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Food Insecurity: Causes, Consequences and Remedies—Volume II
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Food Insecurity: Causes, Consequences and Remedies—Volume II

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Security and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 December 2024 | Viewed by 16360

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Louise Manning

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology, University of Lincoln, Riseholme Park, Lincoln, UK
Interests: food sefaty; food security; food fraud; food crime; foodscape; food integrity; food defence
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Food insecurity affects all communities worldwide, as many find it difficult to consistently access nutritious, affordable food. This problem is exacerbated by conflict, political insecurity, climate change, and global shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This Special Issue seeks to develop a collection of innovative, contemporary research that considers the causes, consequences, and remedies for food insecurity at an individual, household, community, regional, or even global scale. Multiple socioeconomic factors influence food insecurity, particularly nutrition insecurity; these will be explored within the research papers, alongside the contemporary politico-environmental factors that also play a part. 

This Special Issue welcomes contributions from researchers across the world who are considering how to address food insecurity and what mechanisms are of the greatest benefit in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG1: no poverty; SDG 2: zero hunger; SDG 3: good health and wellbeing; and SDG 10: reducing inequalities. 

Prof. Dr. Louise Manning
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • food security
  • food insecurity
  • poverty
  • SDGs
  • causes
  • consequences
  • production
  • self-sufficiency
  • global
  • trade

