other themes, such as risk reduction and resilience. VAA tools must be adaptable and take into consideration topical issues such as pandemics with evidence generated for policy and programming in real-time. Keywords: Food security; livelihood assessment; vulnerability assessment; Zimbabwe

Digitalisation in the WFP fresh food voucher programme: a pilot study from rural Amhara region, Ethiopia.

Malnutrition continues to pose a major challenge to human well-being around the world. In Ethiopia, 39% of children <5 years are stunted, with peaks in northern regions of the country such as Amhara (54.8%). Very few (2%) children in the region achieve the minimum dietary diversity and only a minority (27%) belong to households that can afford a nutritious diet. To tackle the high stunting rate, diets high in fruits and vegetables are widely recommended to improve dietary diversity. Programmes leveraging fresh food vouchers can be used to support vulnerable groups with malnutrition and limited affordability. Cash-based transfer (CBT) programmes have repeatedly been shown to improve child growth and increase household food security and dietary diversity. This study is part of the World Food Programme (WFP) intervention regarding a stunting reduction rural programme of restricted CBT for improving dietary diversity in households with children under 2 years of age and pregnant and lactating women. A community- based pilot study to assess the itemised foods purchased by beneficiaries was conducted in the four most accessible woredas of the Amhara region of Ethiopia. A total of 556 beneficiaries and 12 active retailers were selected randomly from 10 rural markets in the targeted woredas. A point of sale (POS) system was used to collect the itemised food prices and amounts of food procured by the beneficiaries. Approximately 51, 35, and 15% of the beneficiaries purchased vegetables, fruits, and eggs, respectively. Prices, taste preferences of children, and shelf life determine the purchase of certain food items. The average food expenditure was 49 Ethiopian Birr (ETB; US$ 0.94), representing the 63 and 37% daily and monthly requirements, respectively, for affordability. The higher increase in prices of some food items might be due to their seasonality. Almost half of the Fresh Food Voucher (FFV) beneficiaries were purchasing and consuming vegetables. The finding indicates that the WFP fresh food voucher programme contributes 63% (49 ETB, US$ 0.94) and 37% (837 ETB, US$ 16.1) of the daily and monthly needs of affordability, respectively, for a diversified nutritious diet. The use of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) technology in the WFP digital voucher under the Fresh Food Voucher (FFV) project was effective at collecting itemised prices of foods purchased by the beneficiaries. The point of sale (POS) system can be scaled up under the Fresh Food Voucher (FFV) programme so that the digital voucher can contain the itemised food prices. Timely data from the point of sale could be used for timely Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) development to improve dietary diversity.

Evaluation of Community Restaurants Linked to Government Food and Nutrition Safety Programs: A Scope Review

Community restaurants linked to government food and nutritional security programs are establishments created to offer meals to the population in socially vulnerable situations. The objective was to identify the methods, approaches, criteria, and indicators used to evaluate restaurants linked to government food and nutrition security programs. A scoping review based on the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology and the international guide’s recommendations of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews was conducted. Medline databases via PubMed, Lilacs, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect were used. Primary observational studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, ethnographies, documentary studies, and case studies were included, with a quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed approach. A total of 2498 studies were identified. After taking out 180 duplicated articles, another 2202 articles were excluded by the title. Among the 71 studies selected for complete reading, 10 did not correlate with the research objective, and 12 were included after analyzing the references, totaling 73 included studies. In this review, evaluative approaches were mapped and systematized on the menu, food consumption, food health, food security and/or insecurity, nutritional education, and human right to adequate food; users’ profile and health, implantation, history, perceptions, senses, and meanings; handlers/workers; hygienic–sanitary quality; evaluation and monitoring; physical–functional planning, and rest–intake. The presented data provide elements that can be adapted in future evaluations and describe the panorama of academic production in this area.

How policy implementation shapes the impact of U.S. food assistance policies: the case study of the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

Much of the chronic disease burden in the U.S. population can be traced to poor diet. There has been a sustained focus on influencing children's diets and encouraging healthier eating habits by changing policies for what foods and beverages can be served to children through large federally-funded nutrition assistance programs. Yet without attention to how nutrition policies are implemented, and the surrounding context for these policies, these policy changes may not have the intended results. In this perspective, we used Bullock et al.'s (2021) Process Model of Implementation from a Policy Perspective to analyze how the complexities of the implementation process of large-scale nutrition policies can dilute potential health outcomes. We examine the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a federal program focused on supporting the provision of nutritious meals to over 4 million children attending childcare, as a case study. We examine how the larger societal contexts of food insecurity, attitudes towards the social safety net, and a fragmented childcare system interact with CACFP. We review the "policy package" of CACFP itself, in terms of its regulatory requirements, and the various federal, state, and local implementation agencies that shape CACFP's on-the-ground implementation. We then review the evidence for how each component of the CACFP policy implementation process impacts uptake, costs, feasibility, equity, and effectiveness at improving children's nutrition. Our case study demonstrates how public health researchers and practitioners must consider the complexities of policy implementation processes to ensure effective implementation of nutrition policies intended to improve population health.

