Risk Of Insecurity Research Articles

The nexus of food and nutrition security in youth: linking a Canadian survey and administrative data

Abstract Background Food insecurity is impacted by social determinants of health and is a risk factor for poor nutrition. Simultaneously, nutrition insecurity remains a pervasive public health concern in wealthy countries, especially for children. This study describes characteristics of youth that may increase risk of food and nutrition insecurity. Methods A cross-sectional study of grade nine students took place in 37 schools in Manitoba, Canada. Students completed a web-based survey on food security, diet, and nutrition-related behaviours. When consenting, parents/guardians could provide their child's health number. This sub-sample (n = 943) was linked with social and health variables through a de-identified data repository and used for this study. Bivariate associations explored relationships between sociodemographic information, diet quality, eating behaviours, mental health, and food security. A multivariable logistic regression model determined adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence limits for food security, and a general linear model for diet quality. Significance was set at p < 0.05 for all analyses. Results Twenty percent of participants were food insecure and 70% had sub-optimal diets. Food security was positively associated with living in a rural area, in higher income neighbourhoods and eating family dinner more frequently, while living in a northern area or in social housing, were negatively associated. Food security was not significantly related to diet quality; however, better nutrition was associated with being female, higher self-rated health, absence of a mental health diagnosis, and more frequent breakfast consumption, while receiving social assistance and living in a northern area were negatively associated with diet. Conclusions While results show a socioeconomic and geographic vulnerability to food insecurity, the diet quality of most adolescents was low. A multidimensional public health approach is needed to resolve these connected yet different issues. Key messages • Food insecurity and nutrition insecurity are public health concerns that require distinct but related interventions. • Scaling up income supports to resolve food insecurity is insufficient to improve dietary quality across adolescent populations.

Older family caregivers’ inadequate diet and social and health inequalities

Abstract Background Family caregivers may experience financial vulnerabilities due to their caregiving role, affecting their ability to afford appropriate food and ensure optimal nutrient intake. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess the extent to which there are diet-related disparities among older family caregivers. Methods We included 125 family caregivers from Eastern Finland (mean age 74 y). Data on family caregivers’ health, nutritional status, and sociodemographic factors were collected at their households between June 2019 and December 2019. First, we assessed the sociodemographic factors associated with family caregivers’ inadequate diet. Then, we evaluated diet-related health disparities. The associations and predictors of diet-related disparities were assessed using the independent samples t-test, χ2-test, and binary logistic regression. Results The preliminary results show that family caregivers experiencing subjective poverty were less likely to consume two or more portions of fruit and vegetables per day (odds ratio = 0.11; 95% confidence interval 0.02-0.72; p = 0.021) and were more likely to be overweight. Furthermore, family caregivers’ inadequate diet (i.e., lack of daily fruit and vegetables and risk of malnutrition) was further associated with several health conditions, including comorbidity, depression, diabetes (type I and II), and osteoporosis. Conclusions Family caregivers have diet-related disparities, which may further lead to health inequalities. Family caregivers’ diet-related disparities require increasing attention in healthcare. Thus, addressing family caregivers’ food insecurity risk could enhance their health equity. Key messages • Older family caregivers’ inadequate diet is associated with social and health inequalities. • We must assess the root causes of diet-related disparities among older family caregivers and the broad consequences to find solutions to narrow the inequalities.

Regional disparities in food security and depression among single-person households in the Republic of Korea

BackgroundSingle-person households constitute over 40% of all households in the Republic of Korea and are more vulnerable to food insecurity and depression than multi-person households. There is a lack of research on examining whether regional characteristics are associated with the degree of food insecurity and depression among single-person households. This study aimed to examine the regional disparities in food security and depression among single-person households in the Republic of Korea.MethodsA total of 227,873 adults from the 2019 Korean Community Health Survey was included in the analysis. According to population density and poverty rate, the residence of the participants was classified into four regions: metropolitan areas with high population density were classified into areas with low poverty rates (Region 1) and high poverty rates (Region 2), and provinces with low population density were classified into areas with low poverty rates (Region 3) and high poverty rates (Region 4). Using a single item of household food security, those who had experienced a lack of food due to financial difficulties over the past year were classified as food insecure. Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the risk of food insecurity and depression according to regional characteristics were calculated after adjusting for potential confounding variables.ResultsAfter adjusting for confounding variables, single-person households in regions with high population density, Regions 1 and 2, had 1.16 times (95% CI = 1.04–1.30) and 1.43 times (95% CI = 1.27–1.61) higher odds of food insecurity, respectively, compared to those in Region 4. Single-person households in regions with low poverty rates, Regions 1 and 3, had 1.54 times (95% CI = 1.34–1.77) and 1.21 times (95% CI = 1.01–1.46) higher odds of depression, respectively, than those in Region 4. Among those who lived alone, the middle-aged, having low income, receiving livelihood benefits, or having a low educational attainment had higher odds of experiencing both food insecurity and depression than their counterparts.ConclusionsAs the risk of food insecurity and depression in single-person households differs according to regional characteristics, local governments need to implement policies for single-person households in consideration of these distinct characteristics.

