Hunger/Food/Nutrition / Public News Service

Hunger Action Month started in 2008 when Feeding America's food banks came together to encourage individuals to take action against hunger in their local communities. (Adobe stock)

Friday, September 13, 2024

Feeding Indiana’s Hungry calls for action as food insecurity worsens

Hoosiers are marking Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign led by the Feeding America Network, to raise awareness and fight hunger across the U.…

The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals child poverty in America increased slightly in 2023. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 13, 2024

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

During this week's presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris proposed reviving the Child Tax Credit, which was part of the American Rescue …

The U.S. Census Bureau's supplemental poverty measure rose to just under 13% in 2023, up from 12.4% in 2022, despite an increase in median household incomes nationwide. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Friday, September 13, 2024

Census data: More Mainers struggle to meet basic needs

More Maine households struggled to meet their basic needs last year, according to new census data. More than 80,000 Mainers, or roughly 6% of the …

According to the Center for American Progress,

Friday, September 13, 2024

Climate change worsens food insecurity in NE, U.S. and globally

By Kristi Eaton for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Deborah Van Fleet for Nebraska News Connection reporting for The Daily Yonder-Public News Se…

The North Dakota Farmers Union said more frequent and devastating natural disasters place added pressure on farmers and more robust conservation programs in a new Farm Bill could help make agricultural landscapes more climate resilient. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 12, 2024

ND farmers: It's déjà vu as Farm Bill deadline inches closer

Congress is back from recess and lawmakers are hearing from producers about getting a new Farm Bill passed with the latest deadline looming…

Income, location and trust issues can contribute to health disparities in the Latinx community. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 12, 2024

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

Nonprofits across Texas are coming together to address disparities in health care for the Latinx community. A report by the Commonwealth Fund shows …

Green chiles take center stage next month when New Mexico extension agents offer classes in preservation techniques. (Photo courtesy of NMSU)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

NM experts dish up best techniques for preserving green chile

The growing season is winding down in New Mexico and experts want to make sure the people preserving green chile for the colder months are doing it ri…

Food deserts are regions where people have limited access to healthful and affordable food due to income, location, or transportation issues. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

AR officials consider new ways to address food deserts

By Daniel Breen and Josie Lenora for Little Rock Public Radio.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the Little Rock …

So far, 34 farmers markets, food hubs and retail locations across the state offer Colorado SNAP Produce Bonus. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Pilot program makes fresh Colorado produce accessible to more families

As Colorado's fall harvest kicks into high gear, people participating in SNAP, the program formerly known as food stamps, can now get up to $60 per …

Lawmakers are considering a provision in the current Farm Bill to incorporate

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Wednesday, September 11, 2024

MA fishermen see opportunity as Farm Bill advances

Massachusetts fishermen said they are optimistic the next Farm Bill will provide greater support to smaller, community-based fishing fleets. The …

Community health workers provide a trust-based relational framework for addressing nonmedical health drivers of health and connecting families to medical resources and social services. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Central Texas nonprofit addresses health inequities for new moms

A program in Georgetown, in Williamson County, is working to improve health outcomes for low-income residents by helping them gain access to …

If the Kroger-Alberstons merger is approved, Gunnison's 6,000 residents would have to travel 65 miles to find a grocery store not owned by Kroger, which owns King Soopers in Colorado, according to the American Economic Liberties Project. (Galatas)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Corporate consolidation, lack of competition linked to rising grocery prices

As a federal judge considers a lawsuit aiming to block a proposed $25 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons, a new report detailed how …

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an estimated 86.5% of U.S. households were food secure throughout the entire year in 2023. (guvo59/Pixabay)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Low SNAP enrollment among Virginia seniors signals calls for reforms

A new report showed more than 100,000 eligible Virginians 65 and older are not enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. With …

About 530,000 tons of food and 45 million gallons of milk is wasted in U.S. school cafeterias each year, according to the World Wildlife Fund. It translates to roughly $1.7 billion worth of uneaten food. (Adobe Stock)

ME school cafeterias become classrooms in effort to reduce food waste

By Bridget Huber for the Food and Environment Reporting Network.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Maine News Service reporting for the Solutions…

A 2018 study estimated 33% of Baltimore City is a food desert. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 9, 2024

Baltimore food deserts highlighted during Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month and advocates in Baltimore City are calling attention to expanding food deserts. Over the summer the Giant Foods …

In a new national survey, people 65 and older were more likely than other age groups to think raw milk was less safe than pasteurized milk. (Adobe Stock)

Rural residents more likely to consider raw milk to be safe

By Tim Marema for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collaboration…

