Local Grocery Stores Research Articles

Development and Application of a Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for the Analysis of 20 Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Fruit and Vegetables at Sub-Parts-per-Trillion Levels.

In response to the European Food Safety Authority's establishment of a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) for the sum of PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, and PFOS, a method was developed to quantify and confirm 20 PFASs at the sub-parts-per-trillion level in fruit and vegetables. Improved sensitivity was achieved by (i) increasing the sample intake, (ii) decreasing the solvent volume in the final extract, and (iii) using a highly sensitive mass spectrometer. Except for PFTrDA, target PFASs could be quantitatively determined with an apparent recovery of 90-119%, limits of quantitation down to 0.5 ng/kg, and a relative standard deviation under within-laboratory reproducibility conditions of <28%. The method was successfully applied to 215 fruit and vegetable samples obtained from local grocery stores and markets. Leafy vegetables prove to be the main vegetable category responsible to PFAS exposure, mainly of PFOA, followed by PFHpA and PFHxA.

CO2 Laser-labeling on Fresh Produce: Evaluating Postharvest Quality, Microbial Safety, and Economic Analysis

Fresh produce is traditionally labeled with plastic price lookup (PLU) stickers that are attached to the produce surface using edible glue. However, both the stickers and glue are environmental contaminants, and the stickers can still easily detach from the produce surface during handling and disrupt traceability. An alternative method of labeling, the CO2 laser-labeling technology (LLT), has been gaining attention in recent years. However, engraving Quick Response (QR) code using LLT is unique, and the performance of this technology varies from produce item to produce item, and information on its effects on postharvest quality, microbial safety, and economic feasibility has not been reported. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of laser-labeling technology on (1) postharvest quality, (2) microbial safety, and (3) economic analysis of this technology. Three horticultural crops, ‘Red Delicious’ apple (Malus pumila), green bell pepper (Capsicum annuum), and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) were procured from a local grocery store. Each produce was engraved with a Quick Response (QR) code or 6-digit alphanumerical (text) code using the commercially available Trotec Speedy 300 CO2 laser engraver, followed by the application of edible wax. Fresh weight loss for laser-printed produce was higher compared to controls, but no difference in visual quality ratings was observed. The laser-labeled produce was assessed for microbial contamination by artificially inoculating rifampicin-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) log10 6 CFU/mL to the labeled fruit. The results showed that the population of rifampicin-resistant E. coli was statistically higher in all three products labeled with text code compared to the nontreated controls. The QR-coded treatments were similar to the controls. The wax application did not affect the microbial attachment on the laser-labeled produce. The CO2 laser labeling technology has the potential for industrial application.

Impact of thermal, high‐pressure and ultra‐shear pasteurisation technologies on beetroot juice metabolites using untargeted nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

SummaryThe impact of three food pasteurisation technologies, namely thermal, high‐pressure and ultra‐shear processing, on the metabolites of beetroot juice was evaluated using a processomics approach with nuclear mass resonance (NMR) as an analytical technique. Two batches of beetroots acquired from different local grocery stores were used for this study. Beetroot juice obtained from these batches was subjected to high‐pressure processing (HPP) at 600 MPa and 25 °C for 5 min, ultra‐shear technology processing (UST) at 400 MPa and 30 °C and thermal processing (TP) at 96 °C for 12 min. Principal component analysis (PCA) for the two batches indicated that both extrinsic factors such as processing parameters (temperature, pressure, shear and holding time) and intrinsic factors such as the origin of the beetroot influenced the PCA plot. When the influence of intrinsic parameters was minimised by studying a single batch processed by TP, HPP and UST, distinct clusters for different processing methods were formed, indicating that processing influenced the metabolites. While processing is not the main factor determining the final composition, as indicated by PCA with different batches, supervised techniques like orthogonal partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) and random forest (RF) demonstrated that processing does impact the beetroot juice metabolome. Seven metabolites (leucine, alanine, valine, glutamine, gamma‐aminobutyric acid, fructose and glucose) were identified as potential process‐induced biomarkers.

