Trends in ultra-processed food availability and its association with diet-related non-communicable disease health indicators in the Portuguese population.

Broad variations in dietary and physical activity patterns are part of nutritional transition concept. An additional nutritional transition has as main characteristic the change of consumption of processed foods for ultra-processed foods (UPF). This study aims to evaluate trends of UPF availability in Portuguese population and its association with diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCD) health indicators. This ecological study used data from the Household Budget Surveys conducted by the National Statistics Institute each 5 years within a national representative sample of households. The percentage of UPF was calculated based on the total daily amount of food and beverages available per capita (in grams). Data from the years 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005 were used, which were retrieved from DAFNE-Anemos Software. NCD age-standardised mortality, prevalence and incidence were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease database, for the years 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015. Between 1990 and 2005, the UPF availability increased from 3·9 % to 13·8 %. Over the years, almost all food and beverages categories increased the UPF availability contribution, mainly noticeable for milk, sugar, cereal and meat products. Positive correlations were observed between UPF availability and digestive diseases both in prevalence (r = 0·062; P = 0·037) and incidence (r = 0·005; P = 0·010) measures. Neoplasms incidence also showed positive correlation with UPF availability (r = 0·002; P = 0·012). Trends in UPF availability in Portugal increased exponentially. At the same time, there is a trend towards a decrease in unprocessed and processed food availability. The Portuguese population should be made aware of the health risks resulting from excessive consumption of UPF.

Seguridad alimentaria, subalimentación y canasta alimentaría en el contexto de las políticas públicas en Venezuela. Período2017-2022 / Food security, undernourishment and food basket in thecontext of public policies in Venezuela. Period 2017-2022

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo analizarla relación entre los indicadores de seguridad alimentaria,subalimentación y costo de la canasta alimentaria en el contextode las políticas públicas en materia alimentaria en Venezuela,durante el periodo comprendido entre 2017 y 2022. Para ello, sellevó a cabo un análisis exhaustivo de los datos disponibles sobrela seguridad alimentaria en Venezuela, incluyendo informaciónsobre la subalimentación, y el costo de la canasta alimentaria.Asimismo, se analizaron las políticas públicas implementadas enel país en materia alimentaria durante el periodo de estudio, conel fin de entender su impacto en los indicadores de seguridadalimentaria. Ninguna de las asociaciones estudiadas resultó sersignificativa a nivel estadístico (p>0,05), por lo que, aunqueteóricamente existe una relación entre estos indicadores en elperíodo estudiado, el carácter multidimensional prevalece y hacecompleja la posibilidad de comparaciones. Se identificaron laspolíticas públicas que requieren mejoras o ajustes para proteger laseguridad alimentaria del venezolano. Estos resultados obtenidospodrán ser de utilidad para los responsables de la toma dedecisiones en el país, así como para los investigadores yprofesionales interesados en el tema de la seguridad alimentariay la nutrición

EL objective of this study is to analyzethe relationship between the indicators of food security,undernourishment and the cost of the food basket in thecontext of public policies on food in Venezuela, during theperiod between 2017 and 2022. For this, an exhaustive analysisof the available data on food security in Venezuela wascarried out, including information on undernourishment, andthe cost of the food basket. Likewise, the public policiesimplemented in the country regarding food during the studyperiod were analyzed, in order to understand their impacton food security indicators. None of the associations studiedturned out to be statistically significant (p>0.05), therefore,although theoretically there is a relationship between theseindicators in the period studied, the multidimensional natureprevails and makes comparability complex. Public policies that require improvements or adjustments to protect Venezuelanfood security were identified. These results obtained may beuseful for those responsible for decision-making in the country,as well as for researchers and professionals interested in thesubject of food security and nutrition.

Canasta alimentaria normativa: perspectivas actuales e implicaciones para la salud pública en Venezuela / Normative Food Basket current perspectives and implications for public health in Venezuela

La Canasta Alimentaria Normativa (CAN) es un instrumento estratégico de planificación y seguimiento, que impacta el ámbito económico (fijación del salario mínimo SM y del umbral de la pobreza relativa), la seguridad alimentaria y la salud pública. El objetivo fue describir la evolución histórica de la CAN en Venezuela, contrastando su valoración económica respecto al SM durante el período 1990 ­ 2023. Tipo de estudio: Descriptivo. Se empleó la CAN del Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas/Instituto Nacional de Nutrición (INE/INN) y su comparación con la canasta del Centro de Documentación y Análisis Social de la Federación Venezolana de Maestros(CENDAS ­ FVM). Los valores mensuales de la CAN y del SM se recalcularon a dólares USA, de acuerdo a la tasa de cambio oficial. No se incluyó evaluación de la estructura interna, ni sus expresiones en términos de aporte de energía y nutrientes. Resultados: Desde 1990 hasta el año 2015, se requirieron entre1,0 y 1,8 SM y entre 0,6 y 1,7 Ingresos Mínimos Legales (IML)para acceder a la CAN. Para el año 2023 se requirieron hasta 78,3SM y 51,6 IML. El valor promedio de la canasta del CENDAS-FVM fue superior al valor de la CAN INE/INN, en una proporción de 1,7: 1. Conclusiones: la CAN resultó sensible en identificar los cambios y tendencias de su estimación económica, en el ambiente inflacionario venezolano. El uso de sus resultados está sujeta a cierto grado de discrecionalidad política. El costo de la CAN, expresa una contracción del poder de compra de los hogares venezolanos con potenciales impactos sobre la nutrición y la salud física y mental a corto y largo plazo.