Sensory-Informed Evaluation Method for Use With Peer Educators of Nutrition Education Programs

ObjectiveDetermine acceptance of unfamiliar recipes and investigate the practicality of a hybrid (remote and in-office) method of evaluating recipes. MethodsPeer educators from the University of Georgia's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education programs used a hybrid home-use test method to evaluate 8 recipes before and after preparation and tasting. We collected perceived and actual measures of recipe acceptance. The main outcomes included overall liking and preparation behaviors, analyzed using nonparametric approaches. ResultsNo significant differences (P > 0.05) were found between prepreparation and postpreparation overall liking or preparation behaviors for each recipe, supporting the practicality of the method. Liking of recipe preparation exceeded 7 out of 9 for all recipes, but ratings for recipe preparation willingness and perceived program participant ratings decreased after tasting. Conclusions and ImplicationsAlthough tasting new recipes is necessary to determine specific modifications, a hybrid recipe evaluation format is practical for introducing new recipes to peer educators when resources are limited.

Participant and Stakeholder Perceptions of the Food FARMacy Emergency Food Assistance Program for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

BackgroundFood FARMacy is a clinical-community emergency food assistance program developed in response to food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Few qualitative studies have examined participant, and clinical and community stakeholder experiences with these food assistance programs. ObjectiveTo examine the motivations, experiences, and perceptions of Food FARMacy participants and program stakeholders. DesignA qualitative study using in-depth interviews between March 2021 and July 2021. Participants and settingTwenty-four Food FARMacy participants and 10 program stakeholders in New York, NY (Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens) older than age 18 years were interviewed. Statistical analyses performedInterviews were recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participant and program stakeholder interviews were analyzed separately. Themes that were salient in both groups were combined for reporting. ResultsBoth program participants and stakeholders perceived: pandemic-related demands combined with reduced resources motivated participation; convenience, safety, and ease of access facilitated program retention; participants valued fresh produce and diversity of foods; the program improved diet and health; minimizing food waste was a priority; and social cohesion was an unexpected program benefit. Two additional themes among only program stakeholders also were identified: aligned values, flexibility, and communication were key to successful partnerships; and trust between community partners and community members drove programmatic success. ConclusionsResults suggest that a multisite clinical-community partnership to provide emergency food assistance in New York City can be leveraged to reduce barriers to healthy food access and address food insecurity during crises.

Perceived Effects of Crop Diversification on Food Security of Farmers in Kwara State Nigeria

Summary This study was conducted to examine perceived effects of crop diversification on food security status of maize-based farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to obtain data from 183 maize-based farmers using an interview schedule. The data were analyzed using Herfindahl indexing, Food Consumption Score of the World Food Programme for determining household food security and Chi-square test. The results showed that the extent of crop diversification was moderate for slightly above half of the respondents (51.4%). The majority of the respondents (91.3%) had acceptable food consumption (&gt;35), which corresponds to their food security situation. Crop diversification among the farmers indicated positive and significant influence of crop diversification on the food security status of the farmers at 1% level of significance using chi-square. More than half of the respondents perceived that crop diversification had strong effects on increased access to food preferences for an active and healthy life (56.3%), access to utilizable and digestible food (57.4%) and access to sufficient food (53.6%). The study concluded that crop diversification practices contributed to food security by increasing access to preferred sufficient, utilizable and digestible food for active and healthy life of maize-based farmers in Kwara State. Thus, extension agents should increase awareness of the importance of crop diversification for the farmers’ output in the study area.

Village Community Empowerment through Sustainable Food Program in Realizing Sustainable Agriculture

Food is currently a critical issue in rural communities. This is because the rapid development of technology and globalization is changing people’s lifestyles, including meeting daily food needs. This research aims to analyze the empowerment of rural communities through sustainable food programs in Bojonegoro Regency, Indonesia. qualitative descriptive research method through direct observation, documentation, and in-depth interviews conducted in this research. The research results show that the success of a sustainable food program goes through several stages, namely the awareness stage, the capacity stage and finally the empowerment stage. Until now, many people are involved in this program and manage it independently through institutions. The implications of this research can provide a detailed description of the stages of community empowerment in a sustainable food program to create food security in Bulu Village, Sugihwaras District, Bojonegoro Regency. Apart from that, the group of housewives that has been structurally formed can improve their skills and competence in managing the program in preparation for future use as a village business unit.