Replacing snacks with fresh fruit near cash register, offering children choice between two vegetables rather than simply requiring carrots, and accepting only cash for dessert changed buying patterns at school lunch, researchers learn. And: Items displayed prominently, at eye level, or first in line tend to be chosen more often than other items (click 'See also'). Compared with students with unrestricted food debit cards, those using cards that restricted choices to more healthful items ate significantly less added sugar, total fat, saturated fat, and caffeine and consumed fewer calories.

By Jane Black

The Washington Post 2009-11-06

See also

Moving away from the vegetable-free 'kids' meal' model

Children's tastes have become more sophisticated, yet at most restaurants, kids' menus are the same, plus they're often high in fat, sodium, and sugar - with no vegetable. Then there's lack of shared experience, what eating is all about. Two most important predictors after innate sweets preference are exposure and role modeling, says expert. Then there's reinforcement of giving children the same menu items over and over, with toys, crayons, games, which forms foundation of what they come to expect when going out for meals.

By Devra First

The Boston Globe 2009-11-04

Prison riot was over bad food, Kentucky lawmakers told

August riot at Kentucky prison was caused by inmate anger over bad food, corrections officer tells lawmakers. 'The food was slop.' Representative calls for investigation, files bill that would cancel $12 million annual contract of Aramark Correctional Services, food provider for Kentucky prisons. State contracted with firm in January 2005. Officials have said that with savings from contract, they gave corrections officers a nearly 7 percent raise in 2005, but another official says pay went up because work week was increased to 40 hours. And: Prisoners don't deserve coddling, but they deserve adequate meals, editors say (click 'See also').

By Valarie Honeycutt Spears

Lexington Herald-Leader 2009-11-07

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Beauty foods, poised for growth, subject to truth in ad rules

'Beauty from within' trend in food, drink, with claims of improving skin health has potential for major growth. Claims may resemble those on labels of cosmetics - for example, anti-wrinkle - but regulation falls under Europe's notoriously thorough, data-driven food industry rules that prohibit false advertising. Expert predicts more proven scientific data on product usage in near future, which will improve products' image. And: Food on plate trumps cosmetics for beauty (click 'See also').

By Katie Bird

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-11-05

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Pupils' free breakfast choices often sugary processed items

Nutrition experts warn that sugary processed foods Chicago Public Schools provides to children eating free breakfast make them sleepy and relaxed, and because such foods are digested quickly, children feel hungry well before lunchtime, making concentration difficult. Visits to schools show students pairing doughnuts with Frosted Flakes, syrupy French toast and juice. Health advocates say that's what happens when adults allow children as young as 5 to choose between oatmeal or Kellogg's Froot Loops. Chartwells-Thompson, city schools main caterer, defended brand promotion. And: Cut calories, add vegetables to school lunches, panel says (click 'See also')

By Monica Eng

Chicago Tribune 2009-11-05

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Opinion: Political pushback shows food movement making progress

In column, Marion Nestle, nutrition and public policy expert, says that pushback after Rome speech advocating food system that promotes better health, more sustainable agricultural production is evidence that food movement is making progress. Same goes for Michael Pollan, whose book, 'The Omnivore's Dilemma,' is high on campus reading lists. Agricultural interests (click 'See also' to read exchange of letters) twice this fall attempted to force universities to cancel speaking invitations.

By Marion Nestle

San Francisco Chronicle 2009-11-01

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Orange juice demand ramps up as swine flu continues

USDA

Swine flu, now present in 46 states, plus approaching winter season increases demand for orange juice, but Florida orange crop expected to be 16 percent smaller than last year after cold snaps last winter were followed by drought conditions, citrus disease. And: Immune boosters during cold/flu season include yogurt with probiotics, lemon juice, garlic, and brightly colored fruits and vegetables, especially orange ones like sweet potatoes and carrots (click 'See also').

By Tom Sellen

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-11-02

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Cocoa Krispies 'child's immunity' support claims challenged

San Francisco city attorney demands substantiation from Kellogg for claim on boxes of Cocoa Krispies that cereal 'now helps support your child's immunity.' And: Growing number of health and nutrition experts, fed up with misleading marketing ploys, say health claims on foods should be banned (click 'See also').

By Heather Knight

San Francisco Chronicle 2009-10-28

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Seeking federally funded school lunches in Canada

Leading food thinkers want Canada to create national, federally funded school food program as centerpiece for national food policy, arguing that it could address children's soaring obesity rates, poverty, learning challenges that come with poor nutrition. School food, they say, can teach policy makers to harness power of food to improve health, environment, agriculture, local economies. Lunch program in Scotland, with local procurement strategy, delivers fresh, unprocessed ingredients for school meals, pumped $466,460 into struggling region, reduced carbon footprint of each school.

By Margaret Webb

The Star (Toronto) 2009-10-13

Smart Choices labeling program halted after FDA warning

Industry-funded Smart Choices food labeling program halted days after FDA announces investigation into whether nutrition claims on fronts of packages were misleading. Agency also said it was developing proposed regulation to define criteria for front-of-package claims. And: Smart Choices, which includes nine major companies such as Kellogg, Kraft, General Mills, has been harshly criticized for giving its green seal to items such as Froot Loops, Cracker Jack (click 'See also').

By Lisa Richwine

Reuters 2009-10-23

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Sweden targets food in CO2 cutback plan; burger cravers cringe

In Sweden, new labels listing CO2 emissions associated with production of foods appearing on some grocery items and restaurant menus - and inducing guilt in customers craving burgers. About 25 percent of emissions produced by people in industrialized nations can be traced to food they eat, research shows. Among recommendations, which give equal weight to health, environment: Eat carrots because they don't need heated greenhouses to grow; reduce fish consumption since stocks are depleted.

By Elisabeth Rosenthal

The New York Times 2009-10-23

Lawmakers want pork bailout; dietitician says school children pay with their health

Lawmakers ask USDA to buy $100 million more pork - beyond the $30 million already announced - to protect industry from its economic troubles. Lawmakers say purchase could go for federal food assistance programs. And: Feds should be improving food served to children, not loading school meals with more pork and its saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, writes dietitian and nutrition director of activist group (click 'See also'). 'We've got to stop using school lunches as a dumping ground for high-fat meat products,' she says.