The Normative Food Basket (NFB) represents astrategic planning and monitoring instrument, which impactsthe economic sphere (setting of the minimum wage (MW) andthe relative poverty threshold), food security and public health.The objective was to describe the historical evolution of the NFB in Venezuela, contrasting its economic valuation with respect to the MW during the period 1990 ­ 2023. Type of study: Descriptive. The NFB of the National Institute of Statistics/National Institute of Nutrition (NIS/NIN) was used and itscomparison with the basket of the Center for Documentationand Social Analysis of the Venezuelan Federation of Teachers (CENDAS ­ FVM). The monthly values of the NFB and theMW were recalculated into dollars (US$), according to theofficial exchange rate. No evaluation of the internal structurewas included, nor its expressions in terms of energy and nutrientcontribution. Results: From 1990 to 2015, between 1.0 and1.8 MW and between 0.6 and 1.7 Minimum Legal Income(MLI) were required to access the NFB. By 2023, up to 78.3MW and 51.6 MLI were required. The average value of the CENDAS-FVM basket was higher than the value of the NFBNIS/NIN, in a proportion of 1.7: 1. Conclusions: As a statistical operation, the NFB was sensitive in identifying changes andtrends in its estimate economic, in the Venezuelan inflationaryenvironment. The use of its results is subject to a certain degree ofpolitical discretion. The cost of CAN expresses a contraction inthe purchasing power of Venezuelan households with potentialimpacts on nutrition and physical/mental health in the shortand long term.

Consumer food environment assessment and its association with socioeconomic factors in a midsize city in Brazil / Avaliação do ambiente alimentar do consumidor e suas associações com fatores socioeconômicos em uma cidade brasileira de médio porte

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the consumer food environment and its associations with socioeconomic factors in a midsize Brazilian city. Methods An ecological study that assessed the consumer food environment through audits in a stratified and proportional sample of food stores. The ESAO-S and the ESAO-R instruments were used. Access to healthy food was assessed using the Healthy Food Store Index and the Healthy Meal Restaurant Index. Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and the Health Vulnerability Index were obtained from the 2010 Demographic Census. Statistical analyses were performed using the IBM®SPSSNo-Break®No-Break software. Result A total of 280 food stores were assessed. Only 47.1% of food stores for home consumption had fruits, vegetables, or legumes. High availability of ultra-processed food was identified, such as sugar-sweetened beverages (85.0%) and chocolate sandwich cookies (77.8%). The prices of some unprocessed foods and the availability of snacks were different according to socioeconomic characteristics. In food stores for immediate consumption, low availability of healthy options was identified, and, in most of them, natural juices had higher prices than sugar-sweetened beverages (87.1%). The mean Healthy Food Store Index score was 5.1 (SD=3.6), and the Healthy Meal Restaurant Index was 2.4 (SD=1.2). Conclusion These findings allow us to expand the knowledge about the consumer food environment, helping to implement public policies related to food supply.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o ambiente alimentar do consumidor e suas associações com fatores socioeconômicos em uma cidade brasileira de médio porte. Métodos Estudo ecológico, no qual avaliou-se o ambiente alimentar do consumidor por meio de auditorias em uma amostra estratificada e proporcional de estabelecimentos que comercializam alimentos. Utilizaram-se os instrumentos ESAO-S e ESAO-R. O acesso a alimentos saudáveis foi avaliado por meio do Healthy Food Store Index e do Healthy Meal Restaurant Index. As características socioeconômicas, demográficas e o índice de vulnerabilidade da saúde foram obtidos a partir do Censo Demográfico de 2010. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas no software IBMNo-Break®No-BreakSPSSNo-Break®No-Break. Resultados Avaliaram-se 280 estabelecimentos, onde apenas 47,1% dos comércios de alimentos para consumo em domicílio possuíam frutas, verduras ou legumes. Foi identificada uma elevada disponibilidade de alimentos ultraprocessados, como refrigerantes (85,0%) e biscoitos (77,8%). Os preços de alguns alimentos in natura e a disponibilidade de salgadinhos foram diferentes segundo as características socioeconômicas. Nos comércios de alimentos para consumo imediato, foi identificada baixa disponibilidade de opções saudáveis e, na maioria deles, os sucos naturais apresentaram preços superiores a refrigerantes (87,1%). A pontuação média do Healthy Food Store Index foi 5,1 (DP=3,6) e do Healthy Meal Restaurant Index de 2,4 (DP=1,2). Conclusão Os resultados permitem ampliar o conhecimento sobre o ambiente alimentar do consumidor, auxiliando na implantação de políticas públicas relacionadas ao abastecimento alimentar.