Goat health and management for improved smallholders’ livelihoods in central Malawi – A socioeconomic analysis of rural households

The true value of goats, their management systems, and the limitations of smallholdings have not been fully explored in the context of sustainable livelihoods among rural smallholders in central Malawi. However, goats are an essential part of rural livelihoods as transferable assets and sources of household nutrition, especially at times of food insecurity aligned to an ever more variable climate. To study the impact and limitations of goat ownership in Malawi’s Lilongwe district, surveys were performed across four villages covering 148 households from October-November 2019. Surveys were designed to identify linkages between household demographics, livelihoods, goat ownership, and management practices. Findings revealed goats are highly valued compared to other livestock. However, herds were small (median = 3) with only 62% reported kidding in the last year, while 50% reported deaths due to diseases, predation (such as by hyenas), and dog bites. Odds-ratio analyses identified farmers (as a primary occupation) were more likely to successfully breed goats to increase their herd size. Larger herds were associated with those who could accumulate wealth and utilise goats for ceremonies. However, diseases were a major contributor to losses and increased the risk of household food insecurity. Limiting disease impacts through anthelmintics and supplementation were correlated to an increased likelihood of sustainable offtake from smallholdings and improved livelihoods. With limited access to veterinary services, smallholders utilise a diversity of medicinal plants and ash to treat diarrhoea in their herd. The results highlight that goat security and health is fundamental to realising smallholding livelihood gains. Future efforts should aim to empower smallholders through providing tools to monitor goat health and to assess the effects of local practices, including the use of medicinal plants, for goat health.

A critical exploration of the diets of UK disadvantaged communities to inform food systems transformation: a scoping review of qualitative literature using a social practice theory lens

The UK food system affects social, economic and natural environments and features escalating risk of food insecurity. Yet it should provide access to safe, nutritious, affordable food for all citizens. Disadvantaged UK communities [individuals and families at risk of food and housing insecurity, often culturally diverse] have often been conceptualised in terms of individual behaviour which may lead to findings and conclusions based on the need for individual change. Such communities face public health challenges and are often treated as powerless recipients of dietary and health initiatives or as ‘choiceless’ consumers within food supply chains. As transforming the UK food system has become a national priority, it is important a diverse range of evidence is used to support understanding of the diets of disadvantaged communities to inform food systems transformation research.A scoping review of UK peer reviewed qualitative literature published in MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Web of Science between January 2010 and May 2021 in English. Eligibility criteria were applied, a data extraction table summarised data from included studies, and synthesis using social practice theory was undertaken.Forty-five qualitative studies were reviewed, which included the views of 2,434 community members aged between 5 and 83. Studies used different measures to define disadvantage. Synthesis using social practice theory identified themes of food and dietary practices shaped by interactions between ‘material factors’ (e.g. transport, housing and money), ‘meanings’ (e.g. autonomy and independence), and ‘competencies’ (e.g. strategies to maximise food intake). These concepts are analysed and critiqued in the context of the wider literature to inform food systems transformation research.This review suggests to date, qualitative research into diets of UK disadvantaged communities provides diverse findings that mainly conceptualise disadvantage at an individual level. Whilst several studies provide excellent characterisations of individual experience, links to ‘macro’ processes such as supply chains are largely missing. Recommendations are made for future research to embrace transdisciplinary perspectives and utilise new tools (e.g., creative methods and good practice guides), and theories (e.g., assemblage) to better facilitate food systems transformation for disadvantaged communities.

Evaluation of food insecurity and associated factors in women of childbearing age: A community-based study from Turkey.

