Economy
Number of Americans receiving food stamps reached a record 45.8 million in August, with Texas having the most - 4.12 million; spending was a record $6.13 billion
By Alan Bjerga
Bloomberg 2011-11-01
Haiti, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe most vulnerable to extreme weather of climate change and lack social, financial ability to cope; areas of north America, northern Europe protected
By Damian Carrington
The Guardian (UK) 2011-10-26
Opinion: Self-sufficiency is a lot of work and it requires organization and improvisation, but it's no big deal; you just do it - if you're hungry
By Susan Gregory Thomas
The New York Times 2011-10-09
Hunger in U.S. cost $167.5 billion in 2010; figure includes lost productivity, poor education, added healthcare costs and food donations; expanding SNAP would cost less
By Rudy Ruitenberg
Bloomberg 2011-10-06
Georgia projected to take $391 million hit, shed 3,260 jobs this year because of farm labor shortages; farmers complain about immigration law that scared farm workers
By Jeremy Redmon and Daniel Malloy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2011-10-04
Agricultural commodities betting fueled unrest in Africa, Mideast; speculation was enabled by market deregulation that also caused '07-'08 mortgage, market collapses
By Eric Michael Johnson
Scientific American 2011-09-22
With joblessness and food pantry participation breaking records, experts frustrated over a lack of public discussion on hunger, poor communications and ineffective mobilization by advocates
By James Warren
Chicago News Cooperative; The New York Times 2011-09-23
Sputtering economy spurs even cheaper fast food; in July, restaurant performance slipped to lowest level in nearly a year as pessimistic owners downgraded plans for spending
By Bruce Horovitz
USA Today 2011-09-27
Opinion: To address medical costs, improve health, we must focus on policies in agriculture, transportation, energy, education that shape world beyond doctor's office
By Aaron Wernham
Roll Call 2011-09-26
70 percent of households that relied on food stamps last year had no earned income, though many received other government benefits; 47 percent were children
By Sara Murray
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2011-09-26
Number of Americans living below poverty line rose to record 46 million in 2010; those with no health insurance hovered at 49.9 million
By David Morgan
Reuters 2011-09-13
366 million worldwide have diabetes, which kills one person every seven seconds; it is "massive challenge" to healthcare, now costing $465 billion annually, UN warns
By Ben Hirschler
Reuters 2011-09-13
No. 1 issue is sustainable development - linking climate change, water scarcity, food insecurity, energy shortages, global health issues, women's empowerment, UN head says
Agence France-Presse 2011-09-08
Pasta prices rise after heavy rains, flooding prevents 1 million acres of durum wheat planting in North Dakota; state produces 75 percent of nation's finest pasta ingredient
The Associated Press; The Washington Post 2011-09-02
With wellness classes, support, company reduces health-care expenses and helps employees avoid chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, emphysema
By Marion Davis
The Boston Globe 2011-08-28
Half of U.S. residents will be obese by 2030, report says; governments, other groups urged to monitor, prevent, control obesogenic environment that undermines willpower
By Jennifer Huget
The Washington Post 2011-08-25
States' burden of obesity-related medical costs ranges from $203 million for Nevada to $15 billion per year in California, illustrating burden on health care system, analysts say
By Rachael Rettner
MSNBC 2011-08-23
Opinion: As social unrest continues, initial troubles can be traced, in part, to price of bread, signalling informal resource conflicts
By Christian Parenti
CBS News 2011-07-20
More neighborhood fast-food restaurants means low-income men eat there more often, but supermarket proximity doesn't guarantee good diet, study shows
By Genevra Pittman
Reuters 2011-07-12
Increasing demand for biofuels made from grains, sugar, vegetable oil, cassava means that tightness in one crop market translates to tightness in others, driving food prices up
By Tim Searchinger
Scientific American 2011-06-16
Successive years of record global corn harvests aren't meeting demand for food, fuel, livestock feed, reducing stockpiles to lowest in two generations
By Whitney McFerron and Jeff Wilson
Bloomberg 2011-06-20
Citing chronic malnutrition, harsh winter and poor vegetable crop in North Korea, UN launches emergency operation to help feed 3.5 million
The Associated Press; The Washington Post 2011-04-29
Wal-Mart's core shoppers running out of money much faster than a year ago because of rising gasoline prices; most shop in bulk at beginning of month when paychecks arrive
By Parija Kavilanz
CNNMoney.com 2011-04-27
Despite "national hiring day" at McDonald's, 7 percent recent job growth in restaurants and food services businesses, Great Recession has sacked economy
By Annie Lowrey
The Washington Post 2011-04-23
Ethiopia, other upstream countries - Burundi, Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda - rewrite 1959 water treaty that favored Egypt; Ethiopia looks to China for dam funds
The Economist 2011-04-20
Smartphones, carried by almost three-quarters of world's population, generate immense commercial databases that reveal webs of relationships - from disease to ideas to power
By Robert Lee Hotz
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2011-04-23
In response to civic unrest concerning country's rising food, fuel prices, Ugandan head says that farmers will benefit from higher prices, calls on public to stop driving to bars
By Ioannis Gatsiounis
Time magazine 2011-04-23
U.S. consumers spend annualized $1.2 trillion on non-essentials - candy, pleasure boats, jewelry, booze, gambling; consumption tax - like Europe's VAT, could help restore balance
By Mark Whitehouse
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2011-04-23
In blood per kilowatt measure, coal is deadliest source of power because of mining accidents and pollution to drinking water, air; oil is second and nuclear (minus Fukushima) is last
By Bryan Walsh
Time.com 2011-04-22
One-cent-per-ounce tax on sugary sodas, other such drinks would return $233 per student to California classrooms, fund childhood obesity prevention initiatives, advocates say
By Lisa Vorderbrueggen
Contra Costa Times; Mercury News (San Jose, CA) 2011-04-20
Texas lawmakers target junk food, sugary soda, food stamps limits to cut obesity; diet-related disease costs state businesses $9.5 billion a year in lost worker productivity
By Chuck Lindell
The Statesman (Austin, TX) 2011-04-19
Opinion: To avoid fiscal catastrophe and millions of premature deaths, prevent disease rather than treat it; build food distribution system that favors real food, and market it
By Mark Bittman
The New York Times 2011-04-12
Gut bacteria-obesity link furthered in rat study, significant since 1.5 billion people expected to be overweight by 2015, at health costs above $117 billion per year in U.S. alone
By Stephen Daniells
nutraingredients.com/ Decision News Media 2011-04-11
With civic unrest illustrating link between poverty and politics, upcoming Doha talks highlight discord between advanced and emerging economies over whose trade barriers should come down first
By Tom Gjelten
National Public Radio 2011-04-11
In light of soaring food prices, experts call on countries to scale back headlong rush into biofuels, citing mediocre harvests, high prices, hunger, political instability
By Elisabeth Rosenthal
The New York Times 2011-04-06
Opinion: With bats saving U.S. farmers $22.9 billion a year in pesticides, it's crucial to fund research into cause, prevention of disease fatal to them - it will save a fortune later
The editors
The New York Times 2011-04-04
Opinion: Budget is a moral document: We can cut military spending, eliminate corporate subsidies and tax loopholes for the rich, or we can starve the poor. Which side are you on?
By Mark Bittman
The New York Times 2011-03-29
Economic impact of agriculture industry in DE about $8 billion annually, when factoring in money spent by workers and including food processing, forestry activities, ag services, study shows
By Aaron Nathans
The News Journal (Wilmington, DE) 2011-03-24
After drawing criticism for use of term "core inflation," Fed chair explains that higher food, energy prices add to inflation only if they cause sustained increases in other consumer prices
By Sudeep Reddy and Michael S. Derby
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2011-03-13
Fuel prices, petroleum-based packaging and ingredients, agricultural chemicals, other manufacturing costs linked to price of oil at risk from civic unrest in North Africa, Middle East, industry players warn
By Freddie Dawson
Food Manufacture (UK) 2011-03-07
Interactive map shows which countries at highest risk of food crisis; the 750 million people rely on 83 billion tons of imported food a year, mostly corn, soybeans, wheat exported by U.S.
By Patricia Brooks
Environmental Working Group 2011-03-03
As food, oil prices rise and ethanol plants return to use, debate intensifies on whether corn ethanol is good for planet, taxpayers, global food supply - even car engines
By P.J. Huffstutter
Los Angeles Times 2011-03-02
Governments will increase role in global food markets, may boost stockpiles and subsidies, impose trade curbs to head off Middle East-style protests, commodity traders say
By Thomas Kutty Abraham
Bloomberg 2011-02-21
Turmoil in Middle East directly linked to unsustainable water, energy use; growing water shortage will require sharing, conserving resources to avoid civic unrest; Yemen is at most risk
By John Vidal
The Guardian (UK) 2011-02-20
Opinion: Food price crisis focuses politicians on quick fixes at expense of building long-range agricultural productivity, shift of jobs from farms to factories, skilled city-based service sector
By C. Peter Timmer
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2011-02-22
USDA releases atlas of rural and small-town America, concentrating on people, jobs and agriculture
United States Department of Agriculture 2011-02-18
Opinion: Asia provides frightening look at food crisis, where critical mass of those living on less than $2 a day reside; implications touch debt outlook, leaders looking to keep peace
By William Pesek
Bloomberg Businessweek 2011-02-13
As food prices surge upward, ranks of poor swell; UN food-relief agency bought 22 percent more food last year than in 2009, but spent 30 percent more - $1.25 billion
By Caroline Henshaw
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2011-02-08
Opinion: For food security, we must raise water productivity; cut emissions; shift to solar, wind, geothermal; urge smaller families, make all-out effort to eradicate poverty
By Lester R. Brown
The Christian Science Monitor 2011-02-08
Books: In the heartbreaking "Hot," Mark Hertsgaard contributes ground-level reporting on climate adaptation efforts around world, lists reasons to act rather than despair
By Wen Stephenson
The New York Times 2011-02-04
Opinion: Growing turmoil shows that ordinary life revolves around price of bread, other basic commodities; at least two Indian governments have been felled by rising price of onions
By Mohamed A. Ramady
Arab News 2011-02-08
43.6 million in U.S. used food stamps in November as high unemployment, muted wage growth crimped budgets; click for state-by-state numbers
By Sara Murray
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2011-02-02
Opinion: Key factor in soaring food prices is severe weather, expected as rising concentrations of greenhouse gases change our climate; this surge may be just the start
By Paul Krugman
The New York Times 2011-02-06
Connecticut governor sees hope in agriculture, local products; upping such sales 4 percent would generate another $600 million a year for state farmers
By Ken Dixon
Connecticut Post 2011-01-16
Food security portal identifies hot spots of need, civil unrest based on news, policy analysis, commodity prices, country profiles
International Food Policy Research Institute 2011-01-11
Demand for corn, fewer farmers, fuel prices, commodity speculators, and using corn for ethanol contribute to rising food prices at supermarkets
By Tim Parker
Investopedia; San Francisco Chronicle 2011-01-26
As food, fuel prices surge, risks of global instability rise as governments that face budget problems cut subsidies for poor; such woes can "topple regimes," says expert
By Serena Saitto and Caroline Connan
Bloomberg 2011-01-26
With 2008 food price riots in mind, emerging nations use price caps, export bans and rules to help keep food costs from disrupting their economies
By Eric Bellman and Alex Frangos
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2011-01-25
Substantial technological advances, along with shifts in appetites in prosperous societies, will be needed to fit human appetites on a finite, thriving planet, experts say
By Andrew C. Revkin
The New York Times 2011-01-10
Consumers pay billions to makers and packagers of bottled water (liquid gold), breakfast cereal, yogurt
By Louise Hidalgo
BBC 2010-12-15
Sheep-stealing wave in England prompted by escalating world demand, scaled-back production in New Zealand; surge in the theft of tractors, other farm machinery also noted
By Anthony Faiola
The Washington Post 2011-01-15
Tunisian civic unrest may signal global food riots, economists say; woes began after fires in Russia, heavy rain in Canada, drought in Argentina, floods in Australia, low forecasts in U.S.
