Hunger/Food/Nutrition / Public News Service

As part of the Trump administration's budget-cutting moves, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has eliminated $1 billion in programs connecting local producers with food banks and school lunch programs. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, March 21, 2025

USDA cuts could halt progress of SD local food scene

South Dakota farmers leading the "locally grown" movement have visions of a dynamic regional food production system but some of it is in doubt with lo…

A proposed $12 billion in cuts to federal school meal funding could impact 75 Montana schools serving more than 10,000 students. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, March 20, 2025

School meal programs on GOP's chopping block

Children's advocates are crying foul after House Republicans called for $12 billion in cuts to school meal programs, including the Community …

Research shows there is a direct correlation between unstable housing and food insecurity. (FamilyWorks Food Bank)

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Advocates say WA rent stabilization bill important for ending hunger

While affordable housing advocates across the state have been cheering on Washington's rent stabilization bill in Olympia, so have organizations …

Some 557 Colorado schools serving more than 206,293 students are projected to be affected by a proposed $12 billion in cuts to federal school meal funding. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Blowback on GOP's proposed cuts to school meal programs

Children's advocates are crying foul after House Republicans called for $12 billion in cuts to school meal programs, including the Community …

An August 2024 KFF analysis found Medicaid covers 3 in 8 Pennsylvania children, 5 in 8 nursing home residents, 2 in 5 people with disabilities, and 1 in 6 adults aged 19-64. (Selene Studio/AdobeStock)

Monday, March 17, 2025

SNAP, Medicaid cuts would strain PA emergency food system

By Anna Gustafson for the Pennsylvania Independent.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Pennsylvan…

Climate experts say drought can reduce both the availability and quality of water necessary for productive farms, and can also lead to insect outbreaks. (Adobe Stock)

SD farmer flexes drought-fighting muscle in face of dry conditions

The South Dakota region has seen some wet weather in recent days, but the entire state is still in varying levels of drought status. That has …

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have recently come under scrutiny for not doing more to enforce factory farm manure discharge permits. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 17, 2025

Iowa slaughterhouse faces water pollution lawsuit

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration In …

Agriculture trade groups want to see a rollback of federal environmental regulations on the meatpacking industry, along with fewer worker protections and food safety measures. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska meatpackers call on feds to deregulate industry

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Nebraska News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service …

Aquaculture, particularly aquaponics, can improve food security by providing locally grown, fresh and nutritious food in food deserts. (Adobe Stock/B.Rath Photography)

Monday, March 17, 2025

Expanding NM's aquaculture-based fish farming could improve food security

New Mexico may never be a leader in aquaculture but some fish farmers are finding success in the arid state. Rossana Sallenave, professor and …

Federal agencies are ramping up efforts to contain avian flu, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture rolling out a $1 billion plan focused on biosecurity, financial relief for affected producers and research into possible vaccines for poultry. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio leads nation in bird flu cases, consumers face rising costs

A Food and Water Watch report claims Ohio egg producers are profiting from the bird flu outbreak. Ohio, a top egg producer, has lost nearly 15 …

Among the 5,722 companies in Colorado exporting goods to Canada and Mexico in 2022, the number one manufactured export was food. (Adobe Stock)

After USDA funding freeze, Colorado farmers brace for tariffs

Colorado farmers and ranchers are feeling frustrated and concerned since the Trump administration froze U.S. Department of Agriculture funding…

The Grocery Tax Relief Act will eliminate the state grocery tax but have no effect on county and municipal grocery taxes. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

AR food tax could be going away

Organizations working to fight food insecurity across Arkansas support two bills before state legislators. The Grocery Tax Relief Act would repeal …

In past deportation programs, for every half-million people the government deported, 44,000 U.S.-born workers lost their jobs. (Adobe Stock)

High moral stakes of proposed cuts to federal programs

A new report commissioned by faith leaders outlines the high moral stakes at play as the Trump administration pushes to cut federal programs to pay fo…

The USDA reported one of seven households in America struggled with hunger in 2023. (Adobe Stock)<br />

SNAP cuts could wreak havoc on West Virginia’s economy

The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is on the chopping block in Congress. A House budget resolution would cut $30 billion in SNAP …

Nationally, the average cost of a dozen large eggs was $4.15 in December, up from $3.65 in November, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Nitr/Adobe Stock)

Report: Bird flu not cause of rising egg prices in TX

A new report by the group Food and Water Watch said egg companies are exploiting the bird flu outbreak for profit. On average, the price of a dozen …

In 2024, Tennessee approved more than 1,350 Summer Food Service Program meal sites across the state and served approximately 3.4 million meals to children. (Kirsten D/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock)