Food security is an important factor in ensuring a healthy diet. However, it has been reported that women are more vulnerable to food insecurity than men in many countries. In addition, there is little evidence that Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence is associated with a lower risk of food insecurity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate food insecurity and associated factors in women of childbearing age. In addition, women's adherence to MD and its relationship with food insecurity were evaluated. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 2675 adult women aged 18-49. The demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, nutritional habits, compliance with the MD, and the level of food insecurity were evaluated using the structured, self-administered, web-based questionnaire form. The mean age of the individuals was 29.5 ± 10.35 years. 21.6% of individuals had food insecurity, and 5.2% had severe food insecurity. 36.4% of the individuals adhere to the MD. There was a statistically significant difference between the individuals with and without food security regarding age, marital status, and income status (p < .05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in terms of the Mediterranean diet adherence score (MEDAS) and MEDAS classification between individuals with and without food security (p > .05). It was determined that age, marital status, and income status affected food insecurity (R 2 = 0.374; p < .001). Also, it was determined that age, number of main meals and snacks, and income status affected adherence to MD (R 2 = 0.286; p < .001). In conclusion, considering the fragility of women in food insecurity, more comprehensive studies should be conducted in this area to better define the factors associated with food insecurity in women and inform policymakers. In addition, the results of this study can shed light on comprehensive intervention studies in this area.

Food Pantry Referral and Utilization in a Pediatric Primary Care Clinic

This study aimed to characterize progression from screening for food insecurity risk to on-site food pantry referral to food pantry utilization in pediatric primary care. This retrospective study included 14,280 patients aged 0-21 years with ≥1 pediatric primary care visit from March 2018 to February 2020. Analyses were conducted in 2020-2022 using multivariable regression to examine patient-level demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic characteristics and systems-related factors associated with progression from screening positive for food insecurity risk to food pantry referral to completing ≥1 food pantry visit. Of patients screened for food insecurity risk, 31.9% screened positive; 18.5% of food-insecure patients received an on-site food pantry referral. Among patients referred, 28.9% visited the food pantry. In multivariable models, higher odds of referral were found for patients living near the clinic (AOR=1.28; 95% CI=1.03, 1.59), for each additional health-related social need reported (AOR=1.23; 95% CI=1.16, 1.29), and when the index clinic encounter occurred during food pantry open hours (AOR=1.62; 95% CI=1.30, 2.02). Higher odds of food pantry visitation were found for patients with a preferred language of Haitian Creole (AOR=2.16; 95% CI=1.37, 3.39), for patients of Hispanic race/ethnicity (AOR=3.67; 95% CI=1.14, 11.78), when the index encounter occurred during food pantry open hours (AOR=1.96; 95% CI=1.25, 3.07), for patients with a clinician letter referral (AOR=6.74; 95% CI=3.94, 11.54), or for patients with a referral due to a screening-identified food emergency (AOR=2.27; 95% CI=1.30, 3.96). There was substantial attrition along the pathway from screening positive for food insecurity risk to food pantry referral and utilization as well as patient-level characteristics and systems-related factors associated with successful referrals and utilization.

The British Columbia Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program Reduces Short-Term Household Food Insecurity Among Adults With Low Incomes: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundThe British Columbia Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program (BC FMNCP) provides households with low incomes with coupons to purchase healthy foods from farmers’ markets. ObjectiveTo examine the impact of the BC FMNCP on the short-term household food insecurity, malnutrition risk, mental well-being, sense of community (secondary outcomes), and subjective social status (exploratory outcome) of adults with low incomes post-intervention and 16 weeks post-intervention. DesignSecondary analyses from a pragmatic randomized controlled trial conducted in 2019 that collected data at baseline, post-intervention, and 16 weeks post-intervention. Participants/settingAdults ≥18 years with low incomes were randomized to an FMNCP group (n = 143) or a no-intervention control group (n = 142). InterventionParticipants in the FMNCP group received 16 coupon sheets valued at $21 Canadian dollars (CAD)/sheet over 10 to 15 weeks to purchase healthy foods from farmers’ markets and were eligible to participate in nutrition skill-building activities. Main outcome measuresOutcomes included short-term household food insecurity (modified version of Health Canada’s 18-item Household Food Security Survey Module), malnutrition risk (Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool), mental well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale), sense of community (Brief Sense of Community Scale), and subjective social status (MacArthur Scale of Subjective Social Status community scale). Statistical analysisMixed-effects linear regression and multinomial logistic regression examined between-group differences in outcomes post-intervention and 16 weeks post-intervention. ResultsThe risk of marginal and severe short-term household food insecurity was lower among those in the FMNCP group compared with those in the control group (relative risk ratio [RRR] 0.15, P = 0.01 and RRR 0.16, P = 0.02) post-intervention, with sustained reductions in severe household food insecurity 16 weeks post-intervention (RRR 0.11, P = 0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed in malnutrition risk, mental well-being, sense of community, or subjective social status post-intervention or 16 weeks post-intervention. ConclusionsThe BC FMNCP reduced short-term household food insecurity but was not found to improve malnutrition risk or psychosocial well-being among adults with low incomes compared with a no-intervention control group.