By Ariana Eunjung Cha
The Washington Post 2011-01-14
Vermont officials issue 10-year strategic plan for increasing economic development and creating jobs in food, farm sector and increasing access to healthy local foods
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund 2011-01-12
Opinion: It's time to reduce work hours and alter balance between time and cash, to trim dependence on formal market by "self-providing," including small-scale agriculture
By Juliet Schor
The Nation 2010-05-24
Economic cost of overweight and obesity in U.S. and Canada caused by medical costs, excess mortality, disability was $300 billion in 2009, analysis of studies shows
Society of Actuaries 2010-12-01
With three dishes - a stir-fry, a chopped salad and a rice-lentil dish - you can leave processed foods behind, creating more healthful, cheaper, tastier food that requires less energy, water and land per calorie
By Mark Bittman
The New York Times 2011-01-02
Opinion: Because humans are social animals, poorest in highly unequal societies suffer more from range of pathologies as stigma corrodes social trust, community life
By Nicholas D. Kristof
The New York Times 2011-01-02
Michigan agrees to stagger delivery of food stamp benefits throughout month after relentless campaign by grocers and federal thwarting of twice-monthly delivery plan in 2008
By Catherine Jun
The Detroit News 2010-12-30
Global food prices face perilous rise; main cause likely too much money printed by governments to help economies, which exposes commodities as economic hedge and encourages hoarding
By John Foley
Reuters; The New York Times 2010-12-28
Opinion: Main driving force behind rising commodity prices is demand from growing global middle class with appetite for meat and car-driving; food, oil supplies can't keep up
By Paul Krugman
The New York Times 2010-12-26
Opinion: Obesity is not a Democratic or Republican issue; it is genuine public health emergency, with vast implications for nation's well-being, economy, national security
By Fred Hiatt
The Washington Post 2010-12-26
One of seven Americans now on food stamps - about 43 million; highest spikes were Idaho, at 39 percent over last year; Nevada, at 29 percent; and New Jersey, at 27 percent
By Aaron Smith
CNN Money 2010-12-21
Corn ethanol pits livestock industry against oil industry: "We've now ... inextricably linked the price of corn, to the price of crude oil, and I think we can't turn the clock back, that's the way it is," says economist
By Kathleen Masterson
National Public Radio/ Morning Edition 2010-12-22
Discontent grows over inflation across China despite government's measures that include increasing supply, lowering logistics costs of produce, subsidies for poor, clamping down on profiteering
By Jessie Jiang
Time magazine 2010-12-22
Opinion: UK's cheap global supermarket food chain will fail when oil stops flowing; country should teach people how to grow food, feed themselves, distribute and barter food, too
By Arthur Potts Dawson
CNN 2010-12-19
California loses retail jobs as employers turn to software, self-service kiosks, machines
By W.J. Hennigan
Los Angeles Times 2010-12-17
Grocery costs rise, fueled by the higher costs of wheat, sugar, corn, soybeans, energy, transportation, but major chains, big-box stores may push back at wholesalers
By Stacy Finz
San Francisco Chronicle 2010-12-16
Opinion: Despite money woes, anti-obesity programs for children aren't place to cut; obesity now costs Texas businesses $3.3 billion annually and will rise to $15.8 billion by 2025
The editors
San Antonio Express (TX) 2010-12-14
Opinion: It's time to help Colombia, waiting for 3 years for ratification of free-trade agreement and now facing threat of Congress removing duty-free access to U.S. markets
The editors
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-12-17
Opinion: 22,000 a day signing up for SNAP in U.S.; this level of food stamp use could prove unsustainable in current economy, since some funding was taken for Child Nutrition Reauthorization
By Marion Nestle
The Atlantic 2010-12-15
Coalition of farmers, shippers, state governments press Congress to add tens of millions to Corps of Engineers' budget to ensure annual dredging of Mississippi River
By Cameron McWhirter
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-12-14
FoodWorks provides blueprint for every phase of NYC food system - from agricultural production, processing, distribution, consumption and post-consumption
The New York City Council 2010-11-22
Deer hunters in Pennsylvania expected to donate about 100,000 pounds of venison to help meet surging demand of hungry; food banks appreciate lean, high-quality protein
By Jon Hurdle
Reuters 2010-12-06
Researchers, writers warn of complex and interconnected confluence of factors driving us toward a global food, water emergency by 2050 - even before worst of climate change
By Greg Ansley
The New Zealand Herald 2010-12-04
Population growth in Near East, including Iraq, Afghanistan, outpaces gains in agricultural production, making water-scarce region vulnerable to food-supply problems, UN says
By Rudy Ruitenberg
Bloomberg.com 2010-12-07
Diverting funds from food stamp program to child nutrition bill and to states looking to avoid teacher layoffs largely negates increase provided by 2009 economic stimulus plan
CNN 2010-12-02
Legume-planting experiment alongside fields of subsidized corn in Malawi pays off for courageous farmers in more fertile soil, better nutrition for residents
By Dan Charles
National Public Radio/Morning Edition 2010-12-01
Opinion: Presenting local food as economic engine is more persuasive than values choice; the right casts food as class-war weapon, pleasing fast-food industry, which is big donor to GOP
By Brent Cunningham and Jane Black
The Washington Post 2010-11-27
Food continues to function as definitive marker of social status; as distance between rich and poor continues to grow, freshest, most nutritious foods have become luxuries
By Lisa Miller
Newsweek 2010-11-22
5 myths about hunger in U.S.: No one goes hungry in America, ending malnourishment is merely a humanitarian concern, children are only ones who go hungry, the food that America wastes could feed everybody, hunger is about food
By Robert Egger
The Washington Post 2010-11-21
Opinion: To wield power responsibly, conservatives must recall that post-Depression social welfare programs provided civic stability so people could buy food, pay rent, sustain economy
By David Frum
The New York Times 2010-11-14
With current tab for Type 2 diabetes at $174 billion annually, many who have developed the disease often deplete their savings by co-pays, medicines not covered by Medicare
By Walecia Konrad
The New York Times 2010-11-11
Analysis: Draft deficit commission report is opinion of two guys; any serious plan will spend about 98 percent of its time on health care, since it's our only real spending problem
By Kevin Drum
Mother Jones 2010-11-10
Prices rise for grain-based food - from livestock to pasta - largely in chain reaction to growing demand for meat in China, India; drought, speculative trading also factors
By Julie Jargon and Ilan Brat
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-11-03
Despite politics of potlucks, new scrappiness takes root around food, one that relies on community and collaboration rather than conspicuous consumption
By Christine Muhlke
The New York Times 2010-10-08
Annual cost of being obese is $4,879 for a woman and $2,646 for a man; price tag may help policymakers weigh value of spending to prevent and fight obesity, says economist
By Lauran Neergaard
The Associated Press; The News Tribune (Tacoma, WA) 2010-09-20
Oklahoma senator, citing burgeoning federal budget, set to block passage of sweeping food safety overhaul that House approved more than a year ago
By Meredith Shiner
Politico 2010-09-14
France, with obesity levels similar to those of US in the 1970s, continues prevention programs; three part attack includes centers for medical care, research and prevention
By Mildrade Cherfils
GlobalPost 2010-09-08
Number of Americans receiving food stamps rose to record 41.3 million in June as jobless rate hovered near 27-year high
By Alan Bjerga
Bloomberg.com 2010-09-02
Spike in food prices triggers deadly riots in Mozambique, threatens Egypt's ruling regime's ability to provide masses with cheap bread; spurs demonstration threat in Serbia
The Associated Press; Fox News 2010-09-02
Opinion: Brazil's agriculture system, underpinned by research, capital-intensive large farms, openness to trade, new techniques is worthy of study in face of slow-motion food crisis
The Economist 2010-08-26
Russians respond to slashed harvest forecasts by stocking up on staples; president says there are no grounds for rising food prices, orders agencies to monitor for gouging
By Lyubov Pronina and Ilya Arkhipov
Bloomberg.com 2010-09-02
Exports of grain, meats lead agriculture sector in otherwise lingering recession; US farmers to ship $107.5 billion in products as other countries struggle with drought, heat
By William Neuman
The New York Times 2010-09-01
Hunger, disease plague Pakistan's flood survivors; disaster has killed at least 1,643, displaced 6 million, done billions of damage to agriculture, infrastructure
By Zeeshan Haider
Reuters 2010-08-29
Massive egg recall proves a boon for small producers in Iowa
By Deb Nicklay
Globe Gazette (IA) 2010-08-26
Russia may suspend poultry imports on salmonella fears; news comes after US exporters switched to non-chlorine disinfectant to comply with country's food safety standards
By Aleksandras Budrys
Reuters 2010-08-27
Slaughterhouse that would kill 16,000 hogs daily divides Illinois community over environment, odors, lowered property values, hundreds of jobs, $16 million in tax breaks
By Monica Eng
Chicago Tribune 2010-08-16
Mexico targets pork, apples, oranges for tariffs, escalating dispute over US ban on its truckers operating north of border; Obama could end ban, but unions, some Democrats oppose move
By Josh Mitchell and Paul Kiernan
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-08-17
Political instability from lack of clean water, cholera threat, looming food shortages, price spikes, missed planting season among concerns over Pakistan's flooding disaster
By Adam B. Ellick
The New York Times 2010-08-16
Opinion: Global architecture for policies on agriculture, food overdue; food, nutrition security should figure prominently at G20 summit, UN conference on millennium goals
By Joachim von Braun
Financial Times (London) (may require registration) 2010-08-09
Folgers, Dunkin' Donuts, Millstone coffee prices to rise 9 percent after harsh weather in Central America, Colombia and with BP oil leak portending higher transit costs
By Cynthia Lin
MarketWatch 2010-08-03
North Korea offers to pay debt to Czech Republic in ginseng, a root reputed to enhance stamina, have anti-cancer function, improve insulin sensitivity, but Czechs prefer zinc
nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2010-08-11
Opinion: If Congress lacks guts to meet vital needs with deficit financing, it should have decency to chisel some less-humane program than food stamps
The editors
The New York Times 2010-08-06
Drought in Russia, extra rain in Canada, locusts in Australia fuel worries of global wheat shortage; prices now match those of 2008, when low supplies fueled food crisis, riots
By Liam Pleven and Tom Polansek
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-08-03
Length, breadth and depth of Great Recession downsizes expectations, pushes new frugality, caution across nation in spending, borrowing
Pew Research Center 2010-07-23
Agricultural speculators return to big bets on wheat, coffee, rice, soybeans; prices no longer determined by supply and demand, but by investment banks, hedge funds
By Susanne Amann and Alexander Jung
Der Spiegel 2010-07-29
Impact of humans literally consuming Earth's finite resources of food, fuel, fiber, clean air, fresh water finally being noticed, UN reports in call for global action
By Juliette Jowit
The Guardian (UK) 2010-05-21
Food aid policy designed to nurture, subsidize nation's shipping industry under the guise of humanitarian assistance is doing neither effectively, Cornell study shows
IRIN: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 2010-07-16
Opinion: Behavioral economics has its limits - with obesity, we focus on food labeling rather than mustering political will to change relative price of healthful, unhealthful foods
By George Loewenstein and Peter Ubel
The New York Times 2010-07-15
India needs $30 billion to revolutionize food processing sector, and support economic growth, urbanization, study shows
By Rory Harrington
nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2010-07-06
"This should scare the pants off employers," says researcher, warning of obesity trends, resulting rise in diet-related disease, health care costs in future work force
By John Richardson
The Portland Press Herald 2010-07-09
Obama's focus on trade spotlights NAFTA-violating ban on Mexican trucks operating inside U.S. and resulting punitive tariffs on $2.4 billion in American potatoes, wine
By Elizabeth Williamson
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-07-09
House panel votes to ease restrictions on sale of commodities to Cuba, travel there; bill supported by business and farming groups
By Yeganeh June Torbati
The New York Times 2010-06-30
Opinion: San Francisco supervisor's "charge for harm" alcohol fee bill focuses on serious problem, targets $15 million in annual costs, and could make difference
By C.W. Nevius
San Francisco Chronicle 2010-07-01
Popularity of nutty-flavored quinoa boosts farmers and Bolivia, now the world's largest exporter of the nutritious chenopod
By Sara Shahriari
GlobalPost 2010-06-21
Wheat glut, abundant corn and soybean crops will keep food prices low, but will hike government's cost for farm subsidies, could ignite trade fights
By Scott Kilman
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-06-21
Opinion: Food is elite preoccupation in West, but majority of truly undernourished people - 62 percent, in either Africa or South Asia - live the organic, local way and it doesn't work
By Robert Paarlberg
Foreign Policy 2010-05-01
China's decline in numbers of youthful workers and their growing sophistication at protesting working conditions may signal demise of cheap prices
By Keith B. Richburg
The Washington Post 2010-06-07
Farm-country banks optimistic on loan portfolios since commodity prices have stabilized, production costs are down and global demand for crops is recovering
By Philip Brasher
The Des Moines Register 2010-06-03
Strapped corporations see goldmine of goodwill in edible gardens for employees
By Kim Severson
The New York Times 2010-05-19
Restaurateur, others turn attention to supporting subsistence fishermen along coast as seafood lobby notes that oil taint isn't yet reality
By Liz Robbins
The New York Times 2010-05-01
Big insurance companies own billions in stock of five largest fast-food companies; researchers point to "disconnect"
By Sarah Klein
CNN 2010-04-15
Opinion: With child obesity growing three times faster than adult obesity, problem is nothing short of child abuse and it needs broad-based interventions
By Susan Dentzer
Health Affairs 2010-03-04
Water utilities raising rates as water use falls from slow economy
By Clarke Canfield
The Associated Press; USA Today 2010-04-05
Opinion: Forcing higher premiums on those who overeat oversimplifies complex issue that includes social status, income, family dynamics, education, genetics
By Sandeep Jauhar, M.D.