Close to 4 million tons of food waste ends up in New York City landfills yearly, which comprises 20% of the city's waste. (Adobe Stock)

NYC nonprofit helps communities fight food insecurity

A New York City nonprofit is helping communities fight food insecurity. Rethink Food began in 2017 with the mission of taking excess food from top …

Nearly three in five households surveyed are not participating in SNAP. For those that are <br />participating, nearly two-thirds report that their SNAP benefits are exhausted in two weeks or <br />less each month. (mdurson/Adobe Stock)

Food insecurity grows as Ohio food bank demand surges

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks has recently sounded the alarm over worsening conditions in the state's hunger relief network, with food insecurity …

In 2022, there was a 1,700% increase in hard clams in Shinnecock Bay and more than 110 acres of seagrass was regrown. (Adobe Stock)

NY Indigenous women use seaweed to conserve shellfish

By Alexandra Talty for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-…

Nearly three of four Colorado voters surveyed want lawmakers to ensure full funding for Healthy School Meals for All. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado parents face September 30 deadline to help fund school meals

Colorado students will not go hungry this school year, thanks to the Healthy School Meals for All initiative approved by voters in 2022. Their …

During Hunger Action Month, key organizations are calling on Congress to protect funding for support programs as lawmakers debate budget proposals. (Adobe Stock)

'On the edge of catastrophe': A call to arms during Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month and a food shelf coordinator in Minnesota does not see increased demand going down anytime soon. According to …

Meatpackers are able to lower the cost of processing each animal by running bigger operations compared to smaller facilities. (Dragosh/Adobe Stock)

AR ranchers want a bigger cut from beef industry

The price of beef could be on the minds of Arkansas farmers and ranchers when they go to the polls in November. Currently, just four companies - …

Oregon and 36 other states are participating in the Summer EBT program. (san_ta/Adobe Stock)

Eligible OR families have until Monday to apply for summer food benefits

Eligible Oregon families have until Monday to apply for summer food benefits. The Summer EBT program provides families with a one-time payment of $12…

Last year, the U.S government issued more than 300,000 visas for migrant agrucultural producers around the world. (Ralph/Adobe Stock)

Nonprofit looks to improve conditions for Eastern Shore ag workers

A nonprofit is looking to improve the living and working conditions of migrant farm workers in Virginia's Eastern Shore. Every year, hundreds of …

The SUN Bucks program helps families in Washington and 36 other states buy groceries while school is out for the summer. (puhimec/Adobe Stock)

Deadline for summer food benefits for WA kids approaching

The deadline is approaching for families to apply for food benefits in Washington state. The national program known as SUN Bucks is the U-S …

Every five years, the Farm Bill expires and is renewed through a lengthy process of proposal, debate, and approval by Congress, followed by the President's signature to become law. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

MO livestock producers seek fairness in consolidated meat industry

Missouri livestock producers are pushing Congress to restore country-of-origin labeling for beef in the next farm bill, believing it'll boost their …

According to the 2019-2020 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, 23% of undergraduate and 12% of graduate students experience food insecurity, translating to over four million students nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's food insecurity bill: A path to academic success

A new Ohio bill aims to address the growing issue of food insecurity among college students. The legislation proposes establishing food resource …

More than 80 percent of Oklahoma's wastewater sludge ends up in crop fields, according to an analysis by Investigate Midwest. (Losonsky/Adobe Stock)

Concern grows over 'forever chemicals' in biosolid fertilizers

By Ben Felder for Investigate Midwest.Broadcast version by Will Walkey for Oklahoma News Service reporting for the Investigate Midwest-Public News Ser…

Food waste is the biggest source of methane emissions at landfills. (Adobe Stock)

ND hunger-relief orgs play role in reducing carbon emissions

A new report said food banks across the globe are helping to significantly decrease carbon emissions and localized efforts are taking shape in North D…

According to the Urban Institute, low-income people with medical debt are likely to forgo needed medical care, have difficulty meeting other basic needs and face an increased risk of bankruptcy. <br />(Andy Dean/Adobe Stock)

Routine medical care out of reach for some low-income AR residents

By Tess Vrbin for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop Rockefe…

Food waste is the biggest source of methane emissions at landfills. (ArieStudio/Adobe Stock)

Report: Food banks work to prevent carbon emissions, globally

Food banks are helping to significantly decrease carbon emissions, according to a new report. The Global FoodBanking Network's annual impact report …

The proposed Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets rule ensures that livestock and poultry producers would

Proposed USDA rule defines “unfair” meat industry practice

A proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture would clarify fair practices in the American meat industry. The Fair and Competitive …