By Barbara Barrett

The News & Observer (NC) 2009-10-09

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School lunch provider turns out low-budget fresh meals

Though providing a tasty school meal can increase attendance, boost student focus and improve lifelong eating habits, federal deficit makes school lunch reform funding unlikely. But Revolution Foods turns out thousands of made-from-scratch meals that meet USDA standards for about $3 each (feds pay $2.68). Company shuns high-fructose corn syrup, serves only hormone- and antibiotic-free meat; it cuts deals with purveyors, offers payment plans for schools. Skeptic says that charter schools understand link between nutrition and education, but worries that taking on public school bureaucracies will be difficult. And: Businesses help close school meal funding gap (click 'See also').

By Jane Black

The Washington Post 2009-09-30

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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

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Luring supermarkets to underserved areas of New York

With blend of zoning and tax incentives, New York officials hope to lure new supermarkets to areas where fresh produce is scarce and where poverty, obesity and diabetes run high. Plan, adapted from successful Pennsylvania program (click 'See also'), targets large swaths of northern Manhattan, central Brooklyn and the South Bronx, as well as downtown Jamaica in Queens.

By Diane Cardwell

The New York Times 2009-09-24

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Some schools embrace buy-local movement but others left behind

youtube

Click 'See also' for video of students pleading for better school food.

Buy-local trend, which has popularized farmers' markets, farm harvest subscriptions reaches some school lunch programs. Farm to school initiative started at a few schools in California, Florida, North Carolina in late 1990s; USDA says 2,000-plus such programs are active in about 40 states. Programs bring fresh produce into schools, gives local small-farm owners chance to break into new market, and lets students meet farmers who visit schools and explain their work. And: San Francisco students make video pleading for better school food (click 'See also').

By Jenna Johnson

The Washington Post 2009-09-24

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Opinion: Waiting for substance from USDA on sustainability

USDA's new farm-to-community initiative is mostly symbol. Backbone of program is a new website for agency's existing 20-odd local-food support programs, plus extra $50 million to get more local produce into school cafeterias, as well as relaxing of rules on shipping meat, poultry across state lines. But most programs were made law in 2008 Farm Bill, which will dole out $35 billion in subsidies to agribusinesses for corn, wheat, soybeans. Until that changes, this is just talk.

By Barry Estabrook

Gourmet.com/Politics of the Plate 2009-09-17

Design contest winner would take produce to the people

Good magazine

In contest to redesign farmers' market to sell fresh, local produce to urban residents, winning designers found inspiration in culture of taco trucks, mobile libraries (click 'See also'). Their 'Farm on Wheels' called for hub market where farmers could sell their produce, fleet of electric trucks to take it to neighborhoods and sell it.

By Ariel Schwartz

Fast Company 2009-09-08

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FDA OKs nutrient-rich baobab fruit as ingredient

Beverly Joubert/National Geographic

Baobab fruit - with tart flavor between grapefruit, pear and vanilla; and rich vitamin, mineral, antioxidant content - OK'd by FDA as ingredient. Adansonia digitata, or 'upside-down' tree, grows primarily in Africa, is touted as natural, sustainable, fair trade option. And: In Africa, tree leaves are eaten as a vegetable, and the seeds can be eaten raw or roasted, or ground to make an edible oil and thickener for soups and stews (click 'See also'). Fruit can be peeled, sliced and cooked, or roasted, mashed or pureed.

By Rod Addy

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-09-11

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Bill would require school meals to reflect Dietary Guidelines

Blanche Lincoln, new Agriculture Committee chair of Senate, introduces 'Healthy Food for Healthy Schools Act of 2009' that would ensure school foods reflect most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans (click 'See also'), and, 'to maximum extent practicable,' that school nutrition programs purchase widest variety of healthful foods that reflect those guidelines.

By Blanche Lincoln

The Library of Congress 2009-09-08

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White House farmers' market begins this fall

New open-air farmers' market near White House will sell food raised by about 17 farms in Chesapeake Bay watershed. Organizers say market will underscore value of good nutrition espoused by president, first lady. A fresh produce market last stood nearby during administration of Thomas Jefferson. Vermont Avenue block, which carries 4,600 cars on average day, will be closed to traffic each Thursday afternoon and evening through Oct. 29.

By Jane Black and Ashley Halsey III

The Washington Post 2009-09-11

In EU, big snack makers slash ads targeted to children

Making good on EU pledge, snack food companies, including Mars, Kellogg's, Nestle, PepsiCo, Kraft, slash child-targeted ads by 93 percent. Monitoring took place in France, Italy, Germany, Ireland, Spain and Poland between January and May 2009 and looked at ads for which more than 50 percent of audience/readership was younger than 12. And: Federal Trade Commission says food makers spend some $1.6 billion annually in U.S. to advertise to children (click 'See also').

By Jess Halliday

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-09-11

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Donor disclosure rule upheld for lobbying groups

Public has right to know names of donors to trade groups lobbying on bills before Congress, federal appeals panel rules. And: Congress due to update, reauthorize Child Nutrition Act, which includes $9.3 billion National School Lunch Program and sets school food policy (click 'See also').

By Bart Jansen

CQ Politics 2009-09-08

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School meal reform 'birthright,' says chef; Congress may delay

Good nutrition is matter of social justice, says Ann Cooper, chef working to replace processed items with fresh fare on school meal trays. Parents should eat school meals to see what's served; cafeteria staff hired to heat-and-serve also must be trained to cook, and kitchens need cooking equipment. And: As Congress focuses on economic recovery, health care reform, food safety, climate change, reauthorization of Child Nutrition Act, which funds school meals, faces likely delay (click 'See also').

By Jennifer LaRue Huget

The Washington Post 2009-09-04

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Processed food makers advertise their products as 'smart choices'

Sugar-laden cereals, heavily salted packaged meals among hundreds of processed items now advertised as 'Smart Choice' by nation's largest food manufacturers and overseen by Tufts University dean. Campaign prompts letter of potential concern from FDA. 'You could start out with some sawdust, add calcium or Vitamin A and meet the criteria,' says critic. 'Horrible choices,' says another. And: Heart association recommends sugar limits (click 'See also').

By William Neuman

The New York Times 2009-09-05

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Following the money at NIH easier with online tool

New online reporting tool (click 'See also') combines NIH project databases and funding records, PubMed abstracts, full-text articles from PubMed Central, and information from U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to find descriptions, funding details on NIH-funded projects - nutrition and otherwise - plus research results that cite NIH support.

National Institutes of Health 2009-09-04

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WIC food aid packages aligned to 2005 Dietary Guidelines

Food packages for WIC (Women, Infants and Children), revised for first time since early '90s, now aligned with 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (click 'See also'). New packages will contain checks for fruits, vegetables; participants will be encouraged to use whole grains, brown rice. Allotments will provide less saturated fat and cholesterol, more fiber.