The New York Times 2010-03-29
Government curious why milk prices are low for producers when price in stores is holding steady, farmers told
By Carolyn Thompson
The Associated Press; Chicago Tribune 2010-03-29
Researchers urge creation of global food reserve to stabilize prices
By Rudy Ruitenberg
Bloomberg.com 2010-03-29
American innovations in food, transportation, technology are global fat-making machine, at great cost to our health, nation's economy
By Claudia Kalb
Newsweek magazine 2010-03-14
Disputes over water use that pit people, industry against wildlife likely to increase in Texas as population expands
By Ana Campoy
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-03-13
Rising food prices may start with consolidation in seed industries, with farmers offered fewer choices for more money
By P.J. Huffstutter
Los Angeles Times 2010-03-12
Extreme couponers, driven by frugality, competitive spirit, collectively unearth and swap coupons with hopes of bargains, free stuff
By Timothy W. Martin
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-03-08
Los Angeles uses stimulus money for new worker training program in management, maintenance of gardens using drought-tolerant plants, rainwater
By Susan Carpenter
Los Angeles Times 2010-03-09
New definition of poverty notes that food is smaller share of poor families' costs and includes food subsidies
By Amy Goldstein
The Washington Post 2010-03-03
US pays $152 billion yearly for food-borne illness; cost includes medical services, deaths, lost work, disability
By Elizabeth Weise
USA Today 2010-03-03
Opinion: Because obesity threatens national security, group of military retirees calls for extra funding to improve school meals, snacks, other nutrition programs
By Johnnie E. Wilson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2010-02-08
Opinion: In halls of Congress, "finish the kitchen" becomes metaphor for health-care reform
By E.J. Dionne Jr.
The Washington Post 2010-02-08
Farm-state lawmakers upset that EPA, when calculating ethanol rule, didn't disregard land clearing abroad for croplands that compensate for using U.S. grains for fuel
By Ben German
The Hill 2010-02-03
Vow to double exports wasn't vow to double agricultural exports, which totaled nearly $97 billion last year, USDA head says
By Philip Brasher
The Des Moines Register 2010-02-04
Opinion: Obama's words on strengthening trade welcome, since international trade is responsible for financial stability of one in five Americans
The editors
Los Angeles Times 2010-02-05
Analysis: How 25-plus federal government agencies - beyond USDA, FDA - can support a healthier, more sustainable food system
By Maggie Gosselin
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy 2010-02-01
In budget, USDA wants more food safety tests, more funding for federal feeding programs that now aid nearly 1 in 5 Americans
By Kimberly Kindy
The Washington Post 2010-02-02
Analysis: Farm-to-school, garden pilot program included in Obama's new budget
Food Research and Action Center 2010-02-01
National crisis brews as soil fertility, water tables diminish and Indian farmers despair
By Akash Kapur
The New York Times 2010-01-28
Indiana senator proposes local-grown foods bill that could enrich state economy
By Seth Slabaugh
The Star Press (Muncie, IN) 2010-01-18
In year-long downturn, produce prices lower, but processed item makers don't follow suit
By Kevin G. Hall
McClatchy Newspapers; The Kansas City Star 2010-01-10
Ever-rising food prices keep Americans feeling pinched
By Kevin G. Hall
McClatchy Newspapers; The Kansas City Star 2010-01-10
Biofuels subsidies divert supply of timber byproducts used for budget kitchen cabinets
By Juliet Eilperin
The Washington Post 2010-01-10
Planning, other tips can shrink typical family's $9,200 annual grocery bill
By Gregory Karp
Spending Smart; Chicago Tribune 2010-01-10
More than 31.2 million children receive free or reduced-price school lunches
By Barbara Barrett
McClatchy-Tribune News Service; Chicago Tribune 2010-01-06
UK's new food strategy integrates policy across all agencies for first time since WWII - with a few omissions
By Felicity Lawrence
The Guardian (UK) 2010-01-05
Tomatoes, strawberries at risk as arctic air blasts Florida Panhandle
By Jeffrey Collins
The Associated Press; Chicago Tribune 2010-01-05
With cod, sea urchins overfished, fight brews in Maine over seaweed harvesting
By Robert Tomsho
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-01-04
Opinion: Until restrainers beat expanders, climate crises - water, soil - will continue
By George Monbiot
The Guardian (UK) 2009-12-14
'American dream' upended as jobless seek food stamps, other food aid
By Michael Luo and Megan Thee-Brenan
The New York Times 2009-12-15
Child hunger interwoven in other problems of poverty
By Amy Goldstein
The Washington Post 2009-12-12
Distribution network gives Wal-Mart price edge in Chicago
By Mike Hughlett
Chicago Tribune 2009-12-11
'Food basket' prices up for fourth consecutive month, UN warns
By Jess Halliday
nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-12-09
Pressure builds for politically risky food, fuel subsidies cuts in Iran
Iran's lawmakers pressured to implement subsidies cuts on water, flour, bread, wheat, rice, oil, milk, sugar, fuel and postal and transportation services. Subsidies are to be replaced with cash handouts to lower-income half of population. And: Plan, which would hit hardest at urban middle class, could profoundly destabilize government of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, but could help wean Iran from its dependence on foreign gasoline and insulate economy from new sanctions - possible if Iran continues to defy Western pressure over its nuclear program (click 'See also').
By Roshanak Taghavi
The Christian Science Monitor 2009-12-03
Hospital funds expansion of chef's healthy food lessons
As Jamie Oliver wraps up filming 'Food Revolution,' a show that promotes healthy eating, hospital donates $80,000 to fund assessment and overhaul of menus of West Virginia county's 28 public schools. Hospital also donates $50,000 to keep chef's teaching kitchen open. And: Naked Chef isn't a diet cop; he's about scratch cooking, which means avoiding processed and fast food, learning pride of ownership, encouraging sparks of creativity and finding reasons to gather family and friends in one place (click 'See also').
By Veronica Nett
The Charleston Gazette (WV) 2009-11-21
Jobless rate now 10.2 percent, under-employed reaches 17.5 percent
Nation's jobless rate rises to 10.2 percent in October, highest since April 1983. Feds' broader measure of unemployment rose to 17.5 percent. That gauge of labor under-use, known as 'U-6' for its Labor Department classification, accounts for people who have stopped looking for work or who can't find full-time jobs. And: To be eligible for food stamps, household income must be below 130 percent of official poverty line - annual take-home pay of $22,000 for a family of four - with assets under $2,000 (click 'See also').
By Sudeep Reddy and Phil Izzo
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-11-06
Brazil becomes major exporter; deforestation continues
Despite bad roads, infrastructure lack, Brazil, with efficient management, technology, has become biggest exporter of beef, chicken, orange juice, green coffee, sugar, ethanol, the soybean complex of beans, meal and oil, and fourth biggest exporter of corn and pork. Amazon deforestation, however, continues. Former Brazilian agriculture minister, now agribusiness consultant, holds out hope of slowing rate with better monitoring, market-led initiatives. And: Brazil home to quarter of world's tropical forests. They sequester carbon for years and are a primary producer of oxygen (click 'See also').
By Jonathan Wheatley
Financial Times (London) 2009-11-04
Senate's plan to reward diet, exercise choices criticized
Rewarding employees for losing weight, exercising undercuts reformists' anti-bias vow for those with pre-existing medical conditions and could mean higher insurance rates for less-fit Americans, critics of Senate plan say. Safeway grocery chain uses reduced car insurance premiums for good drivers as model. If employees pass annual test that measures obesity, blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking, they get 20 percent discount on insurance cost. And: Seventy percent of health-care costs are direct result of behavior; 74 percent of all costs caused by heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, writes Safeway head (click 'See also').
By Janet Hook
Los Angeles Times 2009-11-04
City, with Great Lakes tap, may offer discount water for jobs
At a time when regions from metro Atlanta to American southwest face acute water shortages, Milwaukee plans to offer discounted water to new companies that create jobs. Milwaukee Water Works utility operates at only a third of its capacity, draws off Great Lakes, which have a fifth of planet's surface supply of freshwater. And: EPA bid to cut ship emissions sets off furious battle in Great Lakes region beset by economic woes (click 'See also').
By John Schmid
Journal Sentinel (Milwaukee, WI) 2009-11-02
Falling milk prices challenge dairy farmers in Europe, U.S.
European dairy farmers, angry over falling milk prices, pour milk on streets of Brussels, aim udder streams at police officers. And: New breeding technology that allows mostly female calves now adding tens of thousands to U.S. milking herds as milk prices tumble below production costs (click 'See also'). In attempt to raise milk prices, dairy industry group has paid farmers to send 230,000 cows to slaughter this year. Economists expect milk prices to recover gradually. Fertility institute is studying sex choice technique for use in people.