Food handling in the domestic environment: an online questionnaire study with respondents from 24 of 26 Brazilian states / Manipulação de alimentos no ambiente doméstico: um estudo realizado com emprego de questionário online respondido por habitantes de 24 dos 26 estados brasileiros

Using an online questionnaire, this study evaluated the profile of a Brazilian population's food handling practices in the home environment. The questionnaire, containing questions about domestic behavior in terms of hygiene and food handling, was built and available through social media sites. Information about the participants' profiles, their food pre-preparation, food preparation, and food post-preparation practices, and the occurrence of foodborne diseases (FBDs) was included in the questionnaire. A total of 701 responses were obtained. The interviewees included 78.31% female participants and 21.68% male participants, with an average age of 31.2 years. Nearly all (94.3%) had a complete or incomplete higher education. In the pre-preparation stage, the participants evaluated the shelf life (97.28%) and storage temperature (44.79%) of the products while purchasing them. Regarding food handling practices, only a few participants washed the food packages before storing them (31.95%) or removed hand jewelry or other adornments when washing food (61.48%). Most participants washed their hands (91.58%) and washed vegetables (99.28%). But a group of interviewees reported washing raw meat (27.81%) before preparing it. Cutting surfaces such as plastic (50.36%) and glass (49.36%) tops were the most prevalent in the study. Most respondents did not know how long they had been using their cutting boards (67.62%) and mentioned using the same surface to handle both raw and ready-to-eat products (84.17%). As for the preparation, most interviewees declared they did not check the food temperature during preparation (86.31%), ignoring the ideal cooking temperature (88.26%). Regarding the occurrence of FBDs, 79.17% of the interviewees reported having suspicious clinical signs associated with contaminated foods and 65.59% did not seek medical help. Thus, the participants demonstrated ignorance about adequate practices for food safety in the home environment, highlighting the need to conduct health education programs within the Brazilian population.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o perfil das práticas de manipulação de alimentos no ambiente domiciliar no Brasil utilizando um questionário online. Um questionário contendo perguntas sobre comportamento doméstico em nível de higiene e manipulação de alimentos foi construído e disponibilizado por redes sociais. O questionário continha informações sobre o perfil dos participantes, suas práticas de pré-preparo, preparo e pós-preparo de alimentos e a ocorrência de doenças transmitidas por alimentos (DTA). Obteve-se 701 respostas, os entrevistados foram 78,31% do sexo feminino e 21,68% do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 31,2 anos. A maioria (94,3%) possuia ensino superior completo ou incompleto. Na etapa de pré-preparo, os participantes avaliam o prazo de validade (97,28%) e a temperatura de armazenamento (44,79%) dos produtos no momento da compra. Em relação às práticas de manipulação dos alimentos, apenas alguns participantes lavavam as embalagens dos alimentos antes de armazená-los (31,95%) ou retiravam adornos ao lavar os alimentos (61,48%). A maioria dos participantes lavam as mãos (91,58%) e os vegetais (99,28%); entretanto, um grupo de entrevistados relatou lavar carne crua (27,81%) antes de prepará-la. Superfícies de corte como tábuas de plástico (50,36%) e de vidro (49,36%) foram os mais prevalentes no estudo. A maioria dos entrevistados não sabe há quanto tempo usa as tábuas de corte (67,62%) e utilizam a mesma superfície para manusear produtos crus e prontos para o consumo (84,17%). Quanto ao preparo, a maioria dos entrevistados declarou não verificar a temperatura dos alimentos durante o preparo (86,31%), ignorando a temperatura ideal de cozimento (88,26%). Em relação à ocorrência de DVA, 79,17% dos entrevistados relataram que já apresentaram sinais clínicos suspeitos associados a alimentos contaminados e 65,59% não procuraram atendimento médico. Nesse sentido, os participantes demonstraram desconhecimento sobre as práticas adequadas para a segurança dos alimentos no ambiente domiciliar, evidenciando a necessidade de realização de programas de educação em saúde com a população brasileira.(AU)

Residential Food Environment, Household Wealth and Maternal Education Association to Preschoolers' Consumption of Plant-Based Vitamin A-Rich Foods: The EAT Addis Survey in Addis Ababa.

Vitamin A deficiency is common among preschoolers in low-income settings and a serious public health concern due to its association to increased morbidity and mortality. The limited consumption of vitamin A-rich food is contributing to the problem. Many factors may influence children's diet, including residential food environment, household wealth, and maternal education. However, very few studies in low-income settings have examined the relationship of these factors to children's diet together. This study aimed to assess the importance of residential food availability of three plant-based groups of vitamin A-rich foods, household wealth, and maternal education for preschoolers' consumption of plant-based vitamin A-rich foods in Addis Ababa. A multistage sampling procedure was used to enroll 5467 households with under-five children and 233 residential food environments with 2568 vendors. Data were analyzed using a multilevel binary logistic regression model. Overall, 36% (95% CI: 34.26, 36.95) of the study children reportedly consumed at least one plant-based vitamin A-rich food group in the 24-h dietary recall period. The odds of consuming any plant-based vitamin A-rich food were significantly higher among children whose mothers had a higher education level (AOR: 2.55; 95% CI: 2.01, 3.25), those living in the highest wealth quintile households (AOR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.92, 2.93), and in residentials where vitamin A-rich fruits were available (AOR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.41). Further research in residential food environment is necessary to understand the purchasing habits, affordability, and desirability of plant-based vitamin A-rich foods to widen strategic options to improve its consumption among preschoolers in low-income and low-education communities.

Association of Food Insecurity With Allostatic Load Among Older Adults in the US.