S5 Socioeconomic Factors Associated with Risk of Food Insecurity in the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Population: A Prospective Analysis

S5 Socioeconomic Factors Associated with Risk of Food Insecurity in the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Population: A Prospective Analysis

Examining Social Capital and Food Insecurity Risk in Two Counties in Wisconsin: Implication for Nutrition Practice

Examining Social Capital and Food Insecurity Risk in Two Counties in Wisconsin: Implication for Nutrition Practice

Assessing the Capacity of the Water–Energy–Food Nexus in Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in Burundi

In Burundi, a significant portion of the population heavily relies on agriculture for both sustenance and income. However, persistently low agricultural yields place approximately 1.8 million people at immediate risk of food insecurity. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential of the water–energy–food (WEF) nexus approach to strengthening agricultural sustainability and improving food security in Burundi. This study employs both the ARDL model and the ARIMA model to analyze the impact of water, energy, and land on agricultural yield while also projecting their future dynamics in Burundi. The results highlight a positive correlation between these resources and agricultural yield, demonstrating that a 1% increase in each of these variables would collectively result in a 3.74% increase in agricultural yield. Furthermore, the predictive findings reveal an anticipated decrease in agricultural yield by approximately 74.9 kg ha−1 and a reduction in agricultural land spanning up to 11.9 × 104 hectares by the year 2030. As a contribution to the body of knowledge, this study introduces a framework for the WEF nexus and sustainable agriculture, providing fresh perspectives to the literature on resource nexus studies in Burundi and among other practitioners in Africa.

A risk governance approach to mitigating food system risks in a crisis: Insights from the COVID-19 pandemic in five low- and middle-income countries

Research on food system responses to COVID-19 has remained largely disconnected from the broader risk governance scholarship. We connect both literatures by adopting a risk governance lens to study how governments have dealt with COVID-19 induced food system risks across different phases of the crisis. Studying responses in five low- and middle-income countries – Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Mexico, Nigeria and Vietnam – we find that food system risks and actors related to the food system were largely absent from initial risks assessment and policy responses, leading to growing food insecurity risks for vulnerable groups. Feedback and involvement from local governments and societal actors improved the capacities to assess and mitigate food system risks. We suggest developing future arrangements that involve actors with knowledge on food system risks to allow for more adequate responses.

Developing New Scales of Personal Food Security

BackgroundFood insecurity is standardly measured at the household level or for groups of household members. However, food hardships may differ for individuals within households. Summary measures of people’s individual experiences of food insecurity are needed. ObjectiveThis study aims to develop and analyze psychometrically sound multi-item scales of people’s individual experiences of food insecurity. It further aims to examine whether and how the distributions of personal food insecurity differ across age groups, from household food insecurity, and with people’s observed characteristics. DesignThe study analyzes questionnaire data on personal food security outcomes, household food security outcomes, and other characteristics. Participants and settingThe 29,040 participants in the study responded to the 2005-2006 through 2009-2010 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States. Main outcomesThe main outcomes are five-item scales of personal food insecurity for children younger than age 12 years, young adolescents aged 12 to 15 years, and people aged 16 years and older. Statistical analysis performedThe study develops the personal food insecurity scales through factor analyses and polytomous Item Response Theory models and analyzes characteristics that are related to the scale outcomes through multivariate regressions. ResultsThe article develops personal food insecurity scales that are related to but distinct from the standard household scales, with different scales being needed to capture the experiences of its three age groups. Children younger than age 12 years have much lower risks of personal food insecurity than other age groups, whereas young adolescents have higher risks than other groups. Three percent of children had an indication of personal food insecurity, whereas 10% of adolescents and 7% of adults had indications. Among adults, women and people between ages 31 and 65 years have higher risks of personal food insecurity than men and people of other ages, but they have similar risks for household food insecurity. ConclusionsPersonal food insecurity is a distinct component of well-being that can be summarized through scale measures. Evidence that characteristics, such as sex and age, are related to personal food insecurity but not household food insecurity indicates that food experiences can differ within households and that some people may be systematically disadvantaged.