By Stephen Castle
The New York Times 2009-10-05
Bad teeth signify poverty, result in diet of soft, processed foods
Dentists failing to treat teeth of 21 million enrolled in public programs (mostly Medicaid) and 130 million - 43 percent of population - without any dental coverage. But letting one part of body rot can create havoc elsewhere, as shown by 12-year-old who died after tooth abscess bacteria traveled to brain. Expert says oral health crucial to eating, speaking, social life, job. And: Missing or rotten teeth dictates diet of soft processed foods - bad choices for those with diabetes (click 'See also').
By June Thomas
Slate Magazine 2009-10-01
Jobless rate reaches 9.8 percent; at school, algebra suffers
More than 15 million people in U.S. now unemployed, and more are working part-time jobs for less pay, or have given up looking for work. New Jersey resident, a year after losing job, has $800 left in savings account, six more weeks of $379 unemployment checks. She's paring expenses - she tries to eat less. And: Teachers note that impoverished students are distracted from learning; 'It's hard to focus on algebra when you're hungry,' says advocate (click 'See also').
By Jack Healy
The New York Times 2009-10-02
Citing state's obesity bill, mayor wants fee from stores that sell sugary drinks
San Francisco mayor plans bill that would charge fee to retailers that sell sugary beverages. Motivation is UCLA study that links soda, obesity in California. Adults who drink at least one soft drink daily are 27 percent more likely to be obese than those who don't, researchers say, and soda consumption is fueling state's $41 billion annual obesity bill. San Francisco would be first city to levy fee on soda if, as expected, it is approved. And: Tax of penny per ounce on such drinks would raise $14.9 billion in its first year (click 'See also').
By Heather Knight
San Francisco Chronicle 2009-09-18
Medicaid needs policy guidelines on diet-related disease care
Medicaid should hasten policy rules on obesity-related services for children, and consider need for guidance on similar services for adults, GAO says in report requested by Sen. Max Baucus. Many children, adults in Medicaid program are obese and need preventive services. And: Last year, Medicare spent $7 billion on diet-related disease drugs; obesity-related medical treatments cost $147 billion in 2008 (click 'See also').
American Hospital Association 2009-09-14
Make obesity prevention national priority, researchers urge
With more than 92 percent of Americans at risk for heart disease, potential exists to reverse ominous trends if obesity prevention becomes national priority and is folded into schools, workplaces, researchers write. Looming problems are blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, all time bombs, since 32 percent of U.S. children are now overweight or obese. Once they reach adulthood, their heart-disease risk could cause national numbers to explode. Authors call for physicians to be reimbursed for prevention measures, including weight-loss plans. And: Real source of obesity epidemic is federal corn subsidies (click 'See also').
By Jeffrey Kluger
Time magazine 2009-09-14
Enlightened self interest fuels responsibility revolution
New spending patterns herald rise of the enlightened citizen consumer - and beginnings of responsibility revolution. In U.S., poll shows 6 in 10 have bought organic produce since January, 82 percent supported local businesses, nearly 40 percent bought something because they liked values of company. Companies have adjusted - Mars and Cadbury plan to increase amount of cacao harvested from sustainable sources because it is good for environment and will relieve potential shortages. In turn, social responsibility attracts investment capital and customer loyalty, creating a virtuous circle.
By Richard Stengel
Time magazine 2009-09-10
Likely food-borne illness leaves uninsured woman with $29,000 bill
Case of e.coli, likely from cheeseburger at diner, leaves woman with $29,000 in medical bills. She fell ill two weeks shy of insurance coverage after getting new job that paid $33,000 salary. Hospital list prices, like those that victim was charged, don't match what private or government insurance pays. Only uninsured are billed those amounts.
By Jim Dwyer
The New York Times 2009-09-13
Investor: Rebuild food economy with 'Slow Money'
Investor launches Slow Money Alliance to bring tenets of Slow Food movement to finance. He want to create 'restorative economy' that rebuilds food, ecological infrastructure from seed companies to farms to markets, restaurants. Group explores investments that re-circulate within local economy, minimize environmental impact, stress diversity over monoculture, earn decent returns. And: Air, water, soil are new currencies, says Woody Tasch in his book on slow investing (click 'See also')
By Judith D. Schwartz
Time magazine 2009-09-11
Food stamp participation reaches record as unemployment climbs
More than 35 million Americans received food stamps in June, up 22 percent from June 2008. Food stamp program, with average benefit of $133.12 per person, aids one in nine Americans and has grown with nation's unemployment rate. And: Labor Department says unemployment reached 9.7 percent in August, but other indicators show 16.8 percent (click 'See also').
By Roberta Rampton and Chuck Abbott
Reuters 2009-09-03
Opinion: Comfort in farmer's habit of naming each cow
Growing up on a diverse, chaotic family farm offered decent, varied lives for us and animals. Insipid, efficient food assembly lines produce unhealthy cheap food, mishandle waste and overuse antibiotics in ways that harm us. And it has no soul. Reassurance is in farmer who runs family dairy of 225 Jersey cows so efficiently that it can still compete with factory dairies of 20,000 cows. He names all his cows; they are family friends as well as economic assets. 'When I lose a cow, it bothers me. I kick myself.'
By Nicholas D. Kristof
The New York Times 2009-08-23
Food processors' waste taints water, environment
In west Michigan, untreated wastewater from processors has tainted drinking water, streams, killing aquatic life and nearby trees. State officials have known of polluting for 10 years; residents say they're bearing costs - stench, orange fingernails, useless gardens, failed businesses, ruined plumbing, fear of eventual ills from tap water. Officials say there's no acute health threat. Review found probes have dragged out for years. Companies denied responsibility, failed to meet cleanup deadlines, violated law with leaks, spills, illegal dumping of fruit waste. Agriculture made more than $63 billion last year; food processing firms employ thousands. (Click 'See also' for part 2.)
By Tina Lam
Detroit Free Press 2009-08-09
Re-imagining Detroit's vacant lots as agrarian paradise
Detroit, with its 103,000 vacant lots, fertile soil, ample water, willing labor and desperation for decent food, can redefine urban economics. It can move away from factory-town model to economically diverse, self-sufficient, rural/urban community sustained by agriculture. All that's needed is political and community will. And: City may revise codes to allow for large-scale agriculture farms, commercial bee farms (click 'See also').
By Mark Dowie
Guernica 2009-08-01
NJ schools get extra funds for signing poor children up for lunch
New Jersey public schools scramble to sign poor students up for free or reduced-price lunch; new funding formula matches lunch participation with eligibility for additional $5,000 per student in supplemental tutoring. Idea is that children who qualify for free meals have greater educational needs overall. And: In June, unemployment figures reached 14.3 percent in Newark and 18.4 percent in Trenton (click 'See also').
By Ashley Milne-Tyte
Marketplace 2009-08-18
Taking political responsibility for cutting obesity rates
Anyone who smoked in an elementary-school hallway today would be thrown out. But if you served an obesity-inducing, federally financed meal to kindergarten student, you would fit right in. Parents are working longer, and eating takeout; real price of fruits, vegetables has risen 40-plus percent in 30 years; soda prices have fallen 33 percent. Solutions to obesity epidemic involve civic - even political - responsibility. They depend on the kind of collective action that helped cut smoking rates nearly in half.
By David Leonhardt
The New York Times 2009-08-16
Opinion: Obesity epidemic demands prime-time address, slice in subsidies
When a quarter of your population has diabetes or is at risk, that screams for prime-time address. Obama has made no dent in farm subsidies that help agribusiness overproduce worthless calories, help Coke, Pepsi, McDonalds rank among most profitable companies for trash food and drinks. Capitol Hill must cut fat of subsidies, impose taxes on trash food producers, support cities and suburbs in redesigning streets, parks to support people who want to cycle or go out for a run and children who want to play outside.
By Derrick Z. Jackson
The Boston Globe 2009-08-01
In scramble for funds, Illinois taxes candy, soda - with exceptions
In scramble for funds, Illinois demotes candy, soft drinks from tax-free food group. But lawmakers carved gaping exception - sweets containing flour (Twizzlers, Butterfinger Stixx) aren't legally deemed to be candy. Critic says tax logic is becoming increasingly inconsistent - in New York, Ovaltine gets sales-tax exemption but not Tang. Iowa officials were forced by public protests to rescind decision that exempted pumpkins sold for pies but not those sold for jack-o'-lanterns. And: Test your knowledge of what USDA considers junk food in schools (click 'See also').
By Ameet Sachdev and Bob Secter
Chicago Tribune 2009-08-02
Diet-related disease prevention enters debate on health care
In Congress, debate simmers over whether health care legislation should include preventive measures - farmers' markets, sidewalks, bike paths - to curb diet-related disease. Draft Senate bill would provide up to $10 billion annually for such community interventions; a 2008 report suggested that for $10 a person, U.S. could save $16 billion annually within five years in lower health care costs. Other lawmakers see ideas as wasteful spending.
By Kristina Sherry
Chicago Tribune 2009-08-05
Anti-hot dog warnings included at hospital's new heart-failure clinic
Massachusetts hospital starts heart-failure clinic after learning its weak link for re-admissions is transition to home. It provides list of off-limits foods, adds phone system that relays patients' daily vital signs. But one patient didn't get the no-hot dog warning, was readmitted; nurse learned that sodium in baked beans, daily lunches from Meals on Wheels, plus hot dog (with 1,000 mg sodium), likely contributed.
By Ron Winslow and Jacob Goldstein
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-07-28
Diet-related disease drives up health-care costs, study shows
Each obese patient cost health insurers, federal programs $1,429, or 42 percent more than normal-weight patient in 2006, study shows. Obesity-related medical treatments cost $147 billion in 2008, an 87 percent increase in past decade; rates of obesity, a major cause of diabetes, stroke, heart attacks, have more than doubled in last 30 years. Last year, Medicare spent $7 billion on diet-related disease drugs. A person is obese if body mass index is greater than 30 or weighs about 186 pounds for a person who is five feet, six inches tall. And: Calculate your BMI (click 'See also').
By Shannon Pettypiece
Bloomberg 2009-07-27
As workers' diet-related health costs rise, employer mandates checkups
After years of steep costs for employees' diabetes, heart disease, Pennsylvania firm mandates free health testing and some workers get 'wake-up call,' make diet, lifestyle changes. In health reform efforts, chronic conditions like diabetes are major focus - they affect 130 million-plus Americans, account for three-quarters of total health spending.
By Anna Mathews
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-07-08
Penny-pinching food choices fuel obesity epidemic
Number of Americans considered obese jumps 1.7 percent - almost 5.5 million people - in last year. Between 2003 and 2006, CDC measured no real growth in American obesity levels. The obese were less likely to have access to food, shelter and health care. Researchers speculate that increased stress of recession, combined with cost of healthy fresh foods (as compared to processed food), to blame.
By Kate Dailey
Newsweek/The Human Condition 2009-06-01
Opinion: Losing ability to tax 'entertainment' edibles
Idea that junk foods (those high in salt, fat and empty carbohydrates but low in nutrients) can escape tax category of entertainment products like cigarettes or booze gives unfair tax and price advantage to non-nutritious edibles over real food. Joining feds' scheme that harmonizes provincial and federal sales taxes means Ontario is giving up a cost-neutral way to shift behavior toward healthier choices, lower medical expenses. 'Pseudo-foods' account for about 31 per cent of supermarket sales.
