Hunger/Food/Nutrition / Public News Service

Illinois is one of 13 states charging state sales taxes on grocery items. (Pcess609/Adobe Stock)

Friday, June 9, 2023

Illinois Grocery Tax Makes Controversial Comeback

Most Illinois residents will soon be paying the one-percent state sales tax on their groceries again. Governor JB Pritzker's temporary tax relief is …

More than three in four Ohio food bank visitors have said that since the end of pandemic-era SNAP benefits, their household's SNAP benefit is completely used up within the first two weeks each month, according to new data from the Ohio Association of Food Banks. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

More Ohioans Skipping Meals to Pay for Household Expenses

Record-high demand has prompted the Ohio Association of Food Banks to request additional funding in the biennial budget to increase the capacity of fo…

Ninety-percent of counties with the worst food insecurity are rural, according to Save the Children.(Viktoriia/AdobeStock)

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Texas Kids Can Benefit from Nonprofit's “Make Summer Fair” Initiative

The last day of school for Texas kids is typically one of elation, but for children in rural areas with high poverty rates, it also can mean …

A United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization report estimates at least two billion people worldwide eat insects. Globally, more than 1,900 insect species are considered edible, particularly those in tropical countries. The most commonly eaten insect groups include beetles, caterpillars, bees, wasps, ants and grasshoppers. (Adobe Stock)

NY Chef Changing Minds on Eating Insects

By Whitney Bauck for The Guardian.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-…

Save the Children brings boxes with food and learning materials to rural low-income families in four California counties. (Mariano Friginal/Save the Children)

Nonprofit Works to 'Make Summer Fair' for Rural Kids

Summer break is broken for many children in rural America, who can become isolated once the school buses stop running in June. Research shows kids …

The phenomenon called summer learning loss is notable in countries with lengthy breaks, including the United States and Canada. (AdobeStock/peopleimages.com)

NM's Schoolchildren Get Help Through 'Make Summer Fair' Program

Summer, with its 90-day break from school, can be fun but also a challenge for New Mexico's rural kids who rely on school for companionship and meals…

Oyster reefs provide habitat for hundreds of species, including mussels, barnacles and sea anemones, which settle on reefs and provide food for many other species. Crabs and fish also hide from predators within reef crevices. (Adobe Stock)

Oyster Reef Restoration Benefits Farmers, Coastal Communities

By Lynn Fantom for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for New Hampshire News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

In 2022, Save the Children reached nearly 900,000 children in the United States and distributed more than 5 million meals. (AdobeStock)

Summer Break is Broken for Many Rural Tennessee Kids

An advocacy group is expanding summer learning opportunities for families in the Volunteer State. In Tennessee and across the country, isolation and …

Oregonians gathered to support a food assistance bill in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. (jpldesigns/Adobe Stock)

Oregonians Rally to Back Bill Providing Food Aid for All

A rally was held in Salem Thursday to urge passage of a bill to provide food assistance to Oregonians regardless of their immigration status…

One in three Coloradans age 65 and older face significant housing cost burdens, according to a new report. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Ranks 3rd Nationally for Senior Health Outcomes

Colorado ranks third nationally when it comes to caring for its most vulnerable adults, according to a new UnitedHealthcare report. The strong …

Alabama is one of only three states still applying its full state sales tax on the purchase of groceries and food items. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama Advocates Urge State Senate to Reduce Food-Tax Burden

Groups working to fight poverty in Alabama are urging state senators to approve a bill aimed at lowering food costs for families. House Bill 479 …

Fossil research suggests the oldest chile pepper specimen may be from the Southwest, and not South America as originally believed. (R. Deanna/University of Colorado)

NM Chile Peppers Likely Millions of Years Older Than Previously Thought

New research shows ancient chili peppers were likely growing in Southwestern states like New Mexico millions of years earlier than previously thought…