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 303 KiB  
Article
Beyond the Classroom: The Influence of Food Insecurity, Mental Health, and Sleep Quality on University Students’ Academic Performance
by Alejandra Betancourt-Núñez, Rosa Díaz, Pablo Alejandro Nava-Amante, María Fernanda Bernal-Orozco, Andrés Díaz-López, Aaron González Palacios, Fabiola Márquez-Sandoval, Davis Velarde-Camaqui and Barbara Vizmanos
Foods 2024, 13(16), 2508; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13162508 - 11 Aug 2024
Viewed by 3290
Abstract
We aimed to analyze the association between food insecurity (FI) and academic performance in university students, including mental health and sleep quality (SQ), in an association model. A cross-sectional design included university students (n = 466, 72.5% women) from Mexico. We applied [...] Read more.
We aimed to analyze the association between food insecurity (FI) and academic performance in university students, including mental health and sleep quality (SQ), in an association model. A cross-sectional design included university students (n = 466, 72.5% women) from Mexico. We applied the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Students self-reported their academic grading (AG) and perceptions about their academic performance. Spearman’s rho and multiple logistic regression models were used. Almost half (47%) experienced some level of FI. The median AG was 95. AG was not significantly (p > 0.05) correlated with FI, nor with depression, anxiety, stress, and SQ. Considering mental health and SQ, moderate/severe FI remained significantly associated with perceived overall progress in college (OR: 2.96; 95%CI: 1.49, 5.88) and attendance to classes (OR:3.14; 95%CI: 1.19, 8.28) as poor or regular, and it was positively related to perceiving difficulties in completing their studies (OR:2.75; 95%CI: 1.43, 5.29). Stress, anxiety, depression symptoms, and poor SQ were also significantly associated with poor/regular perception of academic performance. These findings highlight the need to address psychological and nutritional factors in university students to promote their well-being and academic success. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Insecurity: Causes, Consequences and Remedies—Volume II)
20 pages, 1051 KiB  
Article
Clusters of Sociodemographic Characteristics and Their Association with Food Insecurity in Mexican University Students
by Pablo Alejandro Nava-Amante, Alejandra Betancourt-Núñez, Andrés Díaz-López, María Fernanda Bernal-Orozco, Ulises De la Cruz-Mosso, Fabiola Márquez-Sandoval and Barbara Vizmanos
Foods 2024, 13(16), 2507; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13162507 - 10 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1146
Abstract
Food insecurity (FI) expresses irregular access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. We analyze the association between clusters of sociodemographic characteristics and FI in university students from Mexico. The Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale was applied, and household type, socioeconomic status [...] Read more.
Food insecurity (FI) expresses irregular access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. We analyze the association between clusters of sociodemographic characteristics and FI in university students from Mexico. The Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale was applied, and household type, socioeconomic status (SES), and the characteristics of the head of the household, among others, were asked in a cross-sectional study. We performed Two-Step cluster analysis and logistic regression models. We included 466 university students (72.5% women, 47% with FI). We identified three clusters; Cluster-1 (n = 163) included a single-parent (37.4%) or co-resident/roommate (27%) household type, middle SES (63.2%); the head of the household is usually a woman (76.1%), single (71.8%), and with bachelor’s degree (41.7%) or less educational level (46.6%). Cluster-2 (n = 144) included the nuclear (89.6%) household type, high SES (76.4%); the head of the household is usually a man (79.2%), in a relationship (99.3%), and with a bachelor’s degree (63.2%) or graduate level (33.3%). Cluster-3 (n = 147) is very similar to Cluster-2. The difference is that Cluster-3 includes middle SES (70.1%), and the head of the household’s educational level is high school or less (100%). Only belonging to Cluster-1 was positively associated with FI (OR = 1.96, 95%CI: 1.24, 3.09). These results show the interrelationships between multiple sociodemographic characteristics and should contribute to developing interventions that simultaneously address numerous sociodemographic factors to diminish FI in university students. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Insecurity: Causes, Consequences and Remedies—Volume II)
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18 pages, 832 KiB  
Article
Food Acquirability: An Unexplored Component of Food Security?
by Emeka Franklin Okpala, Lilian Korir and Louise Manning
Foods 2024, 13(13), 2052; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13132052 - 27 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1218
Abstract
The key elements, or pillars, of food security are stated as food availability, food access, food utilization, and stability. These food security pillars are often linked to food security interventions at the national, community or household level. However, if the urban ‘household’ is [...] Read more.
The key elements, or pillars, of food security are stated as food availability, food access, food utilization, and stability. These food security pillars are often linked to food security interventions at the national, community or household level. However, if the urban ‘household’ is the unit of interest for any food security intervention, this research asks if a more holistic element, or pillar, is needed. The aim of this research has been to explore the socio-economic aspects of food security/insecurity that we have termed as a result of the research “food acquirability”. Through the use of structured questionnaires (n = 120), and analysis of the data derived from local market and supermarket settings in the city of Awka, Nigeria, the concept of food acquirability has emerged and been conceptualized and critiqued. The contribution of this paper is to frame the concept of acquirability with regard to food security in Nigeria in order to develop a better understanding of the factors that impact household urban food security/insecurity and how they can be effectively mitigated. Factors of acquirability that emerged were culture, time poverty, resource availability and cooking skills, and household food preference and meal choice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Insecurity: Causes, Consequences and Remedies—Volume II)
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13 pages, 249 KiB  
Article
Influence of Food Environments on Dietary Habits: Insights from a Quasi-Experimental Research
by Terrence W. Thomas and Murat Cankurt
Foods 2024, 13(13), 2013; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13132013 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1945
Abstract
Nutrition is a vital factor that exerts a profound and direct impact on health. Food environments significantly influence individuals’ dietary behaviors, health outcomes, and overall food security. Individuals in food deserts and food swamps do not have access to healthier food options. And [...] Read more.
Nutrition is a vital factor that exerts a profound and direct impact on health. Food environments significantly influence individuals’ dietary behaviors, health outcomes, and overall food security. Individuals in food deserts and food swamps do not have access to healthier food options. And in both cases, the emphasis is primarily on the physical configuration of the environment as it relates to food availability. This quasi-experimental study aims to investigate the impact of two different food environments (defined to include a social component) on food choices. A total of 246 participants were surveyed by telephone, half of whom were primed with Scenario A (a food environment deficient in healthy options and cues that support and reinforce healthier choices) and half were primed with Scenario B (an environment with an abundance of healthy food options and cues that support and reinforce healthy eating). Ordered logit regression was used for analysis. The results show significant differences in likely food consumption between the groups. Individuals in Scenario B were found to be 4.48 times more likely to consume fruits and vegetables. In addition, it was determined that being a woman increases the probability of consuming more fruits and vegetables by 0.92 times (1/0.52–1), and adherence to a healthy diet increases by 3.64 times. Age and race were not significant predictors. This study highlights the crucial role of environmental factors in shaping dietary habits and underscores the importance of the social components of the food environment in promoting the adoption of healthier dietary habits. Based on these findings, policymakers should prioritize developing strategies that go beyond providing physical access and consider social aspects of the environment in promoting healthy eating habits to improve public health and bolster the food security of communities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Insecurity: Causes, Consequences and Remedies—Volume II)
21 pages, 1156 KiB  
Article
Unveiling Digital Transformation: A Catalyst for Enhancing Food Security and Achieving Sustainable Development Goals at the European Union Level
by Anca Antoaneta Vărzaru
Foods 2024, 13(8), 1226; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13081226 - 17 Apr 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1946
Abstract
The digital revolution is reshaping various aspects of society, including having a profound impact on food security and the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study investigates the relationship between digital transformation, quantified through the components of the Digital Economy and Society [...] Read more.
The digital revolution is reshaping various aspects of society, including having a profound impact on food security and the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study investigates the relationship between digital transformation, quantified through the components of the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), and SDGs related to food (SDG1, SDG2, SDG3, and SDG10), along with the overall SDG Index score. The data used for investigation are sourced from reports issued by the European Commission concerning DESI, as well as the SDG reports for the period from 2017 to 2022. The paper elucidates how different components of digitalization, such as connectivity, digital skills, internet usage, and digital public services, influence the attainment of food security objectives and broader sustainable development targets using structural equation modeling and cluster analysis. The findings underscore the pivotal role of digital technologies in enhancing poverty alleviation, health and well-being, and, in particular, mitigating inequality. This study contributes to understanding the complex relationship between digital transformation and food security, offering insights for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders aiming to leverage technology for advancing SDGs and fostering a more equitable and sustainable future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Insecurity: Causes, Consequences and Remedies—Volume II)
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Review