Stability of Nano-Emulsified Cannabidiol in Acidic Foods and Beverages.

Introduction: Food and beverage products containing cannabidiol (CBD) is a growing industry, but some CBD products contain Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), despite being labeled as "THC-free". As CBD can convert to Δ9-THC under acidic conditions, a potential cause is the formation of Δ9-THC during storage of acidic CBD products. In this study, we investigated if acidic products (pH ≤ 4) fortified with CBD would facilitate conversion to THC over a 2-15-month time period. Materials and Methods: Six products, three beverages (lemonade, cola, and sports drink) and three condiments (ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce), were purchased from a local grocery store and fortified with a nano-emulsified CBD isolate (verified as THC-free by testing). The concentrations of CBD and Δ9-THC were measured by Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), respectively, for up to 15 months at room temperature. Results: Coefficients of variation (CVs) of initial CBD concentrations by GC-FID were <10% for all products except ketchup (18%), showing homogeneity in the fortification. Formation of THC was variable, with the largest amount observed after 15 months in fortified lemonade #2 (3.09 mg Δ9-THC/serving) and sports drink #2 (1.18 mg Δ9-THC/serving). Both beverages contain citric acid, while cola containing phosphoric acid produced 0.10 mg Δ9-THC/serving after 4 months. The importance of the acid type was verified using acid solutions in water. No more than 0.01 mg Δ9-THC/serving was observed with the condiments after 4 months. Discussion: Conversion of CBD to THC can occur in some acidic food products when those products are stored at room temperature. Therefore, despite purchasing beverages manufactured with a THC-free nano-emulsified form of CBD, consumers might be at some risk of unknowingly ingesting small amounts of THC. The results indicate that up to 3 mg Δ9-THC from conversion can be present in a serving of CBD-lemonade. Based on the previous studies, 3 mg Δ9-THC might produce a positive urine sample (≥15 ng/mL THC carboxylic acid) in some individuals. Conclusion: Consumers must exert caution when consuming products with an acidic pH (≤4) that suggests that they are "THC-Free," because consumption might lead to positive drug tests or, in the case of multiple doses, intoxication.

Using brix refractometry to measure the total protein level in chicken egg whites: Preliminary data

This study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of using Brix refractometry as a rapid method to measure the total protein level in chicken egg white samples. A total of 39 chicken eggs were purchased from local grocery stores and analyzed using three techniques: UV–Vis spectrophotometry, Brix refractometry, and the Bradford protein assay. Data shows that there is a strong positive correlation between the total protein levels as determined by UV–Vis absorbance values and the Brix values. No correlation (positive or negative) was found between the total protein levels as determined by the Bradford assay and either the Brix refractometry or the UV–Vis spectrophotometry. In comparison to UV–Vis spectrophotometry and the Bradford assay, Brix refractometry is both rapid and simple. It requires no sample processing steps, no special personnel training and can be conducted in any facility. We conclude that Brix refractometry is a suitable technique for rapid assessment of total protein level in chicken egg whites, although additional large-scale studies should be conducted to further validate the method.

Development of gluten free crackers using water chestnut (Trapa natans) and Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

Baked goods are favored by the public due to their widespread availability, convenience, ready-to-eat nature, and excellent storage capabilities. The study focused on developing high-quality gluten-free crackers by incorporating pearl millet (Bajra) and water chestnut flour which enhances nutritional value and is gluten free, catering to individuals with celiac disease.To Formulate Crackers with Pearl Millet and water chestnut flour. To determine the Sensory quality of the developed product. To Estimate the Proximate composition and cost of the developed product.Pearl millet flour, water chestnut flour, whole wheat flour,salt, jaggery, garlic powder, ajwain, mixed herbs, oil, and baking powder were procured from local grocery stores of Mysore and standard A.O.A.C (2005) methods for Proximate analysis and 9-point hedonic scale was used for sensory analysis.: The sensory evaluation revealed that PMC4 was highly acceptable on par with control. Proximate analysis showed that PMC4 had high phosphorous and calcium content.The study successfully developed superior gluten-free crackers with incorporation of Pearl millet and water chestnut flour. Among all the variations PMC4 was rich in phosphorous and calcium and is gluten free which caters to individuals with celiac disease.