Importance: Allostatic overload, a biomarker of wear and tear, could be the potential pathway through which food insecurity leads to increased morbidity risk. Objective: To assess the association of food insecurity with allostatic load (AL) among US adults aged 50 years or older. Design, Setting, and Participants: A multiwave longitudinal cohort study was conducted using data from the 2006 to 2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study in a national cohort study setting. The data comprise 26 509 person-years observations from 14 394 noninstitutionalized individuals aged 50 years or older during the study period. Data were analyzed from September 1 to December 14, 2020. Exposures: Moderate food insecurity (not enough money to buy the food needed) and severe food insecurity (reduced food intake due to financial constraints) measured at the household level. Main Outcomes and Measures: The AL score (0-9, with higher scores indicating a greater risk of physiologic dysregulation) and binary indicators of dysregulated inflammatory (C-reactive protein), cardiovascular (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and cystatin C), and metabolic (hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio) systems. Results: Of 14 394 participants included in the analysis, the median age was 60 (IQR, 56-69) years, 8143 (56.6%) were women, 517 (3.6%) were moderately food insecure, and 804 (5.6%) were severely food insecure. In adjusted models, the incidence rate of AL was 1.05 (95% CI, 1.00-1.09) times higher for the participants with moderate food insecurity and 1.11 (95% CI, 1.07-1.15) times higher for the participants with severe food insecurity, compared with those who were food secure. The increased incidence rate of AL among participants with severe food insecurity was associated with C-reactive protein level (odds ratio [OR], 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04-1.44), cystatin C level (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.01-1.51), hemoglobin A1c level (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.01-1.59), body mass index (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.41-2.40), waist-to-height ratio (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.26-1.88), and total to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.10-1.59) inflated to the high-risk range. The interaction between moderate food insecurity and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment (ß = -0.18; P = .001) and the interaction between severe food insecurity and SNAP enrollment (ß = -0.09; P = .02) were associated with a reduction in AL. Conclusions and Relevance: In this national cohort study of US adults aged 50 years or older, food insecurity was associated with higher AL, mainly through dysregulation of the inflammatory and metabolic systems. SNAP enrollment may modify this association between food insecurity and AL.

Diálogos regionais sobre frutas, verduras e legumes / Regional dialogues on fruits and vegetables

Neste documento apresentamos a síntese dos debates realizados durante os Diálogos Regionais sobre Frutas, Legumes e Verduras, uma série de cinco encontros, um para cada macrorregião do Brasil, que tiveram como objetivo o compartilhamento de experiências inovadoras que fortalecem a produção, o abastecimento e o consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras (FLV). Nestas oportunidades foram apresentadas as particularidades de cada região em relação aos desafios e oportunidades para a formulação e implementação de políticas e ações que promovem a saúde, a alimentação adequada e saudável e fortalecem os sistemas alimentares saudáveis, justos e sustentáveis. Os eventos ocorreram entre os dias 24 de agosto e 14 de setembro de 2021 como parte das ações brasileiras para o Ano Internacional das Frutas, Legumes e Verduras, instituído pela Assembleia Geral das Nações Unidas. Os Diálogos Regionais foram organizados pelo Ministério da Saúde, por meio da Coordenação-Geral de Alimentação e Nutrição e do Instituto Nacional de Câncer, em parceria com o Centro de Excelência contra a Fome do Programa Mundial de Alimentos (WFP), a Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde e a Organização das Nações Unidas para Alimentação e Agricultura (United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization ­ FAO), além de contar com apoio dos Conselhos de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (CONSEAs), das Câmaras Intersetoriais de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (CAISANs) e das instituições brasileiras de nível superior. Para cada Diálogo Regional foram convidados representantes de governos locais, sociedade civil, pesquisadores, além dos parceiros já citados, que se propuseram a apresentar e debater estratégias que estimulam a cooperação horizontal para a implementação de uma agenda coordenada em prol da alimentação saudável, com especial atenção a FLV, e que seja capaz de atuar sobre os desafios impostos à conjuntura. Mesmo no contexto da pandemia de covid-19, foram apresentadas soluções exitosas para fortalecer todas as etapas, da produção ao consumo e, com isto, promover a saúde e a alimentação adequada e saudável. Os tópicos que constituem este documento são, portanto, uma síntese do conteúdo apresentado nos eventos, refletindo uma diversidade de pontos de vista, experiências profissionais e acúmulo teórico, que servirão como base para a elaboração de recomendações nacionais para avanço da agenda. Todos os Diálogos Regionais podem ser acessados aqui. Os eventos também fomentaram inscrições no Laboratório de Inovação: Incentivo à produção, à disponibilidade, ao acesso e ao consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras, cujo objetivo foi identificar, selecionar e divulgar experiências inovadoras desenvolvidas no Brasil que respondem a alguns desafios da agenda nos territórios e que podem ser utilizadas para apoiar a elaboração de políticas setoriais e intersetoriais e para o desenvolvimento de estratégias associadas à agenda de FLV. Espera-se que os desafios e as possibilidades apresentadas neste documento contribuam para a formulação e implementação de ações, programas e políticas públicas que efetivamente promovam a saúde e a segurança alimentar e nutricional da população.

Connecting Families to Food Resources amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Early Care and Education Providers in Two U.S. States.