A 2022 report from the New Hampshire Alliance for Healthy Aging found that transportation and safe affordable housing have been top concerns for older residents in the state. (Adobe Stock)

NH Ranks Second in Nation for Senior Healthy Living

New Hampshire ranks second in the nation for healthy senior living, according to a new report. United Healthcare's 2023 Senior Report measures the …

Physical inactivity in adults age 65 and older in fair or better health increased 6% between 2018 and 2021, according to United Healthcare's 2023 Senior Report. (Adobe Stock)

MA Makes Top Ten List of States for Senior Healthy Living

Massachusetts ranks tenth in the nation when it comes to healthy senior living, according to a new report. United Healthcare's 2023 Senior Report …

Smaller and mid-sized farms say due to market concentration and supply-chain issues within agriculture have made it much harder to get their foods to various markets, including schools and restaurants within their own regions. (Adobe Stock)

ND Farm Communities See Brighter Path with Food Business Centers

Rural development leaders say getting healthy, locally grown food to underserved areas is a challenge in states like North Dakota. They hope a new …

For years, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has been quickly targeted for cuts when Congress is at odds over spending priorities. (Adobe Stock)

MN Hunger Relief Leader: SNAP Threats Off Mark

Whether it's the recent debt ceiling negotiations or the Farm Bill debate, a key federal food assistance program is again at the mercy of budget …

According to MDVIP, excessive alcohol intake decreases the bacteria with anti-inflammatory activity and can result in intestinal damage. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Most Americans' Gut Health Poor

Two-thirds of adults are dealing with gut issues. A new survey from healthcare provider MDVIP found a majority of Americans aren't keeping their …

The Oregon Legislature is required to end its session by June 25. (David Gn/Adobe Stock)

OR Senate Republican Walkout Endangers Anti-Hunger Policies

Three weeks into state Senate Republicans' walkout from the Oregon Legislature, concern is growing the move could sink action on important issues …

If passed, the Food for All Oregonians legislation would go into effect by 2025. (Oregon Food Bank)

OR Food Aid Expansion Bill Could Benefit Rural Immigrant Communities

Rural immigrant communities could benefit greatly from legislation known as Food for All Oregonians, anti-hunger groups say. Senate Bill 610 would …

According to AARP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program likely played a role in keeping the percentage of food-insecure Americans ages 50 and older stagnant during the pandemic, at around 9.5 million people nationwide. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Some Kentuckians Risk Losing SNAP Benefits in Debt-Ceiling Talks

More than 17,000 Kentuckians could lose food assistance when pre-pandemic SNAP work requirements go back into effect this summer, for adults between …

Currently, DACA recipients, Temporary Protected Status holders and certain visa holders are also excluded from California food assistance programs. (Marilyn Barbone/Adobe Stock)<br />

Hunger-Fighting Groups Give Mixed Reviews to New CA Budget Proposal

Groups working to fight hunger in California are praising Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed changes to the state budget regarding food assistance for …

In a Pew Research Center survey, 57% of Americans cited reducing the budget deficit as a top priority for the president and Congress to address this year. That's up from 45% a year ago. (Adobe Stock)

MA Activists Urge Congress to Raise Debt Ceiling, Resist Spending Cuts

Local activists will rally in Boston Common tomorrow to urge Congress to lift the debt ceiling without cuts to social programs in return. President …

Community action agencies help families with housing assistance in Massachusetts, where a critical shortage of affordable rental homes often forces low-income households to forgo other necessities<br />such as healthy food and medical care to pay the rent. (Adobe Stock)

Community Action Month Honors Agencies Across Commonwealth

Community action agencies in the Commonwealth are working with state lawmakers to ensure funding of their work to alleviate poverty continues…

Food for All Oregonians advocates have been meeting with legislators to get the bill passed. (Oregon Food Bank)

Lack of Food Assistance Has Health Consequences for Oregonians

Oregonians who have experienced food insecurity are pushing the state to ensure everyone has access to federal food assistance. The Supplemental …