Seasonality, food security, diet quality and nutritional status in urban poor adolescents in Malaysia

Seasonality was shown to have an effect on food availability and accessibility, increasing the risk of food insecurity and causing poor diet quality and malnutrition. Therefore, this study aimed to determine seasonal effects on household food security status, diet quality, and nutritional status of urban poor adolescents in Malaysia. A cohort study was conducted among 164 adolescents aged 10–17 from 12 People Housing Programme in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during the Northeast (November 2021 till March 2022) and Southwest (June 2022 till September 2022) monsoon. Household food security status was measured using the 18-item USDA Household Food Security Survey Module. Dietary intake was determined using a two-days 24-h dietary recall and translated into Standardized Malaysian Healthy Eating Index (S-MHEI). Anthropometric and haemoglobin level measurements were performed to determine nutritional status. Seasonality was found to have a significant effect on overall diet quality (p = 0.021), food groups such as fish (p < 0.001), meat/poultry/eggs (p = 0.003), and legumes/nuts (p < 0.001), and fat nutrient (p = 0.037) as well as anaemia status (p = 0.020) after controlling the confounders. Although food security did not vary with seasons, seasonality affected the consumption of certain food groups as well as anaemia status for urban poor adolescents. Seasonally sensitive nutrition initiatives should be developed to ensure diet adherence to recommendations, ultimately enhancing the diet quality of urban poor adolescents.

Response of Food Production and Trade to the Global Socio-Ecological System Network

Food production and trade play a fundamental role in the globalized food system. However, the phenomena of decreasing food production and trade interruptions are becoming increasingly common. Currently, there is a lack of simultaneous research on food production and import trade. This study compiles socio-economic environmental data from 146 countries and regions worldwide and employs mobile window and network analysis methods to illustrate how food production quantity influences the social-ecological system. The research findings indicate that in the majority of regions worldwide (102 countries), food demand is met through the local food supply, with a predominant distribution in coastal and inland areas. However, 31% of countries or regions primarily achieve food security through import trade, and many of them are island nations and peninsular countries. This discovery provides valuable insights for understanding the diversity and dependency within the global food system. Based on the impact of food production quantity on the global socio-ecological system network, this study reveals the uneven strengths of connections between nodes and inconsistent connection directions. Building upon these findings, we propose recommendations concerning agricultural policies, human-environment relationships, agricultural transformation, and climate change to help prevent and manage food insecurity risks.

Experiencing food insecurity in childhood: influences on eating habits and body weight in young adulthood.

To examine how food insecurity in childhood up to adolescence relates to eating habits and weight status in young adulthood. A longitudinal study design was used to derive trajectories of household food insecurity from age 4.5 to 13 years. Multivariable linear and logistical regression analyses were performed to model associations between being at high risk of food insecurity from age 4.5 to 13 years and both dietary and weight outcomes at age 22 years. A birth cohort study conducted in the Province of Quebec, Canada. 698 young adults participating in the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development. After adjusting for sex, maternal education and immigrant status, household income and type of family, being at high risk (compared to low risk) of food insecurity in childhood up to adolescence was associated with consuming higher quantities of sugar-sweetened beverages (ßadj: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.27-1.00), non-whole-grain cereal products (ßadj: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.07-0.56), and processed meat (ßadj: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.02-0.25), with skipping breakfast (ORadj: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.08-3.53), with eating meals prepared out of home (ORadj: 3.38; 95% CI: 1.52-9.02), with experiencing food insecurity (ORadj: 3.03; 95% CI: 1.91-4.76), and with being obese (ORadj: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.12-3.64), once reaching young adulthood. Growing up in families experiencing food insecurity may negatively influence eating habits and weight status later in life. Our findings reinforce the importance of public-health policies and programs tackling poverty and food insecurity, particularly for families with young children.