By Nancy Hicks

Lincoln Journal Star (NE) 2009-08-23

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Window opens wide for school meals reform efforts

School food reform efforts, pushed by diet-related disease epidemic and nurtured by Obama administration, take root. USDA focusing on improving student health through better food, expected to upgrade nutrition standards this year. Agency also is studying farm-to-school, urban school food programs. NY senator's bill would ban trans fats, allow USDA to set tougher standards for a la carte items sold alongside subsidized school lunches. And: School lunch program, part of Child Nutrition Act that Congress takes up this fall, is focused path to food policy reform (click 'See also').

By Kim Severson

The New York Times 2009-08-19

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Grocer, activist chef join forces for better school lunches

chefann.com

Whole Foods Market joins Ann Cooper, chef, to improve school lunches. 'This is the social justice issue of our time, and schools have no money to help solve the problem,' says Renegade Lunch Lady. Co-president of upscale grocery store, chef plan to go to Washington to try to persuade lawmakers to improve the federal school meals programs in Child Nutrition Act, up for renewal this fall.

By Mary MacVean

Los Angeles Times 2009-08-13

Better foods fuel students' attention, test scores at nonprofit school

Huge woks full of vitamin-fortified spicy eggplant, ground pork and vegetables pay off at Beijing school for children of migrant workers. Children show longer attention spans, higher marks on standardized test, helping transform what once was nutritional experiment into part of school's mission to educate previously ignored population. And: Analysis had shown that the middle-schoolers in Daxing were deficient in vitamins A and B, and also had iron-deficiency anemia (click 'See also').

By Anthony Kuhn

National Public Radio/Weekend Edition 2009-05-31

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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

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In organic-conventional nutrition studies review, concern over scientific standards

Review of studies on nutritional content of organic and conventional produce says there are few differences (click 'See also'), but big concern is standard of science. Of 162 field trials, farm surveys and basket surveys from 1958 to 2008, only 55 contained sufficient information for inclusion in analysis. Review didn't address public health or environmental benefits of organic production methods such as regulating chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.

By Jess Halliday

nutraingredients.com/ Decision News Media 2009-07-30

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USDA organic certification erodes as market share grows

USDA

As processed, packaged food makers increase market share of organics - now a $23 billion annual business - USDA bows to lobbying pressure, relaxes stringent standards to allow non-organic ingredients, additives, processing agents. National Organic Program, by not issuing growing, treatment, production standards, has created haphazard system that leaves private certifiers to set organic standards. And: USDA seeking replacement for Barbara Robinson, program's acting director (click 'See also').

By Kimberly Kindy and Lyndsey Layton

The Washington Post 2009-07-03

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Two-for-one deal lures SNAP clients to farmers' markets

Needy families flock to farmers' market for program that doubles value of food stamps and fruit and vegetable coupons for low-income mothers, seniors. Goal, says organizer, is to show feds that matching works: 'A single dollar of stimulus impacts nutrition, helps farmers, stimulates the economy and provides a direct investment in reducing health-care costs.' Food stamps create $1.73 worth of economic activity for every dollar spent, study shows.

By Jane Black

The Washington Post 2009-05-27

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

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With eye on profits, food firms push health, wellness products

Health, wellness food products leap past other processed foods as economic downturn settles in. Major processors use sector as strategic pillar. Nestle, says expert, seeks to 'transform itself into a nutrition, health and wellness company' to sell more products.

By Shane Starling

nutraingredients.com/ Decision News Media 2009-05-20

Food on plate trumps cosmetics for beauty, studies show

Food more vital to beauty than cosmetics, studies show. Tops for skin: green tea, citrus fruits, pomegranate, spinach, collard greens, broccoli, romaine lettuce, egg yolks, wild salmon, walnuts, flax, canola oil, soybeans, sardines. For skin: bell peppers, whole grain cereals, peanut butter, avocado. For hair: spinach, broccoli, Swiss chard, legumes. For general health: canned light tuna, whole wheat pasta, lean beef, shrimp, turkey, brown rice. Save supplements for deficiencies, medical needs, says expert.

By Jodi Mailander Farrell

Mcclatchy-Tribune; Newsday 2009-05-18

Health claims put Cheerios in drug category, FDA declares

Health claims on Cheerios box put breakfast cereal in drug category, FDA tells General Mills. Product label says cereal can lower cholesterol by 4 percent; FDA said naming a percentage requires approved new drug application. Company-sponsored website also cited for health claims regarding whole grains.

By Jennifer Corbett Dooren

Dow Jones Newswires 2009-05-12

Radical chef transforming Baltimore's school lunch program

Gourmet.com

Tony Geraci served 82,000 local peaches to Baltimore students on the first day of school last fall; for some children, it was their first taste of a fresh peach.

Tony Geraci runs Baltimore schools food service and campaigns for it, renovating old farm as incubator for gardens he wants at each of 200-plus schools, planning for student-run cafes with goal of involving students in food at every step. Students deserve to eat delicious, healthful meals; those meals help students learn, says chef and former chicken nuggets broker turned radical. About 74 percent of 83,000 students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. And: 'We've lost an entire generation of children to obesity and poor nutrition, and we're about to lose another one if we don't reach our hands into the fire and pull them back out and start doing the right thing,' he says (click 'See also').

By Jane Black

The Washington Post 2009-05-06

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Biotech milk hormone effort vetoed in Kansas

Kansas governor vetoes milk disclaimer labeling bill, citing overwhelming opposition by consumer groups, small producers, retailers who want to know which milk is from cows untreated with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBST). Kathleen Sibelius, Obama pick for HHS, also cites patchwork labeling requirements, state to state, that would cost too much.

By Beth Martino

Office of the Governor, Kansas 2009-04-23

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Hair analysis tells tale of dietary changes - or not

Strand of hair is record of dietary changes over time. In elephant family in Kenya, ratio of isotopes of carbon, other elements in hair indicated whether animals were eating grasses, trees, shrubs and how water supply is changing. And: Hair tests show that many Americans are walking corn chips, says plant biologist (click 'See also').

By Henry Fountain

The New York Times 2009-04-13

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Opinion: Revamp school lunches to reflect diet-health link

As politicians debate bonuses and bailouts, surely we can agree that improving children's health is best investment for nation's future. Congress should ensure that USDA selects foods for school lunches based on current scientific evidence about role of diet in health. And: Federal nutrition programs are feeble whisper against howling scream of trash food marketing, writes columnist (click 'See also').