Feeding America estimates 1.2 million North Carolinians are food insecure. (Adobe Stock)

NC Food Banks Noting Increasing Demand After SNAP Benefit Reductions

With the end of SNAP emergency allotments, North Carolina hunger advocates are noting increased demand on food banks. In 2022, more than 1.5 million …

In Georgia, 1,156,660 people are facing hunger - and of them, 335,720 are children. (Adobe Stock)

GA Food Banks Prep for Increased Need One Year After Pandemic SNAP Ends

Georgia's food banks are taking action to address the growing demand for their services ahead of summer break. Frank Sheppard, Feeding the Valley …

The Food for All Oregonians bill has passed through the Senate Committee On Human Services. (Oregon Food Bank)

OR Bill Corrects Food-Aid Exclusion for Immigrant Communities

Legislation in Salem would extend food assistance to Oregonians in immigrant communities. Federal law excludes people who are undocumented from …

A one-day food drive sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers (AFL-CIO) has delivered more than 1.82 billion pounds of food in the past 30 years. (Courtesy Roadrunners)

'Stamp Out Hunger' Food Drive Returns to New Mexico Saturday

One in five children in New Mexico is at risk of hunger, and this weekend you can make a difference. Hunger-relief organizations are promoting the …

Colorado school districts creating a local food advisory council will be eligible for funding to purchase food for school meals directly from local farmers and ranchers. (Adobe Stock)

State on Track to Roll Out School Meal Program

Colorado is one step closer to ensuring all kids can access healthy food at school regardless of their ability to pay, after Gov. Jared Polis signed …

Produce Purpose has two goals in mind - to offer meaningful employment to individuals with special needs and to bring healthy, nutritional food to college campuses. (Adobe Stock)

Hydroponic Farm Boosts Healthy Eating, Special-Needs Jobs at NC University

William Peace University is teaming up with Produce Purpose, a nonprofit organization, to install a hydroponic farming operation on campus. The new …

Arkansas is one of nine states with levels of food insecurity above the national average from 2019-2021, according to the USDA's Economic Research Service. (disha1980/Adobe Stock)

AR Changes SNAP Requirements to Ease Hunger, Temporarily

People may still be able to qualify for SNAP food benefits if they have up to $5,500 in assets, under a bill passed by the Arkansas Legislature…

According to AARP, almost half of households nationwide receiving SNAP benefits include an older adult. (Adobe Stock)

Older-Adult Food Insecurity on Rise in Ohio

Older adults now make up nearly one in four of all food-pantry visitors across Ohio, and hunger-fighting groups say the number could spike with the …

Potato farming practices have not changed much in many decades. (John Finnell)

ID Farm Pioneers Regenerative Ag Practices for Potato Growing

A farm in Idaho is pioneering a new way to grow the state's most famous crop: potatoes. The pioneering method is being demonstrated on Ladd Wahlen's …

Advocates for regional food economies say bringing locally produced dairy products to local schools not only improves food security for students, but reduces food waste and contributes to a more sustainable food system for New Hampshire. (Adobe Photo Stock)

Grants Help NH Farmers Keep Dairy Products Local

Dairy farmers and processors in New Hampshire are eligible for grants to help improve their operations, as part of a growing movement to keep locally …

Since 1939, Maine has celebrated June as Maine Dairy Month. The event currently honors the 176 dairy farmers caring for 700,000 acres of critical farmland across the state. (Adobe Stock)

Grants Help ME Farmers, Processors Keep Milk Local

Dairy processors and farmers throughout Maine are eligible for grants to help them improve their operations as part of a growing movement to keep loca…

Recognizing urgent maternal warning signs, providing timely treatment, and delivering respectful, quality care can prevent many pregnancy-related deaths. (Adobe Stock)

Drilling Down Into Social Factors Linked to Unequal Health Outcomes

Black women are three times more likely to die during pregnancy than white women, even though more than eight in 10 pregnancy-related deaths are …