TN nonprofits plan ahead for end of Summer EBT food program

Gov. Bill Lee has opted Tennessee out of the federal Summer EBT program and nonprofit groups in the state said they will work to fill the gap for …

The Montana Food Bank Network distributed food through 330 partner organizations in 2024, including food pantries, schools, senior centers and more, according to the organization's impact report. (West Rose Media/Adobe Stock)

MT food bank, neighbors collaborate to improve food access for tribal nations

Food bank organizations teamed up in four states, including Montana, to launch the 104 Degrees West Collaborative in 2021 to better serve their …

It is estimated climate change could increase New Mexico's average temperature by up to 7 degrees over the next 50 years. (rd.usda.gov)

NM farm tackles climate change one freeze-dried apple at a time

New Mexico is one of five U.S. states that frequently encounters exceptional drought that can damage crops but one farmer is doing her part to reduce …

The recent avian flu outbreak has resulted in the death of at least 30 million birds in Iowa, mostly culled because of exposure to the disease, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Egg producers 'exploit avian flu outbreak' for profit

A new report by the group Food and Water Watch says egg companies are exploiting the bird flu outbreak for profit in Iowa. Data show egg prices in …

The Food Bank of Wyoming served people across 97,903 square miles and in all 23 counties in 2024, according to the organization's impact report. (Adobe Stock)

Four-state collaborative seeks to improve food access in Native nations

Food-bank organizations teamed up in four states, including Wyoming, to launch the 104° West Collaborative in 2021 to better serve their …

MO advocates join fight against corporate influence in agriculture

Advocates for small independent farmers in Missouri and around the nation are sounding the alarm about the effects of corporate agriculture on farmers…

Farmers and ranchers say they feel uncertain about their futures because of executive orders that have impacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Lightfield Studios/Adobe Stock)

Federal funding freeze impacts AR farmers

Farmers and ranchers in Arkansas are voicing frustration and concern surrounding funding freezes and layoffs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture…

Eating food grown, raised or caught within a relatively short distance of where it's consumed supports local farmers and the economy and provides fresher meals. But

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Expert: 'Eating local' may not be best solution for fighting climate change

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for West Virginia News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Coll…

FL advocates push back against corporate dominance in agriculture

Advocates for small independent farmers and ranchers in Florida are sounding the alarm about the effects of corporate agriculture on their land and lo…

MS groups fight to curb corporate control in agriculture

Advocates for family farms in Mississippi are sounding alarms about the increasing dominance of large corporations in the state's agricultural sector…

About 1.2 million people in Wisconsin are covered by Medicaid, including nearly one-third of children in rural communities, and 12% of state residents receive SNAP benefits. (Adobe Stock)

WI group pitches in to help voters share views with reps in Congress

As new federal policies and proposed funding cuts spark confusion and chaos, Wisconsinites are looking to voice their concerns to their elected …

The 2023 Ohio Annual Cancer Report shows Lawrence, Washington, Adams and Jackson counties had the highest rates of cancer per 100,000 residents between 2016 and 2020. (Adobe Stock)

OH cancer rates linked to processed food, low physical activity

Cancer rates are on the rise, and doctors are noticing specific types in younger age groups. There are more than 100 different types of cancer with …

In Ohio, you can lock your EBT card when not in use using the ConnectEBT app. (Adobe Stock)

EBT skimming scandal: No reimbursement for Ohioans who lose SNAP benefits

Thousands of Ohioans relying on SNAP benefits to feed their families are finding their accounts drained due to electronic skimming fraud. Criminals …

Sentient reports the animal death toll from avian flu highlights the sheer number of chickens and eggs humans eat on a regular basis. The American diet is highly dependent on chickens as a protein source. (Adobe Stock)

Bird flu outbreak resulted in even more dead poultry than usual

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration S…

The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska, employs about 120 people, many of whom are facing layoffs. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska USDA workers face unprecedented layoffs

Mass layoffs by the Trump administration are cutting into essential services across the federal government. In Nebraska, that includes overseeing …

A sustainability diet developed by scientists emphasized eating more fish, fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts. Dollar stores provide little of them. (Adobe Stock)

How every Marylander can eat sustainably for the planet

By Dharna Noor of The Guardian for Sentient.Broadcast version by Zamone Perez for Maryland News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Serv…

According to new polling from Hart Research, 60 percent of Trump voters say cutting SNAP is unacceptable, and nearly half think the wealthy pay too little in taxes. (Adobe Stock)

SNAP cuts would disproportionately impact Colorado's rural communities

A budget resolution recently passed by the U.S. House calls for reducing agriculture funding to the tune of $230 billion. But critics warn that the …

People who raise chickens say the process can serve educational purposes for kids. (Cavan/Adobe Stock)

'Egg-citing' ID bill lowers barriers for raising backyard chickens

A bill in the Idaho Legislature would lower restrictions for allowing chickens in residential areas. The impetus for the legislation from Sen…

The National Cancer Institute has found red and processed meat consumption is associated with higher cancer levels. (Wikimedia Commons)

Why are red food dyes – but not processed meats – banned?