Early care and education (ECE) settings are important avenues for reaching young children and their families with food and nutrition resources, including through the U.S. federally funded Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey of ECE providers in two U.S. states in November 2020 to identify approaches used to connect families with food and nutrition resources amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds of sites reporting no approaches and adjusted Poisson models were used to estimate the incidence rate ratio of the mean number of approaches, comparing sites that participate in CACFP to those that did not. A total of 589 ECE sites provided responses. Of those, 43% (n = 255) participated in CACFP. CACFP participating sites were more likely to report using any approaches to connecting families to food resources and significantly more likely to report offering "grab and go" meals, providing meal delivery, distributing food boxes to families, and recommending community food resources than non-CACFP sites. This study suggests that CACFP sites may have greater capacity to connect families to food resources amid emergencies than non-CACFP participating sites.

Integrated Nutrition and Culinary Education in Response to Food Insecurity in a Public University.

Food insecurity is an emerging issue for college students. A nutrition course with an integrated teaching kitchen was developed to address this issue at a large public university. We aimed to determine changes in food insecurity and stress among students who took the course. The course consisted of weekly lectures followed by teaching kitchen lab sessions to teach basic nutrition and culinary concepts and expose students to hands-on skill development cooking experiences. Using a pre-post design, enrolled students completed an anonymous online survey at the beginning and the end of the semester. Food security was assessed with the USDA Six-Item Food Security Module; stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Pre- and post-data were linked for 171 participants. Paired data statistical analysis comparing the post- vs. the pre-test showed an increase in food security and a decrease in very low security rates (from 48% to 70%, and from 23% to 6%, respectively; p < 0.0001), and a decrease on the average PSS score, indicating lower stress (from (Mean ± SD) 19.7 ± 5.9 to 18.1 ± 6.0; p = 0.0001). A nutrition and culinary course may be an effective response to food insecurity and could potentially improve students' wellbeing.

Food Insecurity and Dietary Intake among College Students with Unlimited Meal Plans at a Large, Midwestern University.

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity, a state of not being able to consistently access nutritious food due to financial constraints, has been associated with poor dietary intake among college students. The extent to which campus food resources contribute to this association is unknown. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the association between food insecurity and dietary intake in a sample of undergraduate students with unlimited meal plans and dining hall access at a large, public Midwestern university. DESIGN: The study design is cross-sectional. The data used are baseline data from a broader sugar-sweetened beverage intervention study that were collected using a Qualtrics survey prior to the intervention. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: The sample consisted of 1033 undergraduate students recruited from 3 dining halls. The data were collected in November 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Food security was assessed using the 6-item Short Form Food Security Survey Module. Dietary intake was assessed using the National Cancer Institute 26-item Dietary Screener Questionnaire and the Beverage Intake Questionnaire-15. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Generalized linear regression models were used to examine differences in dietary intake by students' food security status, adjusting for students' sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: In the sample, 14% of students were food-insecure. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, food-insecure students reported 9% lower intake of fruits (P = 0.02), 9% lower intake of vegetables (P < 0.001), 10% higher intake of dairy (P = 0.002), 6% higher intake of total added sugars (P = 0.01), 10% higher intake of added sugars from sugar-sweetened beverages (P = 0.01), 4% higher intake of calcium (P = 0.01), and 4% lower intake of fiber (P = 0.01) compared with food-secure students. With respect to beverage intake, food-insecure students had 56% higher intake of total sugar-sweetened beverages (P = 0.002), which was driven by 185% higher intake of energy and sports drinks (P = 0.001), and 121% higher intake of sweetened teas (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite having identical food resources within campus dining halls, there were significant differences in the diets of college students by food security status.

Community-Based Participatory Approach to Increase African Americans' Access to Healthy Foods in Atlanta, GA.

African Americans in Atlanta, Georgia disproportionately reside in communities with limited access to healthy foods. Collaborations with local corner stores to provide healthy food options have been identified as an evidence-based intervention that could be used to increase food access. This paper describes the community-based participatory approach used to culturally-tailor a Healthy Corner Store Initiative (HCSI) in five Atlanta communities. A mixed method approach (qualitative/quantitative) was utilized. Spatial analysis and an environmental assessment were conducted to locate all corner stores in the partner communities that were listed in a business database. An environmental assessment was conducted at 34 corner stores using a structured log and checklist. Among them, 11 were selected and signed memorandums of understanding to implement the HCSI. A customer intercept survey was administered to 100 African American corner store customers at five of the healthy corner store sites. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze log/checklist and survey data. Corner store customers indicated that they typically purchase snacks, tobacco, and breads, but would purchase certain healthy foods, if offered. They also indicated that freshness of fruits and vegetables and positive relationships with corner store owners would influence healthy food purchases. Findings demonstrate that working collaboratively with community members, researchers and business owners is a critical step in nurturing trust, strengthening credibility, and building partnerships towards increased healthy food access and improved community health.