By Wayne Roberts
Now Magaine (Toronto) 2009-04-08
Financial crisis adds more to ranks of global hungry
One in six - or one-sixth of the global population, now suffer from hunger and do not have access to enough food; 1 billion undernourished around the world, UN head says. Number has jumped by more than 100 million in last year. He calls for new world food order, urges more spending on agriculture.
By Stephanie Kennedy
ABC/BBC 2009-06-20
Putting food on the table between poverty, destitution
In stations between poverty, destitution, rural poor turn increasingly to 'food auctions,' which offer items that may be past sell-by dates. Others supplement diet with urban hunting, shooting squirrels and rabbits and eating them stewed, baked and grilled; in Detroit, retired truck driver has brisk business in raccoon carcasses, which he recommends marinating with vinegar and spices.
By Barbara Ehrenreich
The New York Times 2009-06-14
Difficulty of diet changes hinders prevention as reform goal
Despite broad consensus that it's cheaper to keep people healthy than to treat them for disease, rewards often fail to match costs of widespread testing and monitoring people with chronic diseases. Obstacles: Much of money spent on disease prevention goes for healthy people, and taking up regular exercise or eating healthier food is difficult, expert says.
By Janet Adamy
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-06-12
Most food system power sources mum on climate change costs
Though major greenhouse gas emitters - utilities, coal, transportation, oil and gas industries - face clear, immediate risks from climate change, most offer minimal information to investors on how it could affect bottom line, report shows. And: Agricultural policy ripples through energy sector, energy policy affects farm sector, environmental policy affects farmers, food and energy processors, and all consumers of food, fuel (click 'See also').
By Suzanne Goldenberg
The Guardian (UK) 2009-06-03
Opinion: Fighting malnutrition of poverty with fortified foods
Chronic malnutrition in West Africa worsened by high food prices, less money sent home from workers abroad. Lack of micronutrients - iron, zinc, vitamin A, iodine - last year may have caused extra 44 million children permanent impairment. Americans typically get micronutrients from fortified foods; same strategy possible in Africa. And: Adding iodide to salt could increase global IQ 1 billion points (click 'See also').
By Nicholas D. Kristof
The New York Times 2009-05-26
Recession spurs garden plans, cutbacks on alcohol purchases
Nearly 25 percent of younger adults surveyed by Pew (click 'See also') say they plan to plant a 'recession garden' to cut their food bills, about double proportion of older adults who anticipate gardening to save money. Those under age 65 more than twice as likely as older adults to have cut down on spending on alcohol, cigarettes.
By Rich Morin and Paul Taylor
Pew Research Center 2009-05-14
Food prices jump, led by eggs, beef, coffee, produce
In April, food prices rose the most in a year, Labor Department reports. Prices to producers of finished goods rose 0.3 percent last month, mostly result of 1.5 percent jump in food prices. Egg prices rose sharply; prices for beef, coffee, vegetables and fresh fruit also increased. And: Americans spend about 12.5 percent of budget on food; food prices linked to cost of ingredients, transportation, profit margins (click 'See also').
By Jack Healy
The New York Times 2009-05-14
As recession deepens, dental care slips on priority list
Lost jobs, lost insurance, competing bills, plus fear of taking time off work and jeopardizing a job push dental care off priority list. But dentists warn against neglecting oral health; some accept payment plans, and clinics sometimes offer low-cost cleanings. And: Tooth problems make eating fresh produce difficult; diet heavy in soft, processed foods exacerbates serious ills, like diabetes (click 'See also').
By Mary Brophy Marcus
USA Today 2009-03-11
Aftermath of immigration raid at Iowa slaughterhouse
After massive raid on kosher meatpacking plant in northeast Iowa, what was a center of commerce teeters toward collapse as plant sputters in bankruptcy, managers face prison time and shrinking town fights to stay solvent. Other ripples: Midwest livestock farmers who supplied the plant set back; nation's kosher meat supply was ruptured, federal immigration policy evolving to target employers, not employees.
By Antonio Olivo
Chicago Tribune 2009-05-12
Fast food chases low price, high volume
In teeth of a recession, fast-food eateries slashing prices in shift from higher profit margins to lower-price, higher-volume sales. That means more 99-cent meals and promotional giveaways. Industry insiders claim value and quality can coexist, but question whether "99 cents and quality" can meet on a bun.
By Jerry Hirsch
Los Angeles Times 2009-04-29
Opinion: White House garden as revolutionary emissions reduction agent
Michelle Obama's garden and her message of eating fresh-picked food is truly subversive: Change America's eating habits, improve health, cut emissions, change the world. Globally, agricultural sector releases more greenhouse gases (click 'See also') in growing, transporting, meat production than any activity except for constructing, heating, cooling buildings. Food sector should be priority in talks before Copenhagen meeting, where next round of emissions cuts will be decided.
By Mark Hertsgaard
The Nation. 2009-04-20
Global slowdown means less work on U.S. farms
Domestic farm exports decline, led by sorghum, corn, wheat as foreign growing conditions improve and recession dampens demand. Fed economists say falloff for corn, wheat could lead to a loss of 45,000 jobs; if slowdown persists, prices for produce and farm incomes could decline sharply, leading to drop in farm real estate values. Declining exports likely to push pork, cattle, poultry production down.
By Clifford Krauss
The New York Times 2009-04-09
Loss of income, insurance undermine diet-related disease care
As obesity epidemic leads cases of diabetes, loss of income and health insurance pushes diabetics to cut back on health care, risking serious complications and higher emergency or hospital care costs, analysis shows. And: Maryland group targets churches, community groups, doctors' offices for message about prevention through diet, exercise and health screenings (click 'See also').
By Linda A. Johnson
The Associated Press; The Boston Globe 2009-04-13
Tight credit could push food prices up, says UN
Tighter credit markets could push prices for corn, rice, other grains up by making it harder for farmers to expand production, warns UN food chief. And: $30 billion needed to help developing countries combat hunger by boosting farm production, says Jacques Diouf (click 'See also').
By Patrick Barta
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-03-30
Unemployment checks disqualify some Californians for food stamps
Some middle-class California families struck by layoffs, unforgiving economy find their unemployment checks plus property disqualify them for food stamps, other benefits. Los Angeles County reports increases in denials for emergency benefits.
By Molly Hennessy-Fiske
Los Angeles Times 2009-03-26
States urge schools to use stimulus for farm-to-school equipment
As interest grows in farm-to-school programs, Michigan, Wisconsin educators pounce on stimulus grants as chance to buy equipment to prep fresh fruits, vegetables. Both states will alert schools; Wisconsin will post list of types of equipment to consider, set up review panel that includes advocates experienced in farm-to-school programs and experts in fresh-food service equipment. And: Improving meal quality to meet dietary guidelines among goals of stimulus (click 'See aso').
By Diane Conners
Great Lakes Bulletin News Service 2009-03-19
Michigan's salmonella response tab may reach $1 million
Peanut-product salmonella outbreak has already cost Michigan $425,000 and may reach $1 million. State does not receive federal reimbursement for food-recall expenses. Recall efforts include ensuring product removal from marketplace, collecting and testing products. CDC reports nine deaths, 691 salmonella infections. Recalls of items made with peanuts from Peanut Corporation of America's plants in Georgia and Texas: 3,488.
By Megha Satyanarayana
Detroit Free Press 2009-03-18
In trucking spat, Mexico assigns tariffs to U.S. goods
After feds decide to end program allowing some Mexican trucks on U.S. highways, Mexico retaliates with tariffs on products from 40 states. Products include sunflower seed, soy sauce, beer, onions, pears, apricots, cherries, strawberries, grapes, dried fruit mixes, lettuce, potatoes, peas, almonds, fruit and vegetable juices, prepared soups, wine, plastic kitchenware, refrigerators, coffee makers, and dishwashers (click 'See also').
By Ken Ellingwood
Los Angeles Times 2009-03-18
As ranks of jobless increase, number of food stamp recipients rises
Unemployment rates in Michigan, South Carolina, Rhode Island, California exceed 10 percent; job losses over last six months surpass 3.3 million. Nation's unemployment rate in February was 8.1 percent. And: One-percentage-point increase in unemployment rate leads to 700,000 more food stamp recipients in first year; in longer run, this increase leads to 1.3 million more food stamp recipients, 2002 USDA research shows (click 'See also').
By Julianne Pepitone
CNN Money 2009-03-11
Cutting expenses by growing a garden
To grow a garden, think like a seed, and make sure that little plants have water, nutrients, drainage and sunlight. Savings on food bill will grow as well: One tomato plant, for $3.50, can grow 20 pounds of fruit. Organic mixed greens are $2.79 a seed packet. One-half gram of arugula seeds costs 55 cents, enough for a crop that matures in 40 days and returns each spring. And: Shopping for seeds by catalog (click 'See also').
By Jane Kay
San Francisco Chronicle 2009-02-27
Beyond health, cost and reach of salmonella outbreak
Hundreds of companies that bought Peanut Corporation of America products face financial troubles; feds say 666 illnesses and nine deaths linked to salmonella-tainted peanut products. Peanut Corporation of America sued by insurer. In court filings, insurer said it and PCA dispute whether circumstances of salmonella contamination void liability coverage.
By Lyndsey Layton
The Washington Post 2009-03-01
UN advice on averting 'environmental food crisis'
Inefficiency wastes half the food produced globally; one-third of grains fed to animals, which worsens poverty, environmental degradation, UN says. Double yields from organic farming a bright spot. Top tips: Regulate food prices, feed poor; back biofuels that don't compete with food, water; feed animals food waste and grains to humans; support small-scale farmers, resilient ecoagriculture; reduce wars, corruption and improve trade, infrastructure; limit global warming; publicize links between population, ecosystem.
Environment News Service 2009-02-17
Opinion: Splitting the check for fresh school lunches
New, fresh school lunch program should funded by Department of Education, USDA. It would bring long-term savings, benefits to society in areas of hunger, children's health and dietary habits, food safety, environmental preservation and energy conservation. And: Lobbyists outnumber scientists at recent Institute of Medicine school lunch meeting (click 'See also').
By Alice Waters
The New York Times 2009-02-19
Economic slump hits agricultural extension services
Missouri governor restores two-thirds of proposed cuts to state's extension offices. Cuts to University of Missouri and Lincoln University programs will be made carefully to protect eligibility for federal matching funds. And: Governor's proposed cut to Michigan State University compounded by proposal to combine university's extension services, experimental stations and halve combined budget (click 'See also'). Extension services disseminate research, expertise on health, agriculture, wellness, food safety.
By Georgina Gustin
St. Louis Post-Dispatch 2009-02-12
Essay: Fantasy loses some luster along with economy
Starbucks was great American backup plan, offering promise of simpler life: Serve, smile, achieve perfect cappuccino foam - and it came with health insurance. Company still huge, but as it struggles, its status as fantasy shrinks. Still, making 200 drinks an hour focuses the mind.
By Mary Schmich
Chicago Tribune 2009-02-06
Global warming means hunger, scientists say
Hunger likely as planet warms, researchers warn. Europe's 20003 heat wave is prediction: Grain yields fell by 20 to 36 percent; fruit harvests fell by 25 percent; crop ripening was hastened by 10 to 20 days; more water was used in agriculture. With older models, there were alternative foods, but in future there won't be, unless we rethink food supplies, says scientist. And: Expect civil unrest as masses leave uninhabitable areas (click 'See also').
By Maggie Fox
Reuters 2009-01-09
Opinion: Build new food system to make current model obsolete
Despite raging wars, tanking economy, reform of food system can't wait. Obama's stimulus package should bolster infrastructure of local, regional food systems by providing grants to rebuild slaughterhouses, other missing facilities that sustainable-minded farmers need; reinvesting in school-cafeteria kitchens; and launching Teach for America-style program to lure new cooking school graduates to school cafeterias.