By Jessica Scott-Reid for Sentient.Broadcast version by Zamone Perez for Maryland News Connection reporting for the Sentient/Just and Climate-Friendly…

Salicornia grows around a salt lake in Saudi Arabia. The plant is also known as samphire, sea beans, sea asparagus, glasswort, or pickleweed. (Gabriele Fiene)

California researchers explore crops that thrive on salt

By Ashley Stimpson of Nexus Media News for Sentient.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Sentient/Just an…

U.S. beef producers face increased global competition and advocates for smaller livestock farms said tools like truth in labeling bring a level of fairness. (Adobe Stock)

Mandatory 'Made in USA' labeling for beef gets another look

Spring is around the corner, and as Midwesterners might be dreaming about firing up their grills and stocking up for barbecues, there is a renewed …

Lawmakers estimate providing Arkansas students free breakfast could cost an estimated $14.7 million (WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

All AR students to receive free breakfast in upcoming school year

Workers in the fight against hunger in Arkansas are celebrating the passage and signing of Senate Bill 59. The legislation makes free breakfast …

Policy fight over meat label transparency back in play

Spring is around the corner and as Midwesterners might be dreaming about firing up their grills and stocking up for barbecues, there is a renewed …

Iowa farmers raised about 3.5 million head of cattle in 2024, making the state the ninth-largest beef producer in the nation. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa farmers push for country of origin beef labeling

Iowa farmers and their advocates want Congress to approve a measure to require beef raised and produced in the United States to be labeled as such…

Food insecurity worsens as Indiana slips in child well-being

Indiana leaders are working to improve children's lives, as the state's national ranking for child well-being has slipped. The latest report showed …

Processed foods and food service establishments are generally exempt from mandatory country-of-origin labeling requirements. (Adisorn/Adobe Stock)

MO farmers, advocates push for mandatory country-of-origin food labels

A Midwest coalition of consumer, farmer and rural groups, including those in Missouri, is pushing to reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling …

A total of 195,972 Arkansas households are impoverished and another 366,907 are defined as ALICE. (Andrii/Adobe Stock)

More AR families rely on Child Tax Credit

By Wesley Brown for the Arkansas Delta Informer.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Delta Informer-Wi…

Ohio's agriculture industry contributes more than $124 billion annually to the state's economy, supporting more than one in eight jobs statewide. (stockbusters/Adobe Stock)

JD Vance’s agriculture agenda: What’s next for Ohio farmers?

With President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance now in office, Ohio's farming community is watching closely to see how their policies could …

Paraquat is a dangerous pesticide, currently banned in more than 70 countries but <br />still approved for use in the United States. (Marritch/Adobe Stock)

Feds petitioned to eliminate 'extraordinarily toxic' pesticides in food

One organization is taking the Trump administration's promises to "Make America Healthy Again" seriously. The Center for Biological Diversity is …

According to the National Library of Medicine, most studies examining universal free school meals, including free lunches, found positive links with diet quality, food security and academic performance. (Adobe Stock)

No-cost school lunch bill nears important stage in ND Legislature

House floor votes are expected early this week for a North Dakota bill that would expand free school meals to all students, regardless of their …

More than 60,000 people in Oregon could benefit from expanding food benefits to undocumented residents. (Franco Capotosti/Adobe Stock)

Undocumented OR farmworkers may gain access to food assistance

By Amal Ahmed for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Isobel Charle for Oregon News Service reporting for the Yes! Media/Sentient/Just and Climate-…

President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on imports from China earlier this month and the Chinese government imposed 15% counter tariffs on goods imported from the U.S. into China. (Adobe Stock)

WI farmer shares firsthand experience with Trump tariffs

By Olivia Herken for the Wisconsin Independent.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Wisconsin Indep…

According to the Good Food Institute, alternative proteins - from plants, fermentation or cultivated animal cells - demand far less land and water, emit fewer greenhouse gases and generate significantly less pollution than traditional meat products. (Adobe Stock)

Anti 'processed food' push could backfire on GA, US plant-based products

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for Georgia News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabor…

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