Sustainable Foods: Consumer Opinions and Behaviour towards Organic Fruits in Poland

By producing high quality food with a low environmental impact, organic farming plays an essential role in developing sustainable food systems. Over time, consumer interest in organic food is systematically growing, which results in a generally positive attitude towards organic products. Many studies that are devoted to analysing organic food consumers’ behaviour aim to generalise the studied trends to the population of a given country or region. Given the varying rates of organic market development between countries, there is a need for more narrowly focused research, which could more profoundly facilitate local development of organic market. The aim of this study was to investigate the opinions of Polish consumers about organic fruit and to identify the socioeconomic and sociodemographic determinants of the propensity to choose and purchase organic fruit. Respondents were recruited via a market research agency using a consumer access panel. To collect responses, a formal, structured questionnaire was developed and distributed using the CAWI method. The general acceptance of price increases for organic apples amounts to less than around 30% (89% of responses). The effect of income and package size tend to interact with regard to the purchase preference of apples (p &lt; 0.001). The highest frequency of organic fruit purchases were indicated for physical stores, in particular supermarkets (5.35 times/month, 95%CI). A relationship between willingness to consume organic fruits and the self-described economic situation (p = 0.005), as well as true household income (p = 0.007), has been shown. A relationship between the frequency of organic fruit purchases and the number of household members (p = 0.006), as well as number of household members under the age of 18 (p = 0.011), has also been shown. Marketing techniques for organic products should emphasize family welfare and be directed at younger consumers, especially at retail outlets where customers are most likely to buy them, namely physical supermarkets, local grocery stores and discount stores.

Banana Flour Goes to Market: the Marketing Parameters to Introduce Banana Flour to the Consumer Market

Purpose: With the main points to be researched being, the consumer perspectives on the four Ps of marketing: product, price, place, and promotion. We also explored the consumer attitude towards the banana flour being introduced to the market place. Design/Methodology/approach: These quantitative and qualitative research projects focused on the reactions of consumers to the marketing mix of banana flour in Thailand. The study was conducted with a random sample of four hundred participants by using questionnaires as the tool among shoppers in local grocery stores in Surin Province, Nakhon Ratchasima Province and Buri Ram Province This research project concentrated on the perceptions of the banana flour shoppers. Finding: The results show that the consumers are aware of the banana flour product. The product has the right consistency is in unbleached and sold in packages of pound or a kilogram. The banana flour price, the health conscious consumers do not mind to pay a premium price for premium product. Sales promotions help introduce banana flour to the general consumers and the promotion on-line appears to be more effective than printed media. The sales person may actually be the most effective way of promoting the product as it still requires a lot of education and convincing Promotion and distribution appears to go hand in hand importance from the perception of the consumers. Research limitation/implication: This study has certain limitations that suggest future research. First, its findings are based on data from Thailand, whose consumer experience may not be easily transferable to other economies (Ahlstrom &amp; Ding, 2014). Thus, it is vital to explore whether the findings can be generalized beyond the banana flour industry. It is highly recommended to follow up the study with a larger sample in other parts of Thailand and Asia. Original/Value: Most people think Banana flour is the flower of the banana tree – wrong. Banana flower is still relatively unknown in the western world. Banana flour (BF) is in fact the starch of green bananas (Musa spp.) and has been used as substitute for wheat flour in Africa Asia and South America – as it is hard to grow wheat in those regions. However, banana flour needs to be introduced to consumers world-wide through the design of an appropriate marketing mix.

Addressing Food Insecurity Through Community Empowerment in a Staten Island (Richmond County) Neighborhood in New York City.