By Tom Philpott
Grist 2009-01-09
Opinion: Use science, not ideology to map food, farm policy
Our consumer economy runs on cheap food. Though USDA should support research on sustainable and organic agriculture, embracing science is crucial to long-term food and farm policy that keeps food safe, inexpensive without wrecking environment, say former Sen. George McGovern and Marshall Matz, of World Food Program.
By George McGovern and Marshall Matz
Chicago Tribune 2009-01-04
Boost sought for food stamp program
Anti-hunger groups lobby Obama for $24 billion over two years to boost food stamp benefits. Nutrition advocates say that handing money to hungry Americans as part of economic stimulus plan is charitable - and good for economy, since money will be spent on food.
CQ Politics 2009-01-06
Preventing bad teeth, cascading health woes of poverty
Beyond joblessness or underemployment, bad teeth mark those without insurance-paid dentist visits. Loss of teeth makes eating fresh produce difficult; diet heavy in soft, processed foods exacerbates serious ills, like diabetes. Such preventive measures save money in health care. And: Obama predicts 'sobering' unemployment figures (click 'See also').
By Malcolm Gladwell
The New Yorker 2005-08-29
In New Jersey, a rise in requests for food stamps, other aid
As unemployment in New Jersey reaches 6.1 percent, state sees food stamp applications double and 40 percent rise in number of people seeking welfare over one year. State distributes about 58 percent of its food stamp allotment; cumbersome application process blamed. And: $22.5 million aid plan OK'd in December included $3 million for NJ food pantries (click 'See also').
By Susan K. Livio
The Star-Ledger (NJ) 2009-01-04
In New Jersey, a rise in requests for food stamps, other aid
As unemployment in New Jersey reaches 6.1 percent, state sees food stamp applications double and 40 percent rise in number of people seeking welfare over one year. State distributes about 58 percent of its food stamp allotment; cumbersome application process blamed. And: $22.5 million aid plan OK'd in December included $3 million for NJ food pantries (click 'See also').
By Susan K. Livio
The Star-Ledger (NJ) 2009-01-04
Debt-laden culinary center closes
Financial woes end hopes for Copia, a California wine and food institute funded in part by late winemaker Robert Mondavi. Financial stability for venture was elusive, and nonprofit never drew visitors needed to support it and its organic herb gardens, demonstration kitchen and restaurant named for Julia Child.
By Julia Moskin
The New York Times 2008-12-23
Italians asked to forgo pineapple, buy local
Italy's agriculture minister asks Italians to choose among the 4,500 foods of Italian origin - sausage-like zampone, cotechino or panettone, oranges, apples, kiwi - this holiday and to skip the items that travel 2,500 kilometers to market. Coffee, he says, is exception. And: panettone recipe (click 'See also').
By Colleen Barry
The Associated Press; International Herald Tribune 2008-12-18
Tough times for farmers in Argentina's breadbasket
Global economic crisis causes steep drop in commodity prices, tough times for formerly prosperous Argentinian farmers. Dry weather, high supply costs, internal protests over proposed hike in export taxes cut into earnings. Argentinian government will provide loans to farmers, reduce export taxes on wheat and corn, but experts predict recession regardless.
By Juan Forero
The Washington Post 2008-12-15
Job worries change purchase patterns at Wal-Mart, Sam's Club
As Americans cut spending on everything in response to job worries, they stock up on frozen foods, food storage for home cooking, Wal-Mart head reports. In Sam's Clubs, he sees restaurateurs shopping several times a week, using yesterday's cash to buy food for tonight's business. And: Using coupons at checkout makes person behind you seem cheap, too (click 'See also').
By Nadine Elsibai
bloomberg.com 2008-12-14
Promise of sustained prosperity dims as global trade slows
Slow U.S. economy stalls global trade, jobs. Freight lines that sailed full in summer now slashing prices as cargo traffic plummets and unsold goods pile up at ports - shipment of soybeans rotted for lack of shipping, insurance funding. Decline is affecting export boom that brought investment, trade to China, India and lifted millions out of poverty in recent years.
By Anthony Faiola and Ariana Eunjung Cha
The Washington Post 2008-12-11
Childhood obesity can indicate key nutrient deficiencies
Many poor, obese children are deficient in calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus - nutrients required for cell function, metabolism, study shows. Nearly half don't eat enough calories for growth. Childhood obesity a harbinger of diabetes, heart disease. In Texas, cost of obesity-related ills projected to rise from $3.3 billion in 2005 to $15.8 billion by 2025.
By Jan Jarvis
Star-Telegram (TX) 2008-11-18
Opinion: Repairing safety net for growing ranks of poor
As ranks of poor grow, Congress should accurately measure poverty considering changes in food costs, addition of costs for child care, health care, and regional differences in cost of living. It also must boost food stamps, modernize unemployment compensation system and strengthen governments to help those in need.
The editors
The New York Times 2008-11-26
Joblessness, high food prices, push food stamp use up
Number of Americans on food stamps nears record; visits to food pantries in D.C. area up 20 to 100 percent. Rising unemployment, rising food prices among causes - food-stamp benefit fell below cost of USDA's thriftiest diet for a family of four. In U.S., 11.9 million people went hungry at some point last year, including 700,000 children.
By Jane Black
The Washington Post 2008-11-25
Farm gleaning draws 40,000 for free produce
First day of Colorado farm 'gleaning' draws 40,000 people in 11,000 cars eager to scavenge for leftover potatoes, carrots, leeks after harvest. Some came prepared with sacks, wagons and barrels to celebrate getting something for free in bad economy. Farm couple, who are regulars at farmers' markets and host a fall festival for teaching about food sources, opened fields to public after hearing reports of food being stolen from churches.
By Allison Sherry
The Denver Post 2008-11-23
Childhood obesity may forecast prematurely disabled workforce
Arteries of obese children show harbinger of heart disease, study shows. Findings suggest potential for significant fraction of workforce disabled in their 30s, 40s, says cardiology expert. In U.S., about one third of children, teens overweight or obese, CDC says. And: In Huntington, W.Va., which leads nation in obesity, diabetes, heart disease and teeth loss, adults in their 30s suffering heart attacks, requiring open-heart surgery (click 'See also').
By Thomas H. Maugh II
Los Angeles Times 2008-11-12
Layoffs accelerate, reducing priorities to food, shelter
Food, shelter, doctor visits are only priorities in consumer pocketbook lockdown as layoffs accelerate, so other industries suffer. And: One-percentage-point increase in unemployment rate leads to 700,000 more food stamp recipients in first year and eventually, 1.3 million more food stamp recipients, says 2002 USDA report (click 'See also').
By Aaron Smith
CNN Money 2008-11-07
Obesity, lack of exercise cause soaring diabetes rates
New diabetes case rates soar nearly 90 percent over last 10 years, mostly from obesity, sedentary ways. And: In 2007, diabetes cost economy $174 billion for medical care, chronic complications (click 'See also'). Indirect costs of $58 billion came from absenteeism, reduced productivity, disease-related disability, and early death.
By Will Dunham
Reuters 2008-10-30
Food crisis, poverty intensify with flagging economy
Global food crisis worsens with financial tumult, pulling incomes of additional 119 million people below poverty line; rich countries haven't made good on their $12.3 billion aid promise from summer. Prices for wheat, corn, soybean futures are down, lowering incentives for growing crops, and China's export tax on fertilizer leaves Africa's customers without.
By Ariana Eunjung Cha and Stephanie McCrummen
The Washington Post 2008-10-26
Widening economic crisis shrinks restaurant jobs
Restaurants, hotels cut 51,000 jobs over last three months as economic crisis deepens; deterioration of job market emerging as a driver of economic distress. And: Some economists expect unemployment to rise from current six percent to 10 percent; more than a million American families have had their homes foreclosed upon in past two years. In August, foreclosure filings reached record high. Number of Americans living in poverty has grown by more than five million since 2000.
By Neil Irwin and Michael S. Rosenwald
The Washington Post 2008-10-23
Food price crisis forces poorest to eat less
Many in developing world - especially Philippines, Panama, Kenya - cut back on eating because of food costs in last year, new study shows. Food costs expected to begin decline as lower oil prices bring price of fertilizer, fuel lower.
BBC 2008-10-15
Dems consider expanding food stamp benefits
Expanded food stamps, extended jobless benefits and even tax rebate possible in legislation planned by Democrats after election. Barack Obama says he favors $25 billion for states, $25 billion for roads, bridges and infrastructure, and $65 billion for tax rebates paid for with oil profits tax.
By David Espo
The Associated Press; Newsday 2008-10-11
Couponing returns as household activity
As shoppers hunt for deals on groceries, casual restaurant meals, take-out food and other goods or services, coupon-clipping returns as household activity. Manufacturers have become more restrictive by imposing time limits and more purchase requirements for redemption.
By Emanuella Grinberg
CNN 2008-10-09
Economic crisis dwarfed by cost of forest loss
Annual forest loss cost of $2 trillion to $5 trillion dwarfs current economy problems, analyst says. As forests decline, nature stops providing free services- clean water and food for foraging, plus absorption of carbon dioxide. Heartening signs: developing trade in natural ecosystems (similar to carbon trade); attention of government, business officials.
By Richard Black
BBC 2008-10-10
Economic tumult pushes more onto food stamps
Food stamp use sharply up over last year - nearly one in 10 people participated in July (latest information available). Rise reflects broader national economic distress, 'pain on Main Street,' but doesn't yet reflect upheavals of last few months, including loss of 159,000 jobs in September.
By Michael E. Ruane
The Washington Post 2008-10-04
Higher prices, diminished services squeeze retirees
Economic downturn hits retirees. Those who rely mostly on Social Security may not suffer directly from stock market woes, but they face higher food, gas and health care prices and reductions in volunteer services like Meals on Wheels, trimmed because of fuel costs.
By John Leland and Louis Uchitelle
The New York Times 2008-09-23
Bad economy means better health, says economist
Bad economy means that as people worry more, they lose weight, drink less, exercise more, smoke less, and drive less, which then makes them feel better and reduces risks of diet-related disease and car crashes, says economist. Physician concurs, citing good health of laborers of decades past who ate rice and beans and couldn't afford cigarettes.
By Susan Brink
Los Angeles Times 2008-08-25
Shoppers lose, agribusiness wins on high grain prices
Processed food makers, meatpackers raise prices, shrink packages while ranchers thin herds to pass high grain, energy prices on to shoppers; 'sticker shock' in meat case predicted. Food service suppliers look to shorten contracts. Stock prices are up for fertilizer maker Mosaic, biotech (GMO) seed creator Monsanto and farm equipment supplier Deere & Co.
By Scott Kilman
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-08-08
Projecting cost of near-universal obesity expected in U.S. by 2030
Obesity, already public health crisis, likely to cost $956.9 billion by 2030 if epidemic grows at current rate, researchers suggest. More than 86 percent of population projected to be overweight or obese by then, including 96 percent of black women and 91 percent of Mexican-American men. Analysis shows that, over time, heavy Americans become heavier.
By Natalie Wood-Wright
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health 2008-07-28
Commodity yields abroad thwarted by politics, poverty
Politics, poverty hinder farmers' yields abroad. Farmhands in Ukraine scavenge junked equipment to keep their ancient tractors and combines running. And: Argentina senate votes against government's new tax on grain exports; the issue has paralyzed country's rich agriculture sector (click 'See also').