By Kathryn Strong

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine/The Miami Herald 2009-04-09

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Food deserts must bloom along with Obamas' new White House garden

It's not enough for Michelle Obama to laud the fresh vegetable, and plant a backyard garden. She must use her considerable influence to help bring fresh food to poor, urban neighborhoods, those "food deserts" where there's nary an unfried potato to be found. And: Cities take on their own grocery gaps (click 'See also').

The editors

The New York Times 2009-03-21

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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

See also

Reason discovered for feeling your oats till lunch

Oatmeal breakfast works to suppress appetite, maintain feeling of fullness because foods with low glycemic index increase levels of GLP-1 gut hormone production in blood. Findings are step in understanding role of such foods in weight control, balanced diet, say researchers, who plan larger study. Oatmeal sales grew by 81 percent from 2000-'05.

By Lindsey Partos

nutraingredients.com/ Decision News Media 2009-03-24

Analysis: Global appetites spur agriculture growth

Agriculture grows as more people achieve better nourishment through more grain, a lot more meat, much more milk. Meat and grain prices up 30 percent to 50 percent above averages a decade ago; demand for olive oil (replacing pork fat), continues to grow in China, elsewhere. Monsanto, other agribusinesses, posting strong gains; investment firms buy farmland in far-flung countries, including Morocco, Algeria, Pakistan, Syria, Vietnam, Thailand, Sudan and India.

The Economist 2009-03-19

With economic downturn, a return to nutritious basics

Karla Cook/The Food Times

Basing family diet on low-calorie, high-nutrient foods improves health of family, cuts amount spent on food. Lobster alternatives include potatoes, eggs, beans, low-fat or nonfat yogurt, milk, carrots, kale or collards, onions, bananas, apples, peanut butter (major brands have not been recalled - click 'See also'), almonds, lean meats, tomatoes, broccoli, fish, frozen produce. Slow cooker makes process easier.

By Jane E. Brody

The New York Times 2009-03-03

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Testing 'organic' becomes feasible for milk

Researcher learns that organic milk in Germany has alpha-linolenic acid concentration above a certain percentage and carbon-isotope ratios below a certain level. Differences are based on feeding - pasture-derived for organic, or corn. And: Tofu, soybeans, canola, walnut and flaxseed, and their oils also contain alpha-linolenic acid (LNA), which can become omega-3 fatty acid in the body (click 'See also').

By Henry Fountain

The New York Times 2009-03-02

Sneaky veggies catching on with food manufacturers

Hiding fruits, vegetables in kid-friendly foods is emerging trend for food item manufacturers, gives rise to new products. Additive and preservative-free is largest claim category for children's foods, mirrors overall trend toward 'clean labels.' And: Tips to get kids to eat their - home-cooked - veggies (click 'See also').

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-02-09

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New USDA head backs school gardens, food policy councils - and all eaters

Tom Vilsack, new USDA head, says agency constituency extends past commercial farming to those who eat. He backs creation of school, urban community gardens, which link what children eat to knowing where it comes from; creating state food policy councils; and in nurturing market for organic and whole foods. First challenge: Improve Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, up for renewal.

By Jane Black

The Washington Post 2009-02-05

A wish list for delivery to Obama

Activists, chefs, farmers in Illinois, full of hope with Obama administration, name a few changes they would like to see: Truth in labeling, better food safety, local food infrastructure support, encouragement of new farmers, commitment to urban agriculture and adequately funding school food programs.

By Monica Eng

Chicago Tribune 2009-02-04

Book review: Tending our bodies, wallets and the planet, recipe by recipe

In practical, revolutionary new book, Mark Bittman offers simple prescription for weight loss, environmentalism and penny-pinching: Eat less meat, less junk food and more plants. Unlike Michael Pollan, he offers can-do recipes. The hitch: So many Americans lack life skill of basic cooking - a repertoire of quick and uncomplicated recipes, understanding of improvisation, the ability to stock a pantry, planning menus to limit food shopping trips.

By Laura Miller

Salon.com 2009-01-05

Opinion: Don't force-feed us calorie information

Harping on calories doesn't help when family members do it, and is trite, presumptive, costly when government does. Making restaurants post calorie counts - goal of new Massachusetts program to combat obesity - is ineffective (click 'See also'), infringes on liberties, paves way for warning labels on Oreos and government-dictated diets.

By Jeff Jacoby

The Boston Globe 2009-01-11

See also

The starter list for low-cost, high-taste meals

Eating well, yet cheaply, means shopping perimeter of store and skipping the packaged items (click 'See also'). Nutritious, delicious items for less than $1 a serving: oats, eggs, kale, potatoes, apples, nuts, bananas, chickpeas, broccoli, watermelon, wild rice, beets, butternut squash, whole grain pasta, sardines, spinach, tofu, milk, pumpkin seeds, coffee.

By Tara Parker-Pope

The New York Times 2008-12-29

See also

Targeting nation's linked problems of hunger, obesity

Public health advocates, pointing to diet-related disease epidemic and record levels of food stamp use, look to skirt paternalism but to link food assistance, school meals to good nutrition. Program that doubles value of food stamps and fruit and vegetable vouchers of low-income mothers, seniors at farmers' markets in San Diego is instant hit - sales soared by more than 200 percent.

By Jane Black

The Washington Post 2008-12-24

Nutrition counts for Philly restaurants in 2010

Philadelphia mayor signs strong menu labeling law that requires most chain restaurants to display calorie, fat, other nutrition information starting in 2010. Most of city's cheesesteak joints are stand-alone shops or small chains and won't be subject to law.

By Maryclaire Dale

The Associated Press; International Herald Tribune 2008-12-18

Analysis: Obama's USDA pick hails from top corn, hog, ethanol state

msnbc

If Tom Vilsack confirmed as USDA secretary, Iowa (No. 1 in corn, hogs, ethanol) will have one of its own heading agency that dispenses federal crop subsidies, controls nearly two million acres of Iowa land, regulates state's many slaughterhouses. He's sympathetic to agribusiness giants, supports biofuels, agricultural biotechnology. And: Former governor will oversee $95 billion budget, with bulk going to nutrition - food stamps, school lunches (click 'See also').

By Philip Brasher

The Des Moines Register 2008-12-16

See also

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

Bacteria in our bodies to blame for obesity, other ills?

New cell biology field probes bacteria inside us, which outnumber our human cells and show regional differences - maybe an Inuit's bacteria help digest Cheerios but an Argentine's wouldn't (click link to listen). Some may cause obesity, and could be changed, but then what? Balance is fragile - certain bacteria linked to stomach ulcers, but kill them with antibiotics, and patients get more asthma, hay fever, allergies, eczema.

