City of Seattle’s Post

This article reports the results of a recent food security assessment in Stevens County, MN. Does any of this look familiar to your experiences in your communities?? Our findings (among others): Food was becoming generally more difficult to access Most food was not produced or processed locally Groceries were becoming less affordable Many grocery stores and food retail outlets have closed in the last few decades There was a rapid increase in emergency food resource usage; however, emergency food resources were likely still being underutilized Approximately 1/3 of survey respondents indicated at least some tendency toward experiencing food insecurity Thanks so much to outstanding collaborators and coauthors Argie Manolis, Danny Kenyon, Lily Sugimura, and Allison Koos!

We have updated our Food Charters resource list. What is a Food Charter? A food charter brings a vision of values, principles, and priorities regarding the food that a county, a city, or a region considers most important. Rather than a policy document, a charter is a guide for making decisions intended to improve the local food system for all residents and establish a shared vision for food security. Once adopted by a City Council and/or by a municipal department in charge of food-related issues, it will help to frame food planning interventions. Charters can drive action and strategies for civically engaged food systems and the fundamental need for food security. See more information here to start your own food charter: https://lnkd.in/gp523k2a #foodsecurity #foodcharter #albertaseniors #healthyaging

We’re excited to see how Conduent’s Food Insecurity Index on Healthy Southern Nevada is being used to help identify areas that need food assistance in Clark County, Nevada. Read this article to learn more. #foodinsecurity #communityhealth 

STATES WITH THE MOST FOOD DESERTS IN AMERICA Based on the search results provided, here are some key findings about food deserts in the United States: 1. Mississippi appears to be one of the states most affected by food deserts and food insecurity. The search results indicate that Mississippi ranked as the most food-insecure state in one analysis, scoring 33 out of 50 points on a food insecurity scale [4]. 2. Washington D.C., while not a state, was highlighted as having significant food desert issues. Over 90% of students in D.C. are eligible for reduced price lunches, indicating high levels of food insecurity [4]. 3. Other states mentioned as having high rates of food insecurity or food deserts include:   - Louisiana   - New Mexico   - Kentucky   - North Dakota   - Nevada [4] 4. The search results also mention that 8 of the 10 counties with the highest food insecurity rates in the nation are at least 60% Black, with 7 of those 10 counties being in Mississippi along the river [3]. 5. Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. were noted as having the most food deserts in low-income areas [4]. 6. On a city level, Memphis, Tennessee was highlighted, with 32% of residents considered low-income and living in areas with insufficient access to food [5]. 7. Georgia, particularly Atlanta, was also mentioned as having significant food desert issues [1]. CONCLUSIONS: It's important to note that food deserts are a complex issue affected by various factors including poverty rates, transportation access, and local food retail landscapes. The prevalence of food deserts can vary within states and change over time. Additionally, more recent data might provide a more current picture of food desert distribution across the U.S. Citations: [1] https://lnkd.in/gvgmypdw [2] https://lnkd.in/gSxZdfaX [3] https://lnkd.in/gr_e_UEj [4] https://lnkd.in/gSxHkjzn [5] https://lnkd.in/g5xe8bRw

Self-managed food distribution is sovereignty. This is a great model.

Time to advocate Food Security: While Food Safety and Food Security are interconnected, the wastage of safe food leads to Food waste. This National Geographic infographic sheds light on the issue, revealing that 43% of food waste originates from households. In a world embracing all-natural trends and demonizing preservatives, this graphic serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the criticality of food security. #FoodSafety #FoodSecurity #FoodWaste #Preservation #Mindfulpurchase

This week Andrew Schauble, Geelong Food Relief's CEO was asked to speak on behalf of the Regional Food Security Alliance (RFSA) with Cathie Steele at the Inquiry into Food Security in Victoria. The RFSA is an alliance of foodshare hubs including Geelong, Albury Wodonga Regional FoodShare, Shepparton Foodshare, Bendigo Foodshare, Mildura and Warrnambool. Submissions are available to be read via this link, https://lnkd.in/g46pyVJM Geelong Food Relief's (GFR) submission emphasises the need for sustainable solutions to food insecurity. GFR plays a crucial role in the G21 region by providing access to nutritious food, having increased its distribution by 33% last year, aligning with its goal to combat food insecurity in line with UN Goal No. 2: Zero Hunger. GFR advocates for a systemic approach to food security, suggesting the creation of a Statutory Authority to oversee a comprehensive food systems strategy and significant investment in Food Hub infrastructure. These recommendations aim to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of efforts to combat food insecurity.

💰 Improving financing for food safety is a win-win. Access to affordable capital not only improves food safety practices but also boosts bottom lines for SMEs by reducing food loss and waste. Let's invest in a safer food future: https://ow.ly/QALU50S90TK #WorldFoodSafetyDay

Did you know that an estimated 600 million people—almost 1 in 10 globally—fall ill after eating contaminated food each year?   Ensuring food safety is a shared responsibility that spans the entire food chain, from farmers and processors to distributors and consumers. At MEDA, we work alongside smallholder farmers and food businesses worldwide to:  🔹 Implement best practices in agricultural production to reduce contamination risks.  🔹 Educate communities about the importance of food hygiene and safety.  🔹 Support food businesses in adopting food safety standards to meet local and international market requirements.  By improving food safety, we not only protect public health but also empower communities, enhance livelihoods, and drive sustainable economic growth. Together, let’s ensure every bite we take is safe and nutritious. Happy #WorldFoodSafetyDay! #SustainableDevelopment #GlobalHealth #FoodSecurity

From consumers to producers, food safety is our collective responsibility. But as the theme for this year’s #WorldFoodSafetyDay suggests, everyone needs to prepare for the unexpected to happen. On average, 1 in 10 people worldwide fall ill from contaminated food each year. When looking at Africa, this figure is estimated to be close to 91 million people, causing 137,000 deaths. The illnesses from contaminated food can range from minor conditions such as acute diarrhea to having long term impacts such as lifelong cancers. One of the key challenges faced by consumers in Africa is a fluctuating power supply, meaning that keeping food and drink at reliably cool temperatures is not always guaranteed. SureChill’s mission is to provide guaranteed cooling wherever you are, which is only made possible thanks to our unique technology. It has been integrated into our Home and Small Business refrigerator range to help keep food fresh and cool even without power. Visit the SureChill website to learn more. #SafeCooling #Refrigeration #FoodSafety