This study investigated community empowerment as a means of addressing food insecurity amongst underserved neighborhoods by increasing available and affordable food choices through Clementine Collective stands in Staten Island, New York (Richmond County), one of the 5 Boroughs of New York City. Given the growing complexity of food insecurity, inclusive and equitable action must be taken that incorporates the voices, perspectives and needs of those most impacted. Through methods of community engagement and empowerment, the Clementine Collective collaborates with local community residents to introduce sustainable solutions that address food insecurity. A survey (N = 132) was administered to customers of a Clementine Collective stand, located in Staten Island, that assessed customers' food habits and attitudes towards their food environment and solutions. The stand was placed in a local meat market grocery store. Descriptive statistics suggested that residents recognized gaps in their food environment and were empowered to advocate for solutions. Engaging residents from their food environment to advocate for local solutions, such as at community bodegas, or small grocery stores, may be an effective method of addressing food insecurity.

A SYSTEMS APPROACH ON THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM AND CLIMATE CHANGE ON RESIDENTS OF VINE CITY IN ATLANTA GA

Abstract There are three interlocking factors impacting the health of older-adults. First is food access, the ecologies of their community and the systems they interact with. In the community of this study the local grocery store closed limiting food access. The ecology of the environment is a heat island; which leads to the incidence of higher mortality amongst other health effects. The interacting systems are the economy, ageism, classism, racism, and, sexism. This conceptual model encapsulates the environment impacting one community of older adults in Atlanta, GA from a mixed methods study employing survey and photoelicitation with the purpose of examining the facilitators and barriers to healthy eating by senior-center clients served by Open Hand Atlanta; a meals and nutrition education provider. Descriptive statistics showed food insecurity to be double that of older adults statewide (19%), 7.9 % reporting consuming at least 5 cups of fruit and vegetables per day, and participants were mostly black women (79 %) . Additionally, residents also live in a community where a portion has been deemed a toxic Superfund site because of elevated levels of lead in soil. The model, therefore, contributes to a comprehensive understanding of how the health of older adults is impacted by a multitude of systems and climate change. It can be used as a guide for other communities, community-dwelling older adults, and older-adult service providers. Furthermore, this model illustrates the systems impacting the health of older southern adults.

Co-Location, Good, Bad, or Both: How do New Entries of Discount Variety Stores Affect Local Grocery Businesses?

Abstract We analyse 69 entries and relocations by the largest Norwegian discount variety chain Europris during the period 2016–2019, and measure how its location choices affect local grocery stores’ performance. We use detailed data from a major Norwegian grocery chain, which enables us to combine local grocery stores’ sales and traffic with travelling distance to new or relocated Europris stores, and a two-way fixed effects strategy. Our findings suggest that entries and relocations have significant effects and that the sign of the effect depends on the distance between the stores, creating a non-linear relationship between the effect of entry and the distance between the stores. Sufficiently close entries and relocations increase local demand since more customers are attracted to the market, but as the distance increases, the competitive effect of a new discount variety store dominates, and local grocery store sales and traffic are reduced. As we move further away, the entry effect is gradually reduced to zero.

Efficacy of Common Ingredients in Over‐the‐Counter Memory Supplements

AbstractBackgroundThe Global Brain Health Supplement Industry Market size was valued at 7.6 billion U.S. dollars. It is predicted to increase to 15.59 billion U.S. dollars by 2030. Memory and enhancement is a segment of the market that comprised the highest global revenue share in 2021.MethodAn extensive review of current supplements on the market was performed by surveying products for sale at local and national pharmacies and grocery stores. A list of 103 supplements was compiled and the most common ingredients in these supplements were identified. Scientific data relative to these ingredients was searched using PubMed and Cochrane library databases.ResultThere is not currently strong evidence that supports the clinical use of apoaequorin, ashwagandha, carnitine, choline, coenzyme q10, coffee extract, ginger, ginkgo biloba, Huperzine A, lion’s mane, l‐theanine, omega‐3 fatty acids, phosphatidylserine, polyphenol, turmeric, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin D, or vitamin E supplementation for memory improvement.ConclusionDietary supplements geared toward improving cognition are a billion‐dollar industry that continues to grow despite lacking a solid scientific foundation for their marketing claims. More rigorous studies are needed relative to the long‐term use of these supplements in homogenous populations with standardized measurements of cognition.

A community focused approach toward making healthy and affordable daily diet recommendations.

