Community
New tool measures food security duration, severity
Newswise — ITHACA, N.Y. – Researchers from the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management have developed a new method for measuring food insecurity, which for millions of people in the U.S. is more than just an abstract concept.
The group’s probability of food security (PFS) measures the likelihood that a household’s food expenditures equal or exceed the minimum cost of a healthful diet. The researchers then put the PFS to the test, analyzing food security dynamics over a recent 17-year period, and found that a third of U.S. households experienced at least temporary food insecurity.
Seungmin Lee, a doctoral student in the field of applied economics and management, was lead author of “Food Security Dynamics in the United States, 2001-2017,” which published Oct. 26 in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics.
Co-authors were Chris Barrett, the Stephen B. and Janice G. Ashley Professor of Applied Economics and Management at Dyson, and John Hoddinott, the H.E. Babcock Professor of Food & Nutrition Economics and Policy in the Division of Nutritional Sciences, in the College of Human Ecology.
This research sprang from Barrett and Hoddinott’s previous work examining poverty and food insecurity dynamics in low-income countries. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), at least one in 10 U.S. households has been food insecure in any given year since 1995, when it began reporting its official food security measure, the Food Security Supplement to the Current Population Survey (CPS-FSS).
The CPS-FSS has its roots in the Radimer-Cornell Hunger Scale, developed by then-doctoral student Kathy Radimer, Ph.D. ’90.
“In the United States, there has been much less work on food insecurity dynamics than in many low-income countries, but it’s no less salient here,” said Barrett, who also has an appointment in the Brooks School of Public Policy. Hoddinott noted that while the U.S. is very wealthy on average, “there is a significant fraction of the population who are really poor and do not have the resources to acquire an adequate and healthy diet.”
While about a third of U.S. households experienced some food insecurity over the 17-year period the team studies, for about half of them, it was just temporary – what the researchers termed “transitory food insecurity.” For the rest, who experience “chronic food insecurity,” more long-term means of food assistance are necessary.
“This matters for policymakers,” Barrett said. “Knowing which sort of food insecurity different people experience is really crucial to designing effective policy to safeguard people’s basic human right to food.”
PFS measures the estimated probability that a household’s food expenditures will equal or exceed the minimal cost of a healthful diet as reflected by the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan cost, which informs the basis for maximum benefits in the federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP.
The PFS is based on household food expenditure data, and constructed using the estimated association between food expenditures and household characteristics that are strongly associated with food security – including gender, race and educational attainment of the household head.
PFS is calibrated so that the food insecurity prevalence it estimates exactly equals prevalence estimates based on the USDA’s Food Security Scale Score. Thus while the PFS is not identical to food insecurity as currently measured in the U.S., it tracks the official measure in a way that uncovers food insecurity dynamics that cannot be studied using the official measure – in particular, the likely duration and severity of food insecurity.
“How many households are just briefly food insecure and need a food pantry to tide them over, versus one that needs SNAP benefits, or Social Security for those who have disabilities?” Lee said. “That’s where you need to study dynamics, you need to study what happens to people over time.”
For the 17-year period they studied, the researchers found, using PFS, that two-thirds of U.S. households experienced no food insecurity, and of those that became food insecure at any moment in time, on average, more than half regained food security within two years. They also found that households headed by female, non-white or less educated individuals disproportionately suffered persistent or severe food insecurity.
“PFS gives us this ability to distinguish between chronic and transitory food insecurity,” said Hoddinott, who also has appointments at Dyson and in the Department of Global Development. “That’s something that, to the best of our knowledge, no one has been able to do before in the United States. PFS identifies very particular groups with very particular food security needs, and thus allows for potentially a more refined approach to addressing food insecurity issues in the United States.”
This work was supported by grants from the USDA Economic Research Service and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
For additional information, see this Cornell Chronicle story.