Availability and access to food in supermarkets before and during the Covid-19 pandemic in a mid-size city / Disponibilidade e preço de alimentos em supermercados antes e durante a pandemia de Covid-19 em uma cidade de médio porte

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the availability and price of fresh and ultra-processed foods in supermarkets before and during the Covid-19 pandemic in a mid-size city in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Methods Ecological and longitudinal study. A proportionate stratified random sampling method was applied to supermarkets in the municipality. To assess the availability, variety, and price of fresh and ultra-processed foods, we applied the Estudo do Ambiente Obesogênico em São Paulo (ESAO, Obesogenic Environment Study in São Paulo, Brazil) Food Store Observation Tool questionnaire and calculated the Healthy Food Store Index. The audits took place from December 2019 to January 2020, and we returned to the establishments in September 2020. Descriptive analyzes, McNemar tests, paired Student's T or Wilcoxon tests were performed using the SPSS software, version 20.0, with a 5% significance level. Results Ten supermarkets were evaluated. The prices of oranges (p=0.012), bananas (p=0.043), apples (p=0.004), and onions (p=0.004) were significantly increased during the time frame. Sugar-free soft drinks (p=0.044), powdered drinks (p=0.032), and corn snacks (p=0.015) showed a greater variety of brands and flavors during the pandemic. The Healthy Food Store Index score was 9.50±0.85 before the pandemic and 9.00±1.15 during it. Conclusion The prices of some fruits and vegetables increased, and supermarkets sold a greater variety of ultra-processed foods. Such findings highlight the importance of assessing the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on the food environment.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar a disponibilidade e preço de alimentos in natura e ultraprocessados em supermercados no período anterior e durante a pandemia de Covid-19 em uma cidade de médio porte de Minas Gerais. Métodos Estudo ecológico e longitudinal. Realizou-se amostragem aleatória estratificada proporcional dos supermercados do município. Foi aplicado o questionário ESAO Food Store Observation Tool, o qual avalia a disponibilidade, variedade e preço de alimentos in natura e ultraprocessados, e calculou-se o índice Healthy Food Store Index. As auditorias ocorreram nos meses de dezembro de 2019 e janeiro de 2020 e retornou-se aos estabelecimentos em setembro de 2020. Foram realizados análises descritivas, testes de McNemar, T de Student pareado ou Wilcoxon utilizando-se o software SPSS, versão 20.0, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Foram avaliados dez supermercados. Os preços da laranja (p=0,012), banana (p=0,043), maçã (p=0,004) e cebola (p=0,004) apresentaram aumento significativo, e uma variedade maior de marcas e sabores de refrigerantes sem açúcar (p=0,044), refresco em pó (p=0,032) e salgadinhos de milho (p=0,015) foram encontradas durante a pandemia. A pontuação do índice Healthy Food Store Index antes da pandemia foi de 9,50 ± 0,85 e durante a pandemia foi de 9,00 ± 1,15. Conclusão Foram verificados aumentos nos preços de frutas e legumes e uma maior variedade de alimentos ultraprocessados disponíveis na auditoria feita durante a pandemia. Esses achados contribuem para salientar a importância da avaliação das consequências da pandemia de covid-19 no ambiente alimentar.

Social inequalities and household food insecurity in quilombola communities in Brazil / Desigualdades sociais e insegurança alimentar em comunidades quilombolas no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and food insecurity in quilombola communities in Brazil. Methods Microdata from the 2011 Quilombola Census "Assessment of the food and nutritional security situation in titled quilombola communities" were evaluated. The Brazilian household food insecurity measurement scale was used to evaluate household food insecurity status. Multinomial regression models were used to test the association between sociodemographic characteristics and food insecurity. Results The prevalence of food insecurity was 86.1% (mild: 30.2%; moderate/severe: 55.9%). In the final adjusted model, the factors significantly associated with moderate/severe food insecurity (p-value<0.001) were: head of household being single or divorced, head of household with 1-7 years of schooling, a larger domicile size, households with children under 5 years of age, precarious sanitation, a household income of less than the minimum wage, and being from a quilombola communities in the North of the country. Conclusion The results indicated that the prevalence of food insecurity among quilombola households is high, requiring the implementation of public policies to promote food and nutritional security and to mitigate the historical social injustices suffered by this population.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a relação entre características sociodemográficas e insegurança alimentar em comunidades quilombolas no Brasil. Métodos Os microdados do Censo Quilombola de 2011, "Avaliação da situação de segurança alimentar e nutricional nas comunidades quilombolas tituladas", foram analisados. A Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar foi usada para avaliar o nível de insegurança alimentar dessa população. Modelos de regressão multinomial foram utilizados para testar a associação entre características sociodemográficas e insegurança alimentar. Resultados A prevalência de insegurança alimentar foi de 86,1% (leve: 30,2%; moderada/grave: 55,9%). No modelo final ajustado, verificou-se que as residências cujos responsáveis eram solteiros/divorciados, com escolaridade entre 1-7 anos, aquelas onde havia maior aglomeração familiar, presença de crianças menores de cinco anos, com precário saneamento básico, da macrorregião Norte do país e famílias com renda mensal familiar inferior a um salário mínimo apresentaram associação significativa com insegurança moderada/ grave (p-valor <0,001). Conclusão Os resultados indicaram que as famílias quilombolas apresentavam elevada prevalência de insegurança alimentar, sendo necessária a implementação de políticas públicas para promoção da segurança alimentar e nutricional e que minimizem as históricas injustiças sociais sofridas por essa população.