Maintaining an affordable and nutritious diet can be challenging, especially for those living under the conditions of poverty. To fulfill a healthy diet, consumers must make difficult decisions within a complicated food landscape. Decisions must factor information on health and budget constraints, the food supply and pricing options at local grocery stores, and nutrition and portion guidelines provided by government services. Information to support food choice decisions is often inconsistent and challenging to find, making it difficult for consumers to make informed, optimal decisions. This is especially true for low-income and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households which have additional time and cost constraints that impact their food purchases and ultimately leave them more susceptible to malnutrition and obesity. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate how the integration of data from local grocery stores and federal government databases can be used to assist specific communities in meeting their unique health and budget challenges. We discuss many of the challenges of integrating multiple data sources, such as inconsistent data availability and misleading nutrition labels. We conduct a case study using linear programming to identify a healthy meal plan that stays within a limited SNAP budget and also adheres to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Finally, we explore the main drivers of cost of local food products with emphasis on the nutrients determined by the USDA as areas of focus: added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Our case study results suggest that such an optimization model can be used to facilitate food purchasing decisions within a given community. By focusing on the community level, our results will inform future work navigating the complex networks of food information to build global recommendation systems.

Probiotic effects of Lactococcus lactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides on stress and longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans.

The short lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans enables the efficient investigation of probiotic interventions affecting stress and longevity involving the potential therapeutic value of Lactococcus lactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides isolated from organic basil. The lactic acid bacteria were cultured from the produce collected from a local grocery store in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and then identified through 16S rDNA sequencing and biochemical tests. To dive deep into this analysis for potential probiotic therapy, we used fluorescent reporters that allow us to assess the differential induction of multiple stress pathways such as oxidative stress and the cytoplasmic, endoplasmic reticulum, and the mitochondrial unfolded protein response. This is combined with the classic health span measurements of survival, development, and fecundity, allowing a wide range of organismal observations of the different communities of microbes supported by probiotic supplementation with Lactococcus lactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. These strains were initially assessed in relation to the Escherichia coli feeding strain OP50 and the C. elegans microbiome. The supplementation showed a reduction in the median lifespan of the worms colonized within the microbiome. This was unsurprising, as negative results are common when probiotics are introduced into healthy microbiomes. To further assess the supplementation potential of these strains on an unhealthy (undifferentiated) microbiome, the typical axenic C. elegans diet, OP50, was used to simulate this single-species biome. The addition of lactic acid bacteria to OP50 led to a significant improvement in the median and overall survival in simulated biomes, indicating their potential in probiotic therapy. The study analyzed the supplemented cultures in terms of C. elegans' morphology, locomotor behavior, reproduction, and stress responses, revealing unique characteristics and stress response patterns for each group. As the microbiome's influence on the health span gains interest, the study aims to understand the microbiome relationships that result in differential stress resistance and lifespans by supplementing microbiomes with Lactococcus lactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides isolated from organic basil in C. elegans.

Over the Counter Supplements for Memory: A Review of Available Evidence.

In 2021, the Global Brain Health Supplement Industry Market size was valued at US$7.6 billion. It is predicted to increase to US$15.59 billionby 2030. Memory and its enhancement are a segment of the market that comprised the highest global revenue share in 2021. In the USA alone, dietary supplement sales reached US$18 billion in 2018. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have the authority to approve dietary supplements' safety, effectiveness, or labeling before products go on the market. The FDA often does not even review supplements before they go to market. Supplement manufacturers are thus responsible for ensuring their products are safe and that their claims are truthful. An extensive review of current supplements on the market was performed by surveying memory products for sale at local and national pharmacies and grocery stores. A list of 103 supplements was compiled and the ingredients in these memory supplements were reviewed. The 18 most common ingredients in these supplements were identified. Each of the supplements included at least one of the 18 most common ingredients. Scientific data relative to these ingredients and their effect on memory was searched using PubMed and Cochrane library databases. Currently, there is no compelling evidence for use of apoaequorin, coenzyme Q10, coffee extracts, L-theanine, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, or vitamin B12 supplementation for memory. On the other hand, there is some current evidence for memory benefit from supplementation with ashwagandha, choline, curcumin, ginger, Lion's Mane, polyphenols, phosphatidylserine, and turmeric. There are current studies with mixed results regarding the benefit of carnitine, gingko biloba, Huperzine A, vitamin D, and vitamin E supplementation for memory. Dietary supplements geared toward improving cognition are a billion-dollar industry that continues to grow despite lacking a solid scientific foundation for their marketing claims. More rigorous studies are needed relative to the long-term use of these supplements in homogenous populations with standardized measurements of cognition. Health care providers need to be aware of any and all supplements their older adult patients may be consuming and be educated about their side effects and interactions with prescription medications. Lastly, the FDA needs to take an active position relative to monitoring marketed supplements regarding safety, purity and claims of efficacy.