By Robert Krulwich

National Public Radio/All Things Considered 2008-11-04

Two nutrition experts list food industry secrets

Food industry would rather us not notice: its billions spent on ads to children; its donations to nutrition associations; its lobbying that has made food labels confusing; its minimizing of health concerns related to its products; that it fronts groups that fight obesity and that it tries to discredit critics. Opinion: Modifiable diet factors cause much more illness, death than car crashes, nutrition professor, pediatrician say (click 'See also').

By Adam Voiland

U.S. News & World Report 2008-10-17

See also

China's tainted milk scandal touches Hong Kong

Hong Kong toddler found to have kidney stone after drinking tainted milk products daily for 15 months; in China, four children have died and thousands are ill. China's dairy producers vowed to improve quality of products and make appropriate reparations to victims. Nearly 10 percent of milk, drinkable yogurts sampled there shown to contain melamine.

By Jeffrey Hodgson, Kirby Chien, David Chance and Manny Mogato

Reuters 2008-09-21

Past nuggets and noodles, and a child's clamped mouth

Raising good little eaters begins with serving variety of foods. Six strategies: Involve them in cooking, encourage a taste of new foods but remain neutral in face of refusal, stock only healthful foods and give children free access, teach good dietary habits by your own balanced diet, dress up the vegetables, and serve a new food 15 times before concluding the child won't eat it.

By Tara Parker-Pope

The New York Times 2008-09-14

Eating less meat best choice for planet, expert says

Eat less meat to make personal difference in climate change, says authority on global warming. Diet change will have impact because of greenhouse gas emissions, habitat destruction linked to rearing cattle and other animals. And: Food emissions occur mostly during production (83 percent), with transportation contributing 11 percent (click 'See also').

By Juliette Jowit

The Observer (UK) 2008-09-07

See also

Clone-derived products meeting resistance

As products from cloned animals and their offspring begin to trickle into food stores, consumer and animal-welfare groups report sending FDA 150,000 letters opposing label-free decision. Government panel says organic and cloned are mutually exclusive, but USDA hasn't yet agreed. Ben & Jerry's has pledged not to knowingly use such products.

By Jane Zhang and Julie Jargon

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-09-02

Slow Food for fast progress, organizers say

To make progress on energy, health care and climate change, food must be addressed, says Michael Pollan, author and an organizer of four-day Slow Food Nation event. Co-organizer Alice Waters advocates persuasion via the palate. The group hopes to convince Americans to reject fast, cheap food and choose organic, local agriculture and to return to the kitchen.

By J.M. Hirsch

The Associated Press; Austin American-Statesman 2008-08-29

The ever-growing links of fiber and health

As understanding of fiber expands, companies develop items to exploit benefits. Researchers now understand that fiber, by way of friendly bacteria called probiotics, provides fuel to the colon, in addition to improving cholesterol, slowing sugars' entrance to bloodstream and speeding transit of food through body. Good sources of fiber: fruits, beans and whole grains.

By Mark Anthony

FoodProcessing.com 2008-08-01

Processed food industry spends $1.6 billion to target children

www2.kelloggs.com

Some Kellogg's Eggo products advertised for sale a pirate bandana 'like the one worn by Jack Sparrow' in a 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie.

Pitches for sodas, restaurant items, boxed cereals led $1.6 billion in spending to sell processed food items to children in 2006, FTC report says. Beyond that 63 percent, $860 million aimed for children 12 and younger; $1 billion was directed at adolescents. And: In 1999, candy and snack ad spending was $1 billion; USDA spent $333 million on nutrition education, evaluation, and demonstrations (click 'See also').

By Bob Dart

Cox News Service/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2008-07-29

See also

Watermelon benefits, beyond deliciousness

Citrulline in watermelon and its rind relaxes blood vessels and could benefit heart, circulatory and immune systems, researcher reports. Eating the fruit also could help with angina, high blood pressure. But the trick is eating enough: six cups. Also: Watermelon could aid in diabetes treatment (click 'See also').

By Betsy Blaney

The Associated Press; Austin American-Statesman 2008-07-02

See also

Growing high school graduation rates in hockey rink-turned-garden

In effort to increase graduation rates of native American students and teach them about science, nutrition, food costs and medicine, Minnesota medical school plants garden in hockey rink. The gardens, which are blessed each morning, show how individuals, planted in good soil, can grow into something really spectacular as well, says advocate.

By Jana Hollingsworth

Duluth News Tribune 2008-06-27

Chains' calories, fat grams often undercounted

Many health-conscious foods at Chili's, Taco Bell, Applebee's and other chains contained as much as twice the calories and eight times the fat claimed on published data, investigation shows. Macaroni Grill's 'Pollo Margo Skinny Chicken,' was advertised at 500 calories with 6 grams of fat but had 1,022 calories and 49 grams of fat.

By Isaac Wolf

Scripps Howard News Service 2008-05-21

Breastfeeding bonus

In study of 14,000 children in Belarus, researchers see higher intelligence in those who were breastfed, but they're unsure whether the credit goes to the milk, the bond, or a combination of both.

BBC News 2008-05-06

Eat well, keep moving

Researchers now probing broader eating patterns, rather than reducing a diet to its essential foods and then foods to their essential nutrients to isolate those that may contribute to good health. And inactivity is dangerous: Inactive obese women are two and a half times more likely to develop heart disease than lean active women or even obese active women, study shows (click 'See also.')

By Katherine Hobson

U.S. News & World Report 2008-04-07

See also

Matching aid to nutritional needs

In fall of 2009, the 8 million-plus WIC participants permitted to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and soy-based products. Amounts of cheese, eggs and fruit juice will be limited. Change is first in 35-year history and is more consistent with the government's dietary guidelines. Also planned: fruit and vegetable cash-value vouchers for grocery stores and farmers markets.

By Susan Bowerman

Los Angeles Times 2008-04-28

Smoothie moves

Strawberries and raspberries add depth to the Hannah Banana Smoothie.

Kids discover cooking can be fun and moms discover kids who cook are also interested in healthy eating. That edible creativity grows into prize-winning recipes. Other benefits: music, good talks and laughing. One child, an avid athlete, links good food he cooks and eats to his performance at game time. Another takes smoothies to a new level. For recipes, click 'See also.'