In the Keystone State, 474,000 cows produce more than 10 billion pounds of milk annually. (Adobe Stock)

Grant Money Geared to 'Keep Milk Local' in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania dairy processors and farmers can apply for grants to assist them with upgrading their facilities, as part of a larger effort to keep …

Operators of rural grocery stores say they often have thin profit margins while facing challenges to provide affordable healthy foods to customers. (Adobe Stock)

Grocery Store Co-ops Could Expand in North Dakota

In northeastern North Dakota, some rural grocery stores have embraced the "co-op" model in trying to stay afloat and address concerns about food …

In today's economy, new research suggests families making less than $75,000 annually may sometimes struggle to feed their families. (Adobe stock)

Research: Tech Opportunities Could Reduce IN Food Insecurity

New research by an Indiana nonprofit coalition reveals areas for innovation which could help minimize food insecurity. The report showed technology …

Estimates indicate Maryland will lose $69 million of federal funds per month. (Piman Khrutmuang/Adobe Stock)

MD SNAP Benefit Reductions Will Total Nearly $700 Million in 2023

With the end of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) emergency allotments, hunger advocates are sounding the alarm over food insecurity …

According to a study in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, the average American household wastes 31.9% of its food each year. (Adobe Stock)

Knowing Food Date Labels Key to Cutting Waste

It's almost an everyday dilemma for consumers - whether to believe a food expiration date. Advocates for cutting waste say there are tips to avoid …

According to Feeding America, one in seven people in Arkansas faces hunger. Local food banks are always in need of volunteers to help. (Adobe Stock)

Arkansans Encouraged to Roll Up Their Sleeves and Volunteer

National Volunteer Month, and AARP Arkansas is encouraging people to dedicate a little more time and energy to the communities and causes important …

New Mexico, one of 14 U.S. states that grows pecans, is the second-largest world producer of the hickory tree nut. (AmandaHarris/Adobe Stock)

NM Ag Workers Monitor Priorities in 2023 Farm Bill

Many farmers and ranchers in drought-ridden New Mexico are making improvements to their irrigation systems this spring, while also keeping an eye on …

Data show that every dollar in CalFresh benefits generates as much as $1.80 in total economic activity. (Kurhan/Adobestock)

Lawmakers Consider Raising Minimum CalFresh Food Assistance to $50

Many people receiving CalFresh food assistance took a big financial hit in April as the federal pandemic-era bump in benefits expired - leaving some w…

A study from the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment found the consumption of synthetic food dyes can result in hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in some children. (DW Labs Inc./Adobestock)

Consumer Group Warns of Carcinogenic Dye in Some Easter Candies

Pink and purple Peeps are popular Easter treats, but consumer health experts warn they contain a dye that has been linked to cancer and attention …

Research shows providing information to consumers about the beneficial impact alternative syrups have in diversifying forests and building climate resiliency motivated consumers to pay as much as a $1.10 more per 12-ounce bottle. (Adobe Stock)

NH Researchers Study Alternative Syrups to Build Forest Climate Resiliency

New England is well known for its maple syrup production but new research shows alternative tree syrups could also benefit both the economy and overal…

If you're eligible, you can purchase food using benefits that are issued to you monthly. You can use your SNAP benefits to buy a variety of foods for your household, including fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish and dairy products, according to USA.gov. (Adobe Stock)

IA on the Brink of Toughening SNAP Eligibility

House lawmakers have approved a bill to make it harder for low income Iowans to qualify for public assistance, and critics said the measure would …

After finding out he had high blood pressure, Bowling Green resident Harlan Holmes went from a sedentary lifestyle to running marathons. (Holmes)

As COVID Subsides, Kentuckians Focus on Healthy Habits

The "Raise Your Guard" Campaign is encouraging Kentuckians to be more physically active, minimize stress, load up on fruits and vegetables, and …

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