Explore the most recent updates in food, nutrition, and health through our regular blog. Here, we have the latest news spanning various topics crucial to health and nutrition.
Rising Food Costs and Evolving Health Concerns
Buying food continues to be a primary concern for educators and the audiences they engage with, as the cost of groceries remains a significant issue. In response, retailers are making efforts to alleviate the financial burden of food shopping, with some grocery stores actively supporting those experiencing food insecurity. However, the cost of fast food once considered an affordable option, has seen notable increases, according to recent price tracking. Restaurants, whether fast food or casual dining, are currently emphasizing value meals to attract cost-conscious customers.
In health news, the rapidly evolving situation with the H5N1 bird flu demands attention. Several government agencies are providing daily updates on weekdays, and various expert groups are continuously offering their perspectives on the developments. For reliable, up-to-date information, I rely on a group of trusted experts, and I imagine you have your own set of go-to sources for credible and current insights. Staying informed through these trusted channels is crucial as we navigate these ongoing challenges in food affordability and public health.
A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT
A new word to add to your buying food lingo – spaving
Spending more to ‘save money’ when you buy something you may not really need to get an additional discount.
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Illinois to end grocery tax
One caveat: Local authorities can impose a tax. There are very few states that have a grocery tax.
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Albertson’s to divert surplus food to food banks and nonprofits
Uber will partner in this effort.
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Albertson’s to promote summer food assistance for children
Efforts include a website to check eligibility and allow sign-up.
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It’s not just price-slashing, grocers are gearing up for summer
Expect to see new seasonal products at Target and Publix to entice customers.
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A deep dive into those price-slashing efforts by grocery retailers: What prices are lowered? How much? How long will the prices stay low? And what’s in it for the retailer?
Grocers/retailers garner headlines for these efforts. See some sample price cuts and find out how extensive they are.
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Mapping fast food prices across the U.S., fast food prices – 2014 to 2024
Food prices from 5 fast food chains are compared and prices differ by location.
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On average, McDonald’s items cost 40% more than in 2019
An open letter from a McDonald’s executive shares how much different items have increased in price since 2019.
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The president of McDonald’s replies
He shares that franchisees operate 95% of locations and control prices and that the very high prices for items are not the norm.
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What do consumers think about fast food prices?
A recent LendingTree survey finds 78% think that fast food is a ‘luxury’ item.
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$5 fast food meal deals are everywhere!
A look at some meal deals.
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Starbucks’ value meal deal
Starbucks joins the meal deal offerings.
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H5N1 Bird flu: Where we are now
How widespread is the outbreak, how is it spreading, how is the outbreak different than last ones?
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CDC updates
Detailed daily updates include how people can protect themselves
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FDA updates
Detailed daily updates including state-by-state sampling data and letter to states asking to stop sales of raw milk
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CIDRAP (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota)
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CDC Wastewater surveillance
Flu surveillance to better understand bird H5N1 flu in people
H5 wastewater surveillance launches
Monitoring H5N1 bird flu in wastewater
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Dr. Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH, CIDRAP Director, served on the 2018-2019 Biden administration COVID Advisory Board, served for 24 years as Director, Minnesota Dept. Of Health
The risk to humans is low and pasteurization kills the virus. (published June 6, 2024)
Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, Masters – Public Health, Ph.D. – Epidemiology and Biostatistics, author ‘Your Local Epidemiologist’ substack, named one 2024 Time 100 Health (those who most influenced global health in 2024)
I started reading Jetelina’s newsletter during the pandemic and appreciated her easy-to-read writing style and her honesty when sharing what we don’t know about a given topic. How concerned should we be, what are the symptoms, what we don’t know, how safe is our food and more. (published May 4, 2024, updated June 10, 2024)
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Fact-check.org
A deep dive including perspective from several experts (published May 4, 2024, updated June 10, 2024)
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