By Nancy Churnin

The Dallas Morning News 2008-04-22

See also

Modifying the menu

USDA

Government launches menu-planning tool based on dietary guidelines set in 2005. Planner also provides tips on reaching goals - incorporating oatmeal as a whole grain, for instance. Agency hopes to expand program to include nutritional needs of nursing mothers and for preschool children. Click 'See also' for site.

By Heather Terwilliger

USA Today 2008-03-26

See also

Opinion: Baby faces of hunger

Food, energy prices affecting our most vulnerable children; increase seen in anemic and underweight babies in cities, indicating later limits on their educational achievement and impaired ability to work. Food stamps won't pay for a healthy diet. Policies that help low-income children succeed belong on all candidates' agendas.

By Mariana Chilton and John Cook

The Inquirer (PA) 2008-04-01

See also

Mom's right, again

Researchers find that teens who eat breakfast have lower body mass index. Study found that breakfast eaters eat more carbohydrates and fiber and less fat and exercised more. Eating healthy breakfast promotes healthy eating throughout the day, says researcher, who examined eating and exercise habits of 1,007 boys and 1,215 girls in Minnesota.

By Nicholas Bakalar

The New York Times 2008-03-25

See also

Beyond salt and sugar

Though most food additives are safe, the list can be perplexing. This chart from the Center for Science in the Public Interest can help shoppers know their butylated hydroxyanisole from their cochineal extract. Best to avoid: sodium nitrite, saccharin, caffeine, olestra, acesulfame K, and artificial coloring.

Center for Science in the Public Interest 2008-03-01

Eating fresh on the cheap

Eating three servings of fruits and four servings of vegetables cost as little as 64 cents daily in 1999, data shows. A price analysis of 69 fruits and 85 vegetables showed that more than half cost about 25 cents or less per serving, federal government reported in 2004.

By Jane Reed, Elizabeth Frazão, and Rachel Itskowitz

USDA Economic Research Service 2008-01-23

See also

Deciphering labels

Confused by labels? Here's a handy guide that explains fat-free, organic, low-fat and light, as well as trans fats, low sodium and whole grains.

By Keri Glassman

CBS News 2008-03-05

Filling grocery gaps

Cities take on their own food deserts, where Twinkies are easier to buy than tomatoes. Successes include Philadelphia's Fresh Food Financing Initiative, which has placed supermarkets in poor urban areas and refrigerators in corner stores; and in Troy, N.Y., a mobile fruits and vegetables market that delivers to low-income neighborhoods.

By Chris Kenning and Jessie Halladay

USA Today 2008-01-24

See also

Eating to thrive

With nutrition coach, reporter lowers cholesterol the old-fashioned way - with increased exercise and increased consumption of delicious (and particularly nutritious) foods, including almonds, eggplant, white beans with escarole and tomato, steel-cut oats, roasted soybeans, flaxseed and Brussels sprouts.

By Thomas M. Burton

The Wall Street Journal 2003-07-22

See also

Nutrition and liquor

Regulators propose nutrition- and alcohol-content labeling for products of $160 billion beer, wine and liquor industry, and all have competing concerns about cost, placement and shape. But consumers want to know alcohol content by volume and in fluid ounces by serving. Tobacco, Tax and Trade Bureau is accepting comments; click "See also," below.

By Cindy Skrzycki

The Washington Post; Bloomberg News 2008-01-22

See also

Delicious, nutritious

In the apple-a-day category, nutrition specialists recommend that we make these foods a habit: spinach, yogurt, tomatoes, carrots, blueberries, black beans, oats and walnuts. Plus, their simple tips on working them into our diets with a minimum of fuss.

Ben Hewitt

BestLife; Men's Health 2008-01-08

Fabulous four

Eating fruits and vegetables and drinking in moderation pairs with regular exercise and eschewing smoking for four habits that add 14 years to life, British study reports. Social class and weight didn't seem to matter, researchers said.

By Maria Cheng

The Associated Press; Wired magazine 2008-01-08

See also

Rainbow's richness

Eating a rainbow on the plate pleases the eye, delights the palate and provides a wholesome diet, and it's easy to do. The notion was popularized with the U.S. government's 5-a-day campaign that urged residents to eat five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily.

By Bae Ji-sook

The Korea Times 2008-01-06

Five easy pieces

Snapping ourselves out of holiday mode and into delicious and nutritious eating means choosing five powerhouse foods: beans, blueberries, eggs, salmon and sweet potatoes.

By Kim Pierce

The Dallas Morning News 2007-12-31

See also

Bioprospecting

Amherst ethnobotanist searches world for plants that hold cures and vitality for humans, but must take care to compensate natives for knowledge and culture. One of his finds is maca. In Peru, the root vegetable is used in soups, cakes, juice and candy; researchers link it to enhanced stamina, reduced risk of prostate cancer and an increase in quality and quantity of sperm.

By Andrew Downie

The New York Times 2008-01-01

Dark story

Dark chocolate might not be as delightful as we thought, since many manufacturers remove beneficial flavanols because they're bitter, says medical journal. And, says the Lancet, flavanol content rarely is mentioned on the label, so we can't tell what's good for us and what's merely full of fat and sugar.

BBC News 2007-12-24

Chocolate Rx

Enjoying the "golden years" means indulging moderately in dark chocolate, red wine and in pleasures of socializing, along with weight maintenance and sensible exercise, says author and geriatrics specialist.

BY Kay Quinn

St. Louis Post-Dispatch 2007-12-17

Brand power

In study of 63 preschoolers, researchers find that children prefer tastes of foods and drinks if they thought they were from McDonald's, with the effect stronger among children with more television sets at home and among those who eat at McDonald's more often. Results suggest that branding could improve young children's eating behaviors.

By Thomas N. Robinson, MD; Dina L. G. Borzekowski, Donna M. Matheson, and Helena C. Kraemer

Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine 2007-08-01

Opinion/Blog: Goods on garlic

Garlic may boost hydrogen sulfide production in our bodies, which helps relax blood vessels, increases blood flow and may prevent damage to heart muscle from heart attack. For benefits, eat at least two cloves a day, crushed and left at room temperature for 15 minutes, or snack on garlicky hummus with vegetables.

By Tara Parker-Pope

The New York Times 2007-10-15

Good bones

Strong bones throughout life require a consistent foundation of calcium-rich foods, vigorous exercise and plenty of sunshine, for vitamin D. Children's needs grow as they do. Dietary sources of calcium include dark leafy greens, broccoli, milk, cheese and yogurt.

The Associated Press; San Francisco Chronicle 2007-11-26

Opinion: Promoting health

With 500,000 or more people in Chicago - mostly low-income African-American and Hispanic areas - living in food deserts, it's time for city to attract supermarkets that sell the fresh meat, produce and frozen foods that are essential to a healthy lifestyle.