By Greg Burns, Alex Rodriguez and Oscar Avila
Chicago Tribune 2008-07-18
A primer on factors behind food prices
Global food market is a messy amalgam of international markets for specific foods, each reacting independently and swayed by popularity of biofuels, growing middle class, dysfunctional trade and aid policies, weather, dwindling farmland, market speculation, energy prices and decline of the dollar.
By Lee Hudson Teslik
Council on Foreign Relations 2008-06-30
Rising waters, rising prices, shuttered processed food plants
Corn prices rise with floodwaters, sparking fears of more price hikes in food - especially meat - and fuel. Developing shortage likely to increase competition for corn among farmers, food companies, ethanol refiners, exporters. Flood-submerged roads, rail lines disrupt movement of goods across heartland. And: Iowa floods shut Quaker, Swiss Valley Farms and Penford Products plants (click 'See also').
By Jerry Hirsch and P.J. Huffstutter
Los Angeles Times 2008-06-16
Rocketing food prices unleash new frugality
As milk tops $4 a gallon, a suddenly thrifty public switches from name brands to cheaper alternatives, and eats in instead of dining out. Wal-Mart reports stronger sales of peanut butter and spaghetti; Ruth's Chris and Mortons steakhouses, Domino's Pizza and Ruby Tuesday see orders drop. Sales of cheap beer are up, higher-priced imports are down.
By Michael Barbaro and Eric Dash
The New York Times 2008-04-27
A global food failure
Hunger slams world's poor, and even affluent feel the pinch. Food crisis is driven by the food chain: Higher wheat prices caused by lengthy Australian drought, less acreage in U.S. because of corn biofuel frenzy. Global food trade and subsidies that protect farmers and domestic food supplies have distorted real price of food. Says expert: 'The world has largely failed in its attempt to create an integrated food market.'
By Anthony Faiola
The Washington Post 2008-04-27
Imports up in Australia
Australians question food self-sufficiency as they note drought and a 50 percent rise in food imports over five years. Top products: Brazilian orange juice, Chinese apple juice, Vietnamese cashews, American grapes, Turkish dried grapes and both potatoes and prepared vegetables from New Zealand.
By Nigel Austin
Herald Sun (Australia) 2008-04-22
Food, feed price reports
Costs for food, fuel shove wholesale prices up higher than experts had predicted in March. Dairy farmer reports paying 42 percent more than a year ago for hay. Cropland once used for hay has been planted in California in grapes and almonds; in other states, it's corn for ethanol and wheat and soy. Click 'See also' for details on the Consumer Price Index; consumer prices rose 4 percent in March from the previous year.
By Maura Reynolds and Jerry Hirsch
Los Angeles Times 2008-04-16
Hunger in Bangladesh
First food, then school, says a 13-year-old boy in line for rice, as food shortages worsen in Bangladesh, critics threaten protests and an official suggests switching to potatoes. Floods and tornado last year ruined three million tons of food crops and left millions homeless. Military-backed government opens 6,000 outlets to sell rice at half price, but is low on supplies, critic says. India has agreed to ship 400,000 tons of discounted rice there.
By Julhas Alam
The Associated Press; International Herald-Tribune 2008-04-11
Cheap food a memory
Ever-rising prices for corn-based livestock feed erode power of food stamps and cash; number seeking food at pantries and kitchens shot up an average of 20 percent in 2007. Food pantries are facing the same inflation, as well as declining donations. Food prices are forecast to rise 7.5 percent annually in each of next five years, says food bank oversight group.
By Tim Jones and Mary Ann Fergus
Chicago Tribune 2008-04-08
Bringing home the bacon
Transportation, processing, and packaging help push food prices up in year's first quarter, Farm Bureau reports. Flour has increased the most; bacon has stayed the same. Half-gallon of rBST-free milk was $3.30, organic was $3.63, non-labeled milk was $2.40. Though retail prices are up, farmers' share has fallen to 22 percent from about 33 percent of retail spending in the '70s, group says.
American Farm Bureau 2008-03-27
Rice price worries
Vietnam, India, Cambodia and Egypt, to ensure domestic supply of rice, impose drastic restrictions on exports, driving prices up and igniting fears of social unrest among urban poor. The grain is staple for nearly half the world and its price has doubled in the last three months. Factors in price rise: growing demand in India, China; weather-related yield reduction, rice virus and fewer acres planted.
By Keith Bradsher
The New York Times 2008-03-30
Grain, the new green
As grain prices continue to rise, three food aid truck drivers killed, millers default on rice supply contracts, bandits steal rice and farmers keep watch over fields. Food riots reported in Egypt, Cameroon, and Burkina Faso. As incomes rise worldwide, food is a smaller portion of the family budget, so situation isn't as dire as it was in 1974. Farmers are making money, but not as much as a middleman with a warehouse.
By Daniel Ten Kate
The Christian Science Monitor 2008-03-27
Cutting back on food bill
As U.S. economy weakens, fuel prices rise and home values deteriorate, food and restaurant companies worry about their profits. Customers cut back, stay home. McDonald's bundles drinks with food; P.F. Chang offers budget menu. At supermarkets, sales of house brands increasing while sales of expensive wine declines.
By Brad Dorfman and Lisa Baertlein
Reuters 2008-03-17
Pictures of food prices
World food prices, and trends, in pictures and graphics, from the BBC, including such tidbits as: 10,000 to 13,000 liters of water are needed to produce 1 kilogram of beef; and meat consumption in China in 1980 was 20kg, and in 2007, it had risen to 50kg.
BBC News 2008-03-10
Winds of change
Sudden collapse of West Coast salmon population likely linked to 2005 shift in jet stream that delayed water-stirring winds that stimulate fish food growth. Fisheries group predicts closures; sport and commercial salmon fishing off California and most of Oregon dropped to $61 million a year from 2001 through 2005, after an average of $103 million a year from 1979 through 2000.
By Jeff Barnard
The Associated Press; The Seattle Times 2008-03-03
Food prices continue rising, sowing unrest
UN spokesperson predicts high food prices until at least 2010. Hardest-hit countries: Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Haiti, Djibouti, the Gambia, Tajikistan, Togo, Chad, Benin, Burma, Cameroon, Niger, Senegal, Yemen and Cuba. In Afghanistan, wheat rose more than 60 percent in 2007; in Bangladesh, rice went up 70 percent; in El Salvador, food prices doubled in 18 months. Anger over food prices has led to riots in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Senegal and Morocco.
BBC News 2008-03-06
Debt-free in India
As elections approach, Indian government cancels small farmers' debts, announces its goal of becoming self-sufficient in food grains and pledges to hold food prices down. Critics say debt-forgiveness program is unfair to farmers with more land. Government also plans improvements on roads and rural infrastructure.
BBC News 2008-02-29
Farewell to cheap food
Bonfire created by subsidized biofuels demand, global economic growth and weather disasters means that cheap food for American food is gone, most likely forever, says former leading economist for ConAgra. Food manufacturers are transferring costs of high commodities to consumers; most shoppers, he says, can afford to pay.
By Peter Shinn
Brownfield Network 2008-02-25
Latte-less
Cutting back on restaurant meals and the daily Starbucks habit are ways we're reducing our discretionary spending and credit-card debt. Credit cards, once used for special purchases, now are used for groceries, gasoline and other everyday expenses (with rewards from some issuers), but delinquencies are rising.
By Robin Sidel, Sudeep Reddy and Jane J. Kim
The Wall Street Journal 2008-02-08
Winter's damage
Food shortages predicted for China as country endures one of its harshest winters in 50 years. Impact already severe on fresh vegetables and some fresh fruits, official says, and if storm moves north, effect on the year's grain crop will be "noticeable." Some towns enduring food shortages after heavy snowfall impedes deliveries.
BBC News 2008-01-31
Claiming the future
Obesity-related diabetes epidemic now costs $174 billion annually through direct medical care, lost productivity, rising health-care premiums and co-payments, study shows. One million cases are diagnosed each year; trade group predicts that diet-related disease will handicap state, local economies, taking funds meant for education to care for patients instead.
By Liz Szabo
USA Today 2008-01-24
Yields up
As protestors in Indonesia, Mexico and Italy decry high food prices, analysts call commodities "recession-proof" and say that lingering food shortages in Asia and biofuels craze will have lasting effect on stock prices. One fund, specializing in corn, grain and oil seed, reports a 23 per cent return in the last six months.
By Ellen Kelleher
The Financial Times 2008-01-25
Less than enough
Cooking oil joins grains (and grain-fed meats) in soaring prices, adding new desperation to lives of urban poor, rural landless and small and marginal farmers for whom it is key source of calories. UN agency reports food riots in Guinea, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Senegal, Uzbekistan and Yemen. Experts say that U.S. shoppers haven't yet seen new prices at our supermarkets.
By Keith Bradsher
The New York Times 2008-01-19
Contraband cod
As "all the fish in the sea" comes to mean fewer and fewer, and conservation efforts increase, fish and chips becomes a delicacy and $1.6 billion black market grows in Europe. Sophisticated smuggling operation with mechanized fishing fleets practices destroy fish habitat and discard up to a third of the fish caught.
By Elisabeth Rosenthal
International Herald Tribune 2008-01-14
Grain larceny
Wheat, corn and soy prices soar, and thieves haul off tractor-trailers full of grain worth nearly $50,000 from storage silos in Western Kansas. It's a pattern, officials say, and it mirrors events in California when almond prices reached record high in 2007.
by Jason Beaubien
National Public Radio 2008-01-10
Tamping tensions
As Chinese New Year approaches, government announces temporary quota on exports of wheat, corn and rice powder to keep prices - and population - stable. Skyrocketing food prices, led by pork, fresh vegetables and fruit, and eggs pushed inflation to 11-year high.
By Vivian Wai-yin Kwo
Forbes.com 2008-01-02
Pricey rice
Soaring price of rice lures investors, but ripples are felt worldwide. High prices most hurt the world's poor, who spend a large part of their income on food. In Africa, rice prices have increased 40 percent since last year and were partly to blame for November riots in Senegal. Biofuels demand, rising population and weak dollar have depleted rice stores to 24-year low.
By Lauren Etter
The Wall Street Journal 2007-12-15
Bountiful harvest
With fertilizer subsidies, Malawi's new president oversees evolution from hunger and dependence on emergency food aid to surplus, with lower food prices and better wages for workers. Success illustrates role of agriculture in reducing poverty in Africa and the importance of investing in seeds, education and other support systems.
By Celia W. Dugger
The New York Times 2007-12-02
Opinion: Helping out
With 28 percent increase in donations of fruits and vegetables to food banks because of temporary tax break for farmers, ranchers and other small businesses, it's clear that Michigan representative's provision in pension bill should be made permanent.
By Vicki Escarra, President and CEO, America's Second Harvest
Detroit Free Press 2007-11-21
Seeking staples
Reacting to shortages, Venezuelans line up to buy subsidized milk, chicken, eggs, sugar, cooking oil and baby formula, though store racks are full of imported luxury foods. Economists blame surge in demand, but politicos wonder whether shopkeepers are controlling supply to create discord among supporters of President Hugo Chavez.
By Ian James
The Associated Press 2007-11-20
Miso rising
As soybean crops are diverted from food to biofuels, manufacturer raises miso prices by 10 percent. Miso, a soup base in Japanese cuisine, is a foundation of the diet and sometimes is eaten three times a day. Tofu and soy milk prices might show increases as well.