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32 pages, 7797 KiB  
Review
Sustainability in Global Agri-Food Supply Chains: Insights from a Comprehensive Literature Review and the ABCDE Framework
by Gaofeng Wang, Yingying Wang, Shuai Li, Yang Yi, Chenming Li and Changhoon Shin
Foods 2024, 13(18), 2914; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13182914 - 14 Sep 2024
Viewed by 6193
Abstract
The sustainability of global agricultural produce supply chains is crucial for ensuring global food security, fostering environmental protection, and advancing socio-economic development. This study integrates bibliometric analysis, knowledge mapping, and the ABCDE framework to conduct a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis of 742 [...] Read more.
The sustainability of global agricultural produce supply chains is crucial for ensuring global food security, fostering environmental protection, and advancing socio-economic development. This study integrates bibliometric analysis, knowledge mapping, and the ABCDE framework to conduct a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis of 742 relevant articles from the Web of Science core database spanning January 2009 to July 2023. Initially, bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping reveal the annual progression of research on the sustainability of global agricultural produce supply chains, the collaborative networks among research institutions and authors, and the geographic distribution of research activities worldwide, successfully pinpointing the current research focal points. Subsequently, the ABCDE framework, constructed from the quantitative findings, helps us identify and comprehend the antecedents, barriers and challenges, impacts, and driving forces affecting the sustainability of these supply chains. The study identifies globalization and technological advancement as the primary forces shaping the sustainability of agricultural produce supply chains, despite them also posing challenges such as resource constraints and environmental pressures. Moreover, the application of innovative technologies, the optimization of organizational models, and active stakeholder engagement are key to propelling supply chains toward more sustainable development, exerting a profound impact on society, the environment, and the economy. In conclusion, this study suggests future research directions. The integrated methodology presented offers new perspectives and deep insights into the complexities of sustainable global agricultural produce supply chains, demonstrating its potential to foster knowledge innovation and practical applications, providing valuable insights for academic research and policy formulation in this domain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Insecurity: Causes, Consequences and Remedies—Volume II)
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