The editors

Chicago Sun-Times 2007-11-25

Drink up

Partial fasting - drinking only water for 24 hours once a week - as way to tune up glucose regulation, reduce sugar cravings and lower blood pressure, is gaining proponents in medical field.

By Patricia Neighmond

National Public Radio 2007-11-21

Super food

Cranberries, likely in the smallest bowl on the Thanksgiving table, are nutritional superheroes, high in compounds thought to reduce risk of chronic disease, slow the spread of cancer, increase effectiveness of chemotherapy, fight stomach bugs and tooth decay and reduce damage from strokes. Native Americans were using them when the Pilgrims arrived.

By Lee Dye

ABC News 2007-11-21

Just a taste

Establishing a carbohydrate budget - skipping the second buttered roll so we can have dessert later - and practicing portion control can help diabetics maintain control of blood sugar, and the rest of us maintain same clothing size throughout the feasting season.

United Press International 2007-11-19

Food for health

It's the whole foods, not the specific nutrients, that help us achieve general health and well-being, and it's time shift the focus toward food synergy - nutrition in regard to a healthy human body.

Journal of Nutrition Reviews; University of Minnesota; Science Daily 2007-11-07

Fertile territory

For women whose infertility is blamed on ovulation disorder, chances of pregnancy are enhanced by diet rich in nuts and avocados, olive oil, abundant vegetable protein, whole grains, and iron-rich foods, say Harvard researchers.

Reuters 2007-10-31

Pasta problem

When we crave Italian food, Olive Garden and Romano's Macaroni Grill are ready, but most pasta dishes there are piled with 1,000-plus calories and a day's worth of saturated fat, or more. At Olive Garden, try Venetian Apricot Chicken (450 calories) and Pork Filettino (with vegetables, 340 calories). At Macaroni, we're safe with Pollo Magro "Skinny Chicken" (330 calories) and Simple Salmon (590 calories).

Center for Science in the Public Interest 2007-10-31

Falling short

Citing ills of industrial farming, pollution, and epidemics of obesity and diabetes, reform-minded citizens react to status-quo farm/food bill with emotions ranging from disappointment to fury, while faintly applauding increased funds for produce farmers, organic farming, conservation, and fruits and vegetables for schoolchildren.

By Carol Ness

San Francisco Chronicle 2007-11-01

Organic picks

If we can't afford to buy all organic foods for our families, there are a few foods that experts believe are more important than others: milk, potatoes, peanut butter, ketchup, apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, red raspberries, spinach and strawberries.

By Phuong Cat Le

Seattle Post-Intelligencer (WA) 2007-10-24

Organic nutrition

Newcastle University study shows that some organic foods may be more nutritious than conventionally grown counterparts; milk, in particular has great benefits, with 60 percent more antioxidants and fatty acids, researcher says.

By Ian Sample

The Guardian (UK) 2007-10-29

Sour on sweets

Excess sugar intake shown to encourage skin wrinkles and dullness, study shows; author recommends reading labels (a teaspoon of sugar equals 4 grams) and replacing the sweet stuff with more antioxidant-rich fruits, nuts, and vegetables, such as cranberries, walnuts, and red bell peppers.

By Karyn Repinski

Prevention magazine; MSNBC 2007-10-21

In the genes

Garlic lovers and coffee drinkers likely inherited tastes from their parents, say researchers at King's College London who studied food preferences of more than 10,000 sets of twins; news might predict limited success of government's effort to change children's diets.

By Rebecca Smith

The Telegraph (Great Britain) 2007-10-24

Fasting and faster?

Fasting for Ramadan was no hindrance in performance for Denver Broncos' Hamza Abdullah and other professional athletes who cite better focus with hunger, but others find water, nutrition depletion a distraction.

By Neil MacFarquhar

The New York Times 2007-10-13

Doing the math

Nutrition labels, with information in percentages, and physicians' recommendations, in milligrams, means we don't obtain enough calcium, and possibly other nutrients, studies show; FDA, on website, instructs us to add a 0 to the percentage daily value to translate to milligrams.

Science Daily; University of Wisconsin 2007-10-05

Power food

As China's economy booms, its military hires dietitians and the soldier's diet improves in quality and variety; rice and wheat consumption drops as that of animal protein goes up, and Mao's time of troops' digging wild vegetables seems distant.

China Daily 2007-10-05

Word play

As concerns grow over the origins and safety of what we eat, manufacturers and grocers respond with a positive yet puzzling new vocabulary, and consumers are left wondering about the differences between "organic" and "natural."

By Andrea Weigl

The News & Observer (NC) 2007-10-03

See also

Sushi prerequisite

As colleges evolve into new view of students as customers, cafeterias begin buying locally, thinking sustainably and replacing mystery meat with offerings like pesto-crusted pork loin and oven-roasted beef with black-pepper demiglace; at Bowdoin, if the food tastes like Mom makes, that's because it's Mom's recipe.

By Bonny Wolf

National Public Radio 2007-10-01

A need, met:

Mom's quest for a high-nutrition bar her daughters would eat (aided by her expertise in nutrition and diet) has grown into Manna Gourmet, a New Jersey company that makes the bars in five flavors as well as whole-grain, high-fiber cookies, with and without chocolate.

By Sally Friedman

Philadelphia Inquirer 2007-09-16

True or false?

A quiz to determine your knowledge of sodium content in the food you eat, from the American Heart Association.

By Gwen Schoen

Sacramento Bee 2007-09-16

Teaching respect:

Norway's Bastoey Prison now operates with ecologically sound food production, solar panels, wood-fire heating instead of oil and strict recycling to teach its 115 inmates respect for environment and for others.

Money and power:

The farm/food bill, now in Senate, covers land conservation, food stamps, school snacks and foreign aid, but it's really about politics and money; House agriculture chair declares that advocates for change were pushing too hard, but Bush likely would veto its version.

By Stephen J. Hedges

Chicago Tribune 2007-08-13

Letters: Future health:

It's the 303 million overfed and undernourished Americans who deserve nutritional health and better food safety through the farm/food bill being debated in Congress, writes nutrition professional.

By Connie Diekman

President, American Dietetic Association; Chicago Tribune 2007-08-28

Growing lessons:

Austin-based non-profit group adds school gardens and farm-to-fork program to agenda that includes teaching low-income residents garden programs and how to sell produce they grow at farmers' markets.