Food availability and food and nutrition (in)security of families providing for the National School Feeding Program / A disponibilidade de alimentos e a (in)segurança alimentar e nutricional de famílias fornecedoras do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar

ABSTRACT Objective The natural probiotic kefir is fermented milk, and may have effects on satiety and voluntary energy intake. This randomized crossover trial aimed to determine whether kefir, consumed with low- or high-glycemic index meals, affects appetite and subsequent food intake. Methods This is a cross-sectional study with families of farmers who supplied Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar from 2011 to 2016 in the city of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. To assess Food Insecurity, the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale was applied to the person responsible for purchasing and producing meals in the family. The nutritional aspect was analyzed through the measurement of hemoglobin to check for anemia among family members and using the household food availability survey, where it was possible to analyze the amount of calories available for consumption, as well as the origin and kind of food. Results 27 families were evaluated, totalizing 91 individuals. With the Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar, it was found that 25.9% of the families were in light food insecurty situation. When caloric availability was assessed, 11.0% of families were considered insecure. In contrast, 59.0% of families had high calorie availability per capita (>3000 calories). Of the total households, 14.8% had more than 50.0% of the calories available for consumption coming from their own production. The foods most commonly produced for self-consumption were fresh vegetables, which are the most common ones supplied to Programa Nacional de Alimentação. In addition, the main source of kilocalories for the families were fresh and minimally processed foods. The presence of anemia in at least 1 resident was detected in 29.6% of households, with a negative correlation between the hemoglobin value (g/dL) and the Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar score. Conclusion It appears that the majority of the families of farmers supplying Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar are in a situation of Food and Nutritional Security, both by Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar and by the household availability of food. However, we cannot ignore the percentage of insecure families, since this situation can lead to other problems. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly assess the family situation of Fodd Insecurty and encourage production for self-consumption so that it contributes to food availability and quality. For this reason, the we highlight relevance of programs that strengthen the production and commercialization of food from family farming.

RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a disponibilidade de alimentos e a situação de (In)Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional em famílias de agricultores fornecedores do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal com famílias de agricultores fornecedores do Programa Nacional de Alimentação no período de 2011 a 2016 em Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar foi aplicada ao responsável pela compra e produção de refeições na família para avaliação da Insegurança Alimentar. Analisou-se o aspecto nutricional por meio da dosagem de hemoglobina para verificação de anemia entre os membros da família e utilizando-se o inquérito de disponibilidade domiciliar de alimentos, o que permitiu analisar a quantidade de calorias disponíveis para consumo, assim como a procedência e o tipo do alimento. Resultados Avaliaram-se 27 famílias, totalizando 91 indivíduos. Com a Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar, constatou-se que 25,9% das famílias encontravam-se em situação de Insegurança Alimentar, sendo todas consideradas de Insegurança Alimentar leve. Quando avaliada a disponibilidade calórica, 11,0% das famílias estavam inseguras. Em contrapartida, 59,0% das famílias apresentaram disponibilidade calórica per capita alta (>3.000 calorias). Do total das famílias, 14,8% possuíam mais de 50,0% das calorias disponíveis para consumo advindas de produção própria. Os alimentos mais produzidos para autoconsumo foram os vegetais in natura, que são os mais fornecidos ao Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar. Além disso, a principal fonte de quilocalorias das famílias eram alimentos in natura e minimamente processados. A presença de anemia em pelo menos 1 morador foi detectada em 29,6% dos domicílios, havendo correlação negativa entre o valor de hemoglobina (g/dL) e a pontuação da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar. Conclusão Verifica-se que a maioria das famílias de agricultores fornecedores do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar encontra-se em situação de Insegurança Alimentar, tanto pela Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar, quanto pela disponibilidade domiciliar de alimentos. Contudo, não se pode desconsiderar o percentual de famílias inseguras, uma vez que esse quadro pode levar a outros agravantes. Logo, faz-se necessária a constante avaliação da situação familiar de (in)Insegurança Alimentar e incentivar a produção para autoconsumo para que esta contribua para a disponibilidade e a qualidade alimentar. Por isso a relevância de programas que fortaleçam a produção e comercialização de alimentos da agricultura familiar.

Convenience Store Use and the Health of Urban Adolescents in Seoul, South Korea.

To improve urban adolescents' dietary behaviors and health, factors that influence them to buy meals in convenience stores with regard to urban food environments must be determined. This study investigated the factors which influence adolescents' substitution of meals with convenience store meals and its impact on their health in Seoul (South Korea). Multilevel analysis and logistic regression analysis were conducted using data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a national health survey with a representative sample of Korean adolescents. Among 17,624 teenagers who responded to surveys in 2017 and 2019, 30.5% of them substituted meals with convenience store meals more than three times a week. Girls and students with a lower family economic level were more likely to frequently consume food from convenience stores. Unhealthy lifestyles and poor mental health status also influenced their decisions to substitute meals with convenience store food. Those who frequently consumed meals from convenience stores were more likely to have unhealthy lifestyles, featuring bad diets, smoking, drinking, and sedentary behaviors. They also reported significantly poorer self-rated health and mental health. To promote healthy lifestyles among adolescents, efforts to raise awareness and develop supportive environments for healthy diets are strongly recommended.

Prevalence and factors associated with food insecurity across an entire campus population.