Availability of Adequate Photoprotection for Skin of Color.

The impact of ultraviolet (UV) light on the skin is well-established to have both immediate and delayed effects with increasing awareness of the impact of visible light (VL) on the skin with regardto photoaging and dyspigmentation. The effects of VL disproportionately impact the skin of color with regardto discoloration of the skin leading to guidelines for photoprotection that include the use of iron oxides in sunscreen products that impart a tint. Commercially available sunscreen products found in the suncare and sun protection displays at local stores, pharmacies, and grocery stores were cataloged, and ingredients were reviewed for the presence of iron oxides. Of the 410 commercially available sunscreen products cataloged, 1.7% of facial sunscreen products available offered iron oxides, and 0.5% of non-lip products offered shade matching. With only 1.7% of commercially available facial sunscreen products offering iron oxides in addition to traditional broad-spectrum UV protection, there is a clear gap in the market for iron oxide-containing sunscreen products to meet the photoprotection needs for the skin of color.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on College Students’ Food Choice Motives in Greece

We are already more than year away from the pandemic period of COVID-19; its effects and the changes it caused in our lives are becoming ever clearer, and these effects include our food choices and motives. In this study, we investigated changes in food choice motives due to the COVID-19 in college students in Greece; we used the 10 key food motives, namely health, convenience, sensory pleasure, appeal, nutritional quality, moral concerns, weight control, mood and stress, familiarity, price, and shopping frequency and behavior. A sample of 1017 college students answered the questionnaire survey through the Google platform, conducted in January to February 2023. The collected data were analyzed with statistical tools, combining cross and chi-square tests. The students exhibited subtle and very important preferences in terms of health, convenience, weight control, and mood and stress. Food choices related to sensory appeal, nutritional quality, and familiarity were of less importance for the students, similarly to ethical concerns; concern regarding the environmental impact of the food was greater than expected. The motive which continues to be of the highest concern for students before and after the pandemic is price; the students look for value for money in food (88.8%), inexpensiveness (80.7%), and cheapness (78.7%). The shopping frequency and behavior motives, which changed during the pandemic, have now returned to the preferences of the pre-pandemic period, with the purchasing of foods distributed between supermarkets (29%), local grocery stores (37.6%), online (12.3%), and by delivery services (20.4%), weekly or every two weeks. College students’ preference for cooking full meals at home is now very high, reaching 74.4%; students mostly avoid eating at restaurants or eating fast food (only 27%). Our findings indicate that students have already returned to their food choice motives of the period before COVID-19, except with regard to home-cooked food which now ranks higher in their preferences.

Home-prepared meals among college students at-risk for food insecurity: A mixed-methods study