By Paul Brown

News8Austin (TX) 0000-00-00

See also

Off the land:

Despite day jobs, couple hunt, fish and gather about a third of the food they eat, using a nearly comprehensive mental map of Seattle foraging spots to relish what they call unbelievably bountiful land.

By Huan Hsu

Seattle Weekly 2007-08-08

See also

Sticky situation:

Bane and benefit both, blackberries cover the Oregon landscape with a thorny thicket but are high in antioxidants, show promise in tumor reduction, are a high cash crop, a primary food source for honeybees and other pollinators - and they're tasty as well.

By Joe Mosley

The Register-Guard (OR) 2007-08-11

The color purple:

Grapes, radishes, purple corn, purple carrots, chokeberries, cranberries, carrots and elderberries contain compounds that, when slightly modified, help slow progress of certain cancers of gastrointestinal tract, Ohio State University shows.

By Joi Preciphs

Bloomberg 2007-08-19

Deer problem:

Program that last year brought 35,000 pounds of hunter-donated venison to low-income clients of southern Wisconsin food pantry endangered by budget cuts; testing the deer for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) reduced by 60 percent; experts predict explosion in deer population.

By Christina Beam

Reedsburg Times Press (WI) 0000-00-00

Beef curriculum

In effort to increase demand for beef from "future consumers," Kansas beef farmers continue funding 17-year-old program for public schools that teaches cooking techniques, beef cuts, food safety, nutrition; teachers can also request additional materials to supplement beef lessons.

Cattlenetwork.com 2007-08-13

What to eat:

Marion Nestle, professor in the Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health and Professor of Sociology at New York University. Her degrees include a Ph.D. in molecular biology and an M.P.H. in public health nutrition. She is the author of "Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health,"Safe Food: Bacteria, Biotechnology, and Bioterrorism," and "What to Eat."

By Marion Nestle

2007-08-16

Grass-fed brisket:

When returning to beef that grazed on grass, be prepared for pure taste that removes the sweet, bland and rich coating that corn feed provides -- and take care to cook meat carefully to achieve tenderness.

By Corby Kummer

The Atlantic magazine

No, thank you

CARE turns down $45 million in food aid from U.S., citing practice of selling tons of often heavily subsidized American farm products in African countries that compete with the crops of local farmers; other charities disagree.

By Celia W. Dugger

The New York Times (may require subscription)

One bug or two?

Seeking sales, food processors add crushed insects to yogurt and grapefruit juice, titanium dioxide to Betty Crocker's white frosting, and dye to fish and chicken feed, but FDA rules are lax on ingredients disclosure, so labels might read 'artificial color.'

By Pallavi Gogoi

Business Week Online 2006-10-01

Growing lessons:

Vermont school, working with local farmers and agricultural experts, plants garden designed to feed its 200 students homegrown vegetables at lunchtime, teaching a way of life, not only nutrition or fitness.

By Nicole Orne

Brattleboro Reformer (VT)

Fundraiser in memory:

Son's battle with cancer, and his effort to eat more healthfully during battle, inspires grieving mother to honor her son and support leukemia resesarch by compile cookbook and donating proceeds.

By Erin Sauder

Geneva Republican (IL)

Cooking for diabetics:

A few new cookbooks for those with diet-related disease have words of wisdom for all of us: Adapt everyday cooking to healthy meals that can be prepared quickly, practice portion control, shop carefully and read food labels.

By Kathie Smith

Toledo Blade 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)

Fixing the system:

Religious groups mobilize around the farm/food bill, speaking of justice and the urgent need to fix broken food system, from nutrition programs and energy policy to farmers and the wellbeing of the people they feed.

By Joe Orso

La Crosse Tribune; Associated Press, Wisconsin State Journal 0000-00-00

Growing sprouts

Community activists gather and build a garden for children in apartment complex; the program is part of a larger effort of education on nutrition, food security and self-sufficiency in Ohio community.

By Mike Ludwig

The Athens News (OH)

Fast-food kids?

With growing rates of obesity in mind, FTC issues 44 subpoenas to food and beverage companies to learn how they advertise their wares to children; similar studies undertaken in the past with alcohol and tobacco companies.

By Mary Jane Credeur and Chris Burritt

bloomberg.com 2007-08-11

See also

Healing foods:

Carlo Petrini, guru of Italy-based Slow Food Movement, tells chef and writer of his work with Italian ministry of health to provide locally sourced - and cooked - fresh foods to hospitals.

By Giorgio Locatelli

The Guardian (UK)

Review:

In "Twinkie, Deconstructed," Steve Ettlinger describes the work of making unnecessarily complicated snacks; the book is the polar opposite (complete with smiley face) of "The Omnivore's Dilemma," Michael Pollan's frowny faced take on simplifying food.

By Chelsea Martinez

Los Angeles Times

Farming the future

In unusual and win-win partnership between county and charity, inmates farm to benefit Milawaukee's poor, who eat asparagus, corn, cantaloupe and green beans in season, and hunger relief group runs the operation.

By Erica Perez

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

A meal for Tut:

Kamut, a heirloom wheat with a sweet, nutty flavor and high in nutritional qualities, once the darling of the Birkenstock crowd, has captured Italy carbohydrate-wise, and Saskatchewan, as well as Montana and Alberta, are profiting.

By Beppi Crosariol

The Globe and Mail (Canada)

Past pretty:

Gustatory glamour shots aside, food photography can be creative and informative, particularly when illustrating portion sizes, caloric density and just what fast food looks like, up close - really close.

By Chelsea Martinez

Los Angeles Times 2007-07-12

Bullish

Taking a look at what's in Red Bull, and the origin of the name - can it give us wings, or is it just a bunch of synthetic bull bile - and what will that do?

By Patrick Di Justo

Wired Magazine

Matchless:

Find hemp seed, hemp oil, hemp butter, hemp bread, and hemp bars at the natural foods store, but it's all imported; hemp farming is banned in the U.S. because the plant is a version of the cannabis plant and contains low levels of the active ingredient in marijuana.

By Ann Woolner

Bloomberg News

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

OPINION

Diet rich in high-fat, low-nutrient junk food and meals made outside the home, plus parents' extra hours of work are combining to shorten and widen our children in comparison to others in developed countries around the world, study suggests.

By Paul Krugman

The New York Times (may require subscription)

Supplement setback:

Cargill's attempt to add Regenasure, a vegetarian version of shellfish-derived glucosamine, to European list of food products for addition in mostly beverages and fermented milk products, hits snag with questions of safety for diabetics.

By Alex McNally

nutraingredients.com