From School Meals to Smartwatches: Tracking the Latest in Food, Health, and Policy | ELLEN’S BLOG

In the news…good news: school meal reimbursements will continue during October as the shutdown continues. The Farm-to-School program returns after cancellation. On the flip side of the news, food security data will not be collected after this year. A interesting development in on line food buying: The private label movement rolls on as Amazon debuts its line with many items under $5. New studies: nanoplastics found in edible vegetables, a deep dive into Apple Watch’s hypertension alerts, climate change’s link to drinking more sweet drinks and a retraction of an apple cider vinegar and weight loss study. Looking at the health/food environment, Costco now sells Wegovy and Ozempic and grocery inflation is at its highest level since 2022.

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The latest trends highlight how the food system is adapting under pressure. Convenience continues to reshape grocery shopping as Amazon launches a private label with most items under $5 and Uber debuts grocery delivery perks with freshness guarantees. At the same time, school meals are in the spotlight—from California’s plan to phase out ultra-processed foods to school meal reimbursements will continue during October. On the health front, Costco now sells GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, underscoring how weight management is moving mainstream. Meanwhile, climate and health studies reveal new concerns—from nanoplastics found in vegetables to a correlation between hotter weather and increased consumption of sugary drinks. Add in rising grocery inflation and declining consumer confidence in food safety, and the picture is clear: the U.S. food environment remains in constant motion.

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School meal reimbursements will continue during October amidst the shutdown. The Farm-to-School program was cancelled but it is back. USDA proposal on SNAP retailer stocking requirements seeks comments through November 24. Food security data will not be collected after this year.

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• • USDA to provide school meal reimbursements thru Oct. during the shutdown
  • It’s back after cancellation! The Farm-to-School Program returns
  • USDA proposed rule on SNAP retailer stocking requirements (submit comments by November 24)
  • Food security data will not be collected after this year

Snapshots include California’s 10 year timeline to ban ultraprocessed foods from school meals, Costco now sells Wegovy and Ozempic and food safety confidence falls to new low.

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• • California sets 10 year timeline to ban ultraprocessed foods from school meals
  • Costco now sells Ozempic & Wegovy
  • If U.S. school cafeterias were a restaurant they would be the largest restaurant
  • Grocery inflation highest since 2022
  • Our faith in food safety falls to a new low

Buying food looks different as Amazon debuts its private label with many items under $5. Uber grocery shopping debuts weekly food discounts and a freshness guarantee.

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• Amazon’s new private label brand with many items under $5
• Uber grocery delivery has new features
• As more states control SNAP buying 3 reports tally how much it will cost retailers

 

Health is in the news with a commentary about school restrictions on smartphones: does it impact students with Type 1 diabetes? A study finds nanoplastics in edible vegetables. A look at the Apple Watch’s track record with regard to hypertension cases.

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• School smartphone restrictions impact on students w/Type 1 diabetes
• Study: Nanoplastics can accumulate in edible parts of vegetables
• As the world warms we drink more high sugar drinks
• Apple Watch hypertension alert: what to know
• BMJ retracts apple cider vinegar and weight loss study