Advocates said Arkansans who lost Medicaid coverage are missing vital doctor's visits. (AnnaStills/Adobe Stock)

Medicaid troubles continue for many AR residents

In preparation for the upcoming legislative session, workers at Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families are interviewing Arkansans about their …

Community Action Kentucky workers helping deliver food. (Community Action Kentucky/Facebook)

The Economic Opportunity Act: 60 years of service to Kentuckians

This week marks the 60th anniversary of landmark anti-poverty legislation. The Economic Opportunity Act created a network of Community Action …

Six decades ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson forged the War on Poverty by signing the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. (Adobe Stock)

Reflections on 60 years of Economic Opportunity Act in NC

Tomorrow marks 60 years since the Economic Opportunity Act became law and in North Carolina, it is a moment to reflect and look forward. The federal …

The Community Action Association of Pennsylvania provides multiple services. In 2023, more than 19,000 low-income individuals received transportation services, bus passes, transport or support for vehicle purchase or repair, according to its annual report. (Adobe)

PA Community Action Agencies work to eradicate poverty

Tuesday marks the 60th anniversary of the Economic Opportunity Act, enacted in the 1960s as part of a national "War on Poverty." It has made a big …

The primary purpose of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 was to mobilize the human and financial resources of the Nation to combat poverty in the United States. (svittlana/Adobe Stock)

MI commemorates 60-year legacy of Economic Opportunity Act

Michigan groups working for social justice are marking a milestone this week: the 60th anniversary of the Economic Opportunity Act. The law is the …

The industry group Illinois Pork Producers reported hog production and processing supports nearly 58,000 jobs in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Unsafe IL feed facilities harm workers, compromise public health

A new study shows more than 1 million tons of animal waste is produced every year in the U.S. Consumers' desire for more animal protein and better …

A recent report found about 40% of Virginia's kindergarteners still need to build literacy, math and/or social skills. (Parilov/Adobe Stock)

New poll: Voters remain concerned about cost of child care

A new poll found voters remain concerned about the high cost of living and want the government to do more to lower their expenses. More than nine in …

A recent poll by the Save the Children Action Network shows 90% of swing-state voters want the government to help struggling families afford food, groceries and child care. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Address child hunger in next Farm Bill

Results of a poll by the Save the Children Action Network show voters of all backgrounds are struggling with the cost of living and want the governmen…

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services reported a child care staff vacancy rate of 26% in 2023, forcing some facilities to reduce capacity or close classrooms. (Adobe Stock)

NH voters find common ground on need for affordable child care

A majority of New Hampshire voters want elected officials to do more to fix the growing child care crisis, according to a new survey. More than 80% …

On Tuesday, each candidate for Lieutenant Governor presented a distinct vision for Indiana, setting the stage for a heated race. (Adobe Stock)

IN Lt. Governor candidates present starkly different visions

In a debate in the race for Indiana's next Lieutenant Governor, the candidates clashed over the future of the state. Micah Beckwith, the Republican …

According to a key hunger-fighting organization, Texas has a food insecurity rate of 15.4% among older adults aged 50 to 59 and a rate of 9.8% among seniors who are 60 and older. (Adobe Stock)

Hunger issues grow deeper for older Texans

Reports continue to roll out underscoring food insecurity facing many Texans, and newly released numbers paint a troubling picture of hunger issues …

The average meal debt per child nationally is $180.60 yearly, according to the Education Data Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Federal program brings free breakfast and lunch to more AL students

Thousands of Alabama students headed back to the classroom will get free breakfast and lunch at school. Six school districts will be opting into the …

Since January 2023, about $85 million of the $154 million American Rescue Plan funds that Pennsylvania invested in the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program have been used to help more than 1,200 farmers improve their conservation practices. (Summit Art Creations/Adobe Stock)

More than fresh produce: PA farmers markets help local economies

This is National Farmers Market Week, but almost every week, fresh fruits and vegetables and local products attract customers to more than 8,000 …

In an article on the Food and Water Watch website, reporter Rebecca Wolf writes,

New organic rules for livestock: What will they mean?

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Deborah Van Fleet for Nebraska News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Coll…

Agriculture is Virginia's largest private industry. (Timothy/Adobe Stock)

VA farmers markets support small vendors, provide food security

This week is National Farmers Market Week, and Virginia's agricultural community is using that platform to promote food security and the other …

According to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, the Hoosier State ranks ninth as the largest farming state in the nation. (Adobe Stock)

IN farmers markets help food deserts, economy

This week is National Farmers Market Week, as fresh jams, jellies, fruits and vegetables draw thousands of people to more than 8,000 farmers markets …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 13, 2024

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