Comprehensive assessment of food insecurity across all college community members is lacking. This research surveyed a random sample of an entire campus population at a Northeast University in two surveys (spring 2017, n = 1,037 and fall 2017, n = 1,123). Analysis of variance, t-tests, and multivariable logit models were used to understand food insecurity outcomes and comparisons among groups. The overall rate of food insecurity on campus was 19.6% (spring) and 15.0% (fall). Food insecurity rates were highest among undergraduates, graduate and medical students, and staff as compared to faculty. First generation students and off-campus students were also more likely to be food insecure in both surveys, while people of color were more likely to be food insecure in the spring survey. Findings suggest university members beyond undergraduates also face high rates of food insecurity, which has important implications for efforts to reduce food insecurity on college campuses.

Impact of a smoking cessation program on smoking prevalence and food security among food pantry users - a study protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Among food pantry users there is a high prevalence of both smoking and food insecurity, which may be related to one another. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a smoking cessation program carried out in food pantries on the smoking status and the food security status of food pantry users. METHODS / DESIGN: Before starting the cluster randomised controlled trial, stakeholders will be engaged to adapt a behavioural group counselling program for smoking cessation to the needs of the food pantry users in a pre study. Food pantry users and workers as well as other experts, such as smoking cessation trainers, social workers, and psychologists, will be involved, using the world café technique and telephone interviews and a qualitative thematic analysis for data analysis to design the concept of the intervention program will be applied. In the second phase, the impact of the intervention on the smoking status and on food insecurity will be investigated by a cluster randomised controlled trial. A total of 416 food pantry users across 32 clusters (food pantries) in Berlin, Germany, should be recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the waiting list control group. The intervention will consist of a behavioural group counselling program for smoking cessation, specially tailored for food pantry users, as well as optional nicotine replacement therapy and the implementation of environmental smoking reduction measures in the food pantries. The primary outcomes 6 months after the treatment will be self-reported continuous smoking abstinence, validated by exhaled carbon monoxide (< 10 ppm of carbon monoxide), and increased food security level (the percentage of participants with an improved food security level). DISCUSSION: This study will be the first long-term investigation into the effect of a smoking cessation program on smoking status and food insecurity. The results of this study will inform the implementation of smoking cessation programs in food pantries throughout Germany. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Prospectively registered DRKS00020037 . Registered 29 April 2020.

Diet Quality and Associations with Food Security among Women Eligible for Indiana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education.

BACKGROUND: The diet quality among adults receiving nutrition education lessons through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) is currently unknown. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to characterize the diet quality of Indiana SNAP-Ed-eligible women; estimate their mean usual intake of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains compared to Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommendations; and determine if these dietary outcomes differed by food security status. METHODS: SNAP-Ed paraprofessionals recruited participants from August 2015 to May 2016 for this secondary analysis of cross-sectional data collected as the baseline assessment for a randomized controlled trial. Participants were SNAP-Ed-eligible women aged ≥18 y interested in nutrition education lessons. Dietary outcomes were assessed by one or two 24-h dietary recalls. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010 was used to characterize diet quality. Mean usual intake of food groups was estimated using the National Cancer Institute Method. Food security status was classified using the US Household Food Security Survey Module. Data were analyzed in October 2019. RESULTS: Mean ± SEM HEI-2010 total score was 42 ± 0.9 for the study sample. Mean ± SE usual intake of servings of fruits (0.61 ± 0.08 cups [144.32 ± 18.93 mL]), vegetables [1.4 ± 0.10 cups (331.2 ± 23.66 mL)], dairy [1.5 ± 0.11 cups (354.88 ± 26.02 mL)], and whole grains [0.48 ± 0.06 ounces (13.61 ± 1.70 g)] did not differ by food security subgroup. Mean HEI-2010 total score was significantly higher by 4.8 ± 2.0 points for the food-secure than for the food-insecure subgroup (P = 0.01). Mean HEI-2010 component scores were 1.1 ± 0.5 points higher for whole grain (P = 0.01) and 1.0 ± 0.5 points higher for dairy (P = 0.05) in the food-secure than in the food-insecure subgroup. The proportions of the study sample not meeting the DGA recommendations for food group intake were ≥85% for both food-secure and -insecure subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Indiana SNAP-Ed-eligible women reported poor diet quality, highlighting their need for nutrition interventions aiming to improve food security and diet as per DGA recommendations in low-income populations.

Altering the availability of products within physical micro-environments: a conceptual framework.

Altering the availability of products (e.g. food, alcohol or tobacco products) is one potential intervention to change behaviours to help reduce preventable premature deaths worldwide. However, research on these interventions lacks consistent conceptualisation, hindering clear reporting and cumulative synthesis. This paper proposes a conceptual framework - categorising intervention types and summarising constituent components - with which interventions can be reliably described and evidence synthesised. Three principal distinctions are proposed: interventions altering: (i) Absolute Availability (changing the overall number of options, while keeping the proportions comprised by any subsets of options constant); (ii) Relative Availability (changing the proportion comprised by a subset of options, yet keeping the overall number of options constant); (iii) Absolute and Relative Availability (changing both the overall number of options and the proportions comprised by subsets of options). These are subdivided into those targeting (a) a product or (b) a category of products. Mechanisms that might underlie each of these intervention types are discussed, and implications for future research highlighted. The proposed framework aims to facilitate study of a set of interventions that could contribute significantly to healthier behaviour across populations.