By Vittorio Hernandez
All Headline News 2007-11-15
Global food-print
The global food/agriculture sector, valued by World Bank at $4.8 trillion, is growing fast, because people are cooking less, abandoning countryside for cities and because of pricey healthful foods trend. But its biggest jump comes from voracious appetite of developing middle class for meat and for processed foods.
By Sarah Murray
Forbes.com 2007-11-15
Cost benefits
Population growth, migration and growing middle class craving sugar-and protein-rich processed foods strengthen long-term trend of rising food costs. Investors see profits in commodities and other agriculture-leaning investments.
By Mohammed Hadi
Wall Street Journal 2007-11-14
Fatal lunch
Reigniting worries over food safety standards, 13-year-old girl, 10-year-old boy and four others die after eating soup served at scrap collection business in China's central province of Hubei.
By Stephen McDonell
Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2007-11-14
UK bird flu
As Prime Minister orders review of UK food security and role of farming in climate change, avian flu outbreak slams poultry industry in countryside and is likely to send food prices soaring even higher as holidays approach.
By Valerie Elliott and Gary Duncan
The Times (UK) 2007-11-14
Opinion: Coming hunger
China and India, with burgeoning populations, face changing climate, water shortages and diminishing farmlands, and must boldly address pollution problems and infrastructure needs or they will be big customers on the world commodities market in 30 years.
By Hari Sud
United Press International 2007-11-06
Less for more
In Pakistan, Ramadan- and Eid-related demand for fruits, vegetables, milk, meat, poultry and cooking oil pushed September food prices up on a base of already-higher prices for wheat and flour. Experts expect decline beginning this month.
Daily Times (Pakistan) 2007-10-30
Holding prices
In effort to stop inflation, Russia's smaller retailers join major food producers and store chains in freezing prices of staple foods in months before elections; representative says that alcohol and other premium products, not bread, milk and eggs, are biggest moneymakers.
Thomson Financial News; Forbes; Rossiyskaya Gazeta 2007-10-26
Price panic
Food prices, already protested in Niger, Guinea, Yemen and Mexico, could trigger riots, warns Jacques Diouf, UN food chief; food costs require the bulk of poor citizens' incomes, with more than 2 billion living on $2 a day and vulnerable to price hikes in cereals, vegetable oils and dairy.
By David Brough
Reuters 2007-10-24
Opinion: Food costs
Scramble to keep food prices artificially low in Russia and other countries with subsidies, quotas, price controls and export taxes distorts the market, and once cheap food prices are in place, it's politically impossible to withdraw, editors say.
The editors
Financial Times (London) 2007-10-24
Bread for votes?
As elections near, major Russian food producers and retailers agree to freeze prices on milk, bread, eggs and cooking oil; other measures include raising export taxes on grain, intervention on the commodities market and reducing import for dairy products.
The Associated Press; International Herald-Tribune 2007-10-24
Not a drop
With seven percent of world's water and 20 percent of its population, China rollicks northward as concerns grow about dwindling water supplies, the worldwide economic impact of reducing wheat farming for conservation, and pervasive pollution of rivers and reservoirs.
By Jim Yardley
The New York Times 2007-09-28
Costly changes
Biofuels hunger plus growing middle class in Asia and Latin America drive worldwide demand for corn, wheat and other staples, causing tenacious hikes in grocery bills; grain stockpiles down to 30-year low and humanitarian groups worry about feeding world's poor.
By Scott Killman
Wall Street Journal 2007-09-28
Pass along
With global demand, drought-related crop failure and corn for ethanol replacing food crops, prices rise for wheat, dairy, corn, high-fructose corn syrup and crude oil; processed food and manufacturers begin shrinking packages and/or raising prices, and sales fall.
By Anjali Cordiero
The Wall Street Journal 2007-09-26
Corn conundrum
Praying to the god of corn has its price: nitrogen waste in the waterways, taxpayer money feeding the industry, low-nutrition meat from animals that eat it, but it provides a fertile field of medical research, and in Mexico, growing corn is the only way one farmer ensures his wife's tortillas have the authentic taste.
By Hugh Dellios
Chicago Tribune 2007-09-09
Price bite:
As China creates and begins to enforce stricter standards for food safety to restore confidence in the Made-in-China label, exports to U.S. fall, domestic growers cheer and American consumers see prices head upward.
By Don Lee
Los Angeles Times 2007-09-24
Trading places:
Canadian pork producers suffer as their currency rises against the dollar and wheat growers struggle as well; importers from U.S. are smiling as they bring in crates of lettuce and oranges.
The Canadian Press 2007-09-22
Your score:
To determine your environmental footprint of those restaurant dinners and other lifestyle choices, play this game from American Public Media.
By Christopher Kennedy, Michael Skoler and others
American Public Media and Realtime Associates, Inc. 2007-09-19
Opting out:
Inspired by environmental justice and groups that feed the homeless with surplus food, freegans in New York eschew capitalism and scavenge for groceries in the 50 million pounds of food garbage discarded annually; they favor D'Agostino's, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.
By Erika Hayasaki
Los Angeles Times 2007-09-11
Not so safe:
With imports flooding the borders and FDA food safety staff winnowed away over the last decade, agents can sometimes only provide a cursory inspection of a listed import; they inspect less than one percent of actual products.
By Stephen J. Hedges
Chicago Tribune 0000-00-00
A perfect storm?
As farmers eagerly switch from food crops to those for biofuels, ecological and social factors led by high food prices, meat-rich diets, dropping water supplies, climate change and the growing population threaten vast numbers of people with food and water shortages.
By John Vidal
The Guardian (UK) 2007-08-29
Opinion: Mountaintop mining
Bush administration's proposed legalization of high-altitude strip mining, with follow-up poisoning of Appalachian drinking water and fish habitats with dumped leftovers, will add converts to reaffirmation of Clean Water Act protections.
The editors
The New York Times (may require subscription) 2007-08-27
Backyard local:
Whether in miniscule back yards or near abandoned houses, urban farmers find every sunny spot and put it to use in effort to connect to their food; backyard chicken and egg trend in Salt Lake City is nothing short of coop d'etat.
By Chris Adamson
Salt Lake City Weekly 2007-08-23
Modified sugar:
Genetically modified sugar beet seed designed to resist Monsanto herbicide is gaining popularity among growers and processors, including American Crystal Sugar Co.; Wyoming Sugar Co., and Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative; farmers must pay $60 premium per acre, and GMO sugar won't carry special label.
Associated Press; CNN 2007-08-22
Grain base
Amber waves of wheat, once vital to Vermont's economy (and even part of the state seal), may return to the state fields, as bakers and locavores seek nearby sources and crops specialist uses USDA grant to grow three heirloom varieties - Surprise, Champlain and Defiance.
By Mel Huff
The Times Argus (VT) 2007-08-13
Immigration fears:
Growers, now hiring thousands of seasonal workers for peak harvest months, cry foul over crackdown on illegal immigrants, declaring it's an effort of government to look good at the expense of the people with the hardest and lowest paid jobs.
By Juliana Barbassa
Associated Press; Forbes.com 2007-08-16
Review:
Three books, "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life," "Plenty: One Man, One Woman and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally," and "Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future," explore the omnivore's dilemma, but only Bill McKibben, in "Deep Economy," looks at global problem.
By Laird Harrison
The News & Observer (NC) 2007-08-19
Seeking shelter:
Bumper crop of corn leaves farmers struggling for storage; existing facilities have more business than they can handle, and manufacturers of silos and storage equipment are stepping up production; some farmers may resort to old schoolhouses, airport hangars, caves, or even tarp-covered piles on the ground.
By Shelly Banjo
Wall Street Journal; Pantagraph.com (IL) 2007-08-18
Parched fields:
After scramble to plant more acreage in corn and cash in on ethanol craze, deepening drought and scorching temperatures shrivel farmers' dreams of record corn harvest in South and Southeastern states.
By Jim Nesbitt
The Sun-News (SC); McClatchy Newspapers 0000-00-00
In the money:
Bumper crops of corn and wheat, great weather, plus rising beef prices and ethanol craze, pump prosperity into midwest town, where big engagement rings are seen as flashy and it's unseemly to eat out twice a day or buy a new truck that isn't a copy of your old one.
By Kevin Helliker
Wall Street Journal; Daily Herald (IL) 0000-00-00
Orphan organics?
Though customers spend more than $14 billion a year on organics and depend on USDA label even for imports, USDA infrastructure, with nine staffers and a $1.5 million budget, languishes; other departments spend about $28 million a year on organic research, data collection and farmer assistance, but the department spent $37 million subsidizing farmers who grew dry peas, an $83 million crop, in 2005.
By Andrew Martin
The New York Times (may require subscription) 0000-00-00
Opinion: Illegals
Bush administration deserves credit for pushing immigration reform, but enforcement-only plan for handling illegal immigrants could create potentially devastating consequences for farmers at harvest season.
The editors
Denver Post 2007-08-14
Sugar-powered?
Canadian survey shows that productivity of hungry, sleepy workers can drop by 20 percent, that mid-afternoon lethargy often is fought with a sugary snack or a caffeine jolt, which might be because vending machines don't offer any more nutritiously attractive choices.
By Larry Johnsrude
The Edmonton Journal (Canada)
Wal-Mart's adventure:
When discount superstore partnership enters India through wholesale stores, obstacles will include supply chain made up of mostly small shopkeepers, long chains of middlemen, each of whom takes a cut, and up to 60 percent waste during food transport.
Wall Street Journal (may require subscription)
Reviews:
"The Zen of Fish," and "The Sushi Economy," offer lessons in how global economy works, dangers of over-fishing and how it thrives on demand, and why trout might not be the best choice for eating raw (think tapeworms).
By Stuart Biggs
bloomberg.com 2007-08-08
Blame it on corn?
Ethanol craze blamed for high prices across the supermarket, but other factors include surge in global food demand, high oil prices, uncooperative weather, and the slide of the dollar against other world currencies.
By Barrett Sheridan
Newsweek magazine
Energy-wise:
If refrigerator and other appliances are older than 10 years, it's likely that newer versions would be more efficient and cheaper to use, but don't put the old one in the basement - it will be a guzzler there as well.
By Ken Sheinkopf
The Ledger (Lakeland, FL)
Wheat increase:
With ethanol craze and escalating corn prices taking all the attention, worldwide drought has gone almost unnoticed, but it is driving wheat prices up; breadmakers are paying more for flour and weak dollar makes U.S. wheat attractive.
By Jeff Cox
CNNMoney.com
OPINION
New interactive map allows users to tract proliferation of factory farms by state and county - even number of animals - and it raises questions of whether we pursue the logic of industrialism to its limits, and how badly will it harm the landscape, the people who live in it and democracy itself?
The editors
The New York Times (may require subscription)
Saving water
Coca-Cola, Nestle, and Läckeby Water Group join other food, drink producers in UN agreement to use water more efficiently; lack of access to clean water and sanitation undermines humanitarian, social, environmental, and economic goals.
By Ahmed ElAmin
foodproductiondaily.com
OPINION
Current agricultural policies distort food costs, waste billions of taxpayer dollars, and subsidize a handful of large farming operations that raise a few selected crops - and subvert subsistence farmers across the globe by dumping cheap surplus goods at below-market prices.
By Senator Richard Lugar and Representative Ron Kind
The Modesto Bee (CA) 2007-07-15
Food/Farm bill:
It's a $70 billion annual bill, and before, only agribusiness cared, but a tsunami of activists now believes that its subsidies for corn and soy encourage diet-related disease and climate change; instead, they advocate money for sustainable and organic food production, agricultural conservation and for a priority on fresh, local fruits and vegetables.
By Carol Ness
San Francisco Chronicle