The ability to prepare meals at home is an important life skill with potential to improve dietary quality and reduce costs and thus may be particularly important for college students with food insecurity. However, heavy time demands, limited financial resources, and therefore other barriers such as lack of motivation to follow a healthy diet may constrain meal preparation skills. To gain greater insight into this issue, we conducted a mixed-methods study. The quantitative component assessed relationships among food security, motivation, and meal preparation skills. The qualitative component used focus groups to more closely consider college students’ perceptions, values, and barriers surrounding preparing meals at home, including current practices, desired future practices, and the ways in which the campus could support their efforts. The survey (n = 226) assessed food security, meal preparation skills, and motivation (i.e., perceived ability and willingness) to consume a healthy diet. Ten focus groups (n = 60) discussed food choice, meal preparation practices, and ways in which the campus could help students develop meal preparation skills. Students with food insecurity had lower meal preparation skills and lower perceived ability to consume a healthy diet. However, a) willingness to consume a healthy diet and b) the impact of both willingness and perceived ability did not differ by food security status. Focus group data indicated that in-person and online cooking classes, information cards in the food pantry, and incentives (e.g., kitchen equipment and vouchers from local grocery stores) were popular ideas for improving home-meal preparation. A greater understanding of meal preparation skills and their interconnectedness to food choice and the campus environment may inform effective ways to support the ability and willingness of college students with food insecurity to prepare meals at home.

A novel program to address acute food insecurity among patients with cancer in Philadelphia.

e18739 Background: Acute food insecurity (FI) is a significant yet poorly understood social risk factor facing cancer patients, with a prevalence greater than that of the general U.S. population. FI poses a particular risk for cancer patients, as FI-induced malnutrition is associated with fatigue, stress, depression, and a weakened immunological response to infection. Legacy of Hope is a non-profit organization based in Philadelphia, PA providing emergency support to cancer patients in financial distress. Partnering with local grocery stores to supply the food and local police districts to deliver the groceries, Legacy of Hope receives patient referrals from social workers at cancer centers in Philadelphia to identify patients and families in need. Cancer patients can receive one or more bi-weekly grocery deliveries until their acute FI needs are addressed. Legacy of Hope documents and tracks metrics associated with the patients who are served by the program. Beginning in 2023 is direct participant evaluation of the program, assessing outcomes in acute anxiety, quality of life, and acute FI. Methods: Legacy of Hope receives ongoing referrals from oncology social workers about cancer patients in need. Legacy of Hope documents the cancer diagnosis, age, race/ethnicity, and gender of the cancer patient as well as the size of the household and the number of children living in the house. Additionally, a participant evaluation survey collects data via an online survey at two time points: first, at the time of their grocery delivery and second, two weeks after the delivery. The survey uses validated measures (FACT-G7) to assess changes in quality of life and anxiety, as well as acute FI, over the two-week time period. Standard statistics, including a paired t-test, will evaluate the changes in the outcome measures of interest. Results: Legacy of Hope has served more than 1600 cancer patients representing more than 2000 food deliveries. About half (52.2%) were female and 58% were African American. The mean age was 60 years old. Breast cancer was the most common diagnosis (18%), followed by lung (8%) and colorectal cancer (5%), although almost all cancers are represented in the database. One in five patients (21%) lived alone, but most (45%) had between 2 and 3 persons in their household. Children were present in the home 21% of the time. Data for the participant evaluation survey will be available in Spring 2023. Conclusions: Acute FI is prevalent and devastating for cancer patients, although few resources exist within cancer centers to adequately address it. Legacy of Hope fills this gap through a novel program that leverages sustainable and trusted partnerships with local food distributors, civic organizations, and oncology social work teams at cancer centers throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.

High occurrence of hepatitis E virus in raw pork liver and pork liver pâté produced in the Canadian province of Quebec

The Hepatitis E virus is widespread throughout the world and causes sporadic cases of liver disease. In industrialized countries, its transmission is zoonotic, with pigs, deer, and wild boar being major reservoirs. Humans can be infected by ingesting raw or undercooked contaminated meat products. In the Canadian province of Quebec, HEV has been detected previously in pork liver and chops. In the present study, we analyzed 83 pork liver pâtés sold in local grocery stores and 79 raw pork livers obtained from Quebec hog processors. HEV RNA was extracted and detected by RT-qPCR. HEV RNA was amplified in 29% of the pâtés and 4% of the raw pork livers. Out of all amplified PCR-positive samples, only one showed a product during electrophoresis and was sent for sequencing. The resulting sequence matched a strain belonging to genotype 3 (HEV-3). This pilot study shows that HEV is present frequently in pork liver-based products in the province of Quebec.