A multi-dimensional spatial index for the quantification of food insecurity

Food insecurity is a multifaceted problem. It is, in fact, one of the most significant concerns of the 21st century. According to the United Nations, nearly one in every three people, or 2.3 billion people worldwide, experienced a moderate to severe degree of food insecurity in 2021. As a result, there is a rising recognition of the critical need for successfully identifying, monitoring, and improving the food security of vulnerable populations. An effective method for anticipating the degree to which a region may be considered food insecure, however, is required before attempting to launch remedies for such a situation. To this end, we propose a novel machine learning-based spatial index in this article for estimating the degree of food insecurity experienced by a population. A real-world case study pertaining to South Africa is presented which demonstrates the applicability of our modelling approach. In particular, our roadmap designed towards developing the index is based on a spatial analysis of the study region and the construction of an appropriate data set. Following that, the strength of machine learning algorithms is harnessed to estimate the risk of food insecurity. Finally, the results of the aforementioned components are analysed to determine the causes and features of food insecure regions. The demonstration of the roadmap presented in this article exhibits promising results in its ability to classify 92.3% of food-insecure regions in South Africa correctly, thereby potentially supporting decision makers in their quest to improve food security policies and programmes. The research presented here may, in future, be extended by including additional descriptive features in the data set, increasing decision support utility through actionable recommendations, and exploring the temporal aspect of food security by incorporating cross-sectional data.

Risk Factors for Food Insecurity among Older Adults in India: Study Based on LASI, 2017-2018.

Food security is linked to the nutritional status and well-being of older adults. India is a rapidly aging nation that ranks highly on the 2022 Global Hunger Index. This paper examines the prevalence and risk factors of food insecurity in India's older population. We used data from the 2017-2018 Longitudinal Aging Study in India. The sample size was 31,532 adults aged 60 years and above. Food insecurity was measured using a four-item version of the Food Insecurity Experience scale. Multivariable logistic regressions using individual-level weights were implemented to assess the risk factors of food insecurity. The prevalence of food insecurity was 10.5% in the weighted sample. Sociodemographic factors were important in explaining food insecurity. Older adults who were male, younger, lowly educated, socially disadvantaged, in rural areas, and outside the Northern region were most vulnerable to food insecurity, controlling for various confounders. Additionally, low economic status, no occupational pension, currently working, social isolation, physical impairment, functional disabilities, poor self-rated health, and arthritis were associated with an increased risk of food insecurity. More active food assistance programs catering to older adults and a better provision of economic and social security are warranted to establish a food-secure environment for rapidly aging India.

Food Insecurity: Is Leagility a Potential Remedy?

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Ukraine-Russian conflict, both significant geo-political and socio-economic shocks to the global food system and food insecurity has risen across the world. One potential remedy to reduce the level of food insecurity is to move from a lean just-in-time food system to one where there is more resilience through greater agility both in routine supply operations and also in the event of an emergency situation. The aim of this critical perspectives paper was to firstly reflect on the concepts of lean, agility, and 'leagility'. Then, this study considered the ability of individual organisations and the whole food system to be resilient, adaptive, enable the elimination of waste, reduce inefficiency, and assure the consistent delivery to market requirements in terms of both volume, safety, and quality. Promoting the concept of leagility together with advocating resilient, sustainable practices that embed buffer and adaptive capacity, this paper positions that increasing digitalisation and improving business continuity planning can ensure effective operationalisation of supply chains under both normal and crisis situations, ultimately reducing the risk of food insecurity at personal, household, and community levels.

Older family caregivers' diet-related disparities: Cross-sectional evidence from Finland.

Some older family caregivers experience financial vulnerabilities due to their caregiving role, which may affect their ability to afford appropriate food. This study aimed to assess the extent to which there are diet-related disparities among older family caregivers in Eastern Finland. This study is based on the multidisciplinary LifEstyle, NutriTion and Oral health in caregivers (LENTO) study. In total, 125 family caregivers were included. Data were collected between June and December 2019. Participants were assessed on health, nutritional status and sociodemographic factors. The associations and predictors of diet-related disparities were assessed using the independent samples t-test, ANOVA-test, χ2 -tests and binary logistic regression. The mean age of family caregivers was 74 years (SD = 8). Most were female (72%), 20% had malnutrition risk and 30% reported having 'moderately enough money' or less, which was identified as 'subjective poverty'. Family caregivers experiencing subjective poverty were less likely to consume two or more portions of fruit and vegetables daily and were more likely overweight. Study participants' diet-related disparities were further associated with several health inequalities, including comorbidity, depression, diabetes (Type I or II) and osteoporosis. Older family caregivers have diet-related disparities, further associated with health inequalities. Family caregivers' diet-related disparities require increasing attention in healthcare. Addressing family caregivers' food insecurity risk would enhance their health equity. Lack of assessment of diet-related disparities will only deepen health inequalities.