Source: Cornell University
News
Unity and Support: Baltimore’s Response to the Key Bridge Collapse
“Baltimore’s Orioles and Ravens unite, donating $10M to Key Bridge Fund after tragic collapse. Community stands strong in the face of adversity.”
In a display of unity and generosity, Baltimore’s major league franchises, the Orioles and the Ravens, have joined forces to donate $10 million towards the recovery efforts following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26. The donation will be channeled through the Baltimore Community Foundation’s “Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund,” aiming to provide financial assistance to the families of victims, port workers, first responders, and others impacted by this devastating event.
New Orioles owner, David M. Rubenstein, emphasized the city’s resilience in the face of adversity, noting that the donation reflects a commitment to supporting those who play pivotal roles in maintaining the city’s operations. Ravens owner, Steve Bisciotti, expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, acknowledging the bravery and dedication of the first responders involved in the rescue efforts.
The collapse, triggered by a container ship losing control and striking a pier, resulted in the tragic loss of six construction workers with two individuals fortunate to be rescued from the river. This catastrophe has undoubtedly shaken the community, but the response from the Orioles, Ravens, and the wider Baltimore community speaks volumes about their solidarity and determination to stand together during times of crisis.
As the city mourns the lives lost and works towards recovery, the support from these sports franchises serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity. The resilience and strength displayed by Baltimore and Maryland in the wake of this tragedy are a testament to the unwavering spirit of its people. Through collaboration and compassion, the community is coming together to heal and rebuild, showcasing the true essence of unity in the face of adversity.
About the Key Bridge Collapse
Key Bridge collapsed on March 26, 2024, at 01:27 EDT (05:27 UTC) due to a collision with a Singapore-registered container ship named MV Dali. The ship lost power and hit the southwest supporting pier of the main truss section. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the bridge was built before the use of redundant support structures, which are now commonly used in modern bridges. The NTSB stated that these structures would have prevented the collapse.
During sonar exploration, it was discovered that several vehicles were submerged underwater, and two individuals were rescued alive from the river. Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency, acknowledging that the situation could have been much worse. However, the actions of the ship’s crew, who sent a distress signal, and the workers on the bridge, who prevented other vehicles from crossing the bridge moments before the collapse, helped to save many lives. Following the incident, insurers are expected to face multi-billion dollar losses due to damages, business disruptions, and liability claims.
An eight-worker repair crew was working on a bridge when a collision occurred. It is believed that the crew members are the only victims of the disaster. During the search and rescue operation, two of the victims were found inside a red pickup truck, submerged under 25 feet of Patapsco River water, near the mid-span of the collapsed bridge. Due to the unfavorable water conditions, further search operations have been suspended. (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Scott_Key_Bridge_(Baltimore)
small business
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day: Celebrating Small Business Excellence in 2024
“March 29 is National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day! Let’s celebrate the small businesses that make our communities thrive. #SupportLocal”
March 29th is a day dedicated to appreciating the hardworking small business owners who contribute to the growth and vitality of our economy, “Mom and Pop Business Owners.” On this special day, we acknowledge the more than 27 million small businesses in the country and shine a spotlight on their remarkable efforts.
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day was established by Rick and Margie Segel in honor of their parents and the success of their clothing shop that started from humble beginnings. It’s a time to recognize the long hours, dedication, and hard work it takes to run a small business.
So, how can we celebrate this important day?
- Shop Local: Support the small businesses in your community by seeking them out and becoming a regular customer. Whether it’s a local bookstore, bakery, or boutique, make it a point to visit them frequently. If you hear about an interesting spot, go on an adventure to discover it and then share your recommendations with friends.
- Use Social Media: Most small businesses are grateful for any extra attention they can get. Show your support by following your favorite mom and pop shops on social media platforms, and whenever possible, promote and share their posts. A simple like or comment can go a long way in helping them reach a wider audience.
- Write a “Thank You” Note: Take a moment to express your gratitude to the mom and pop shop owners and employees who have made a difference in your life. Let them know how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. A heartfelt note can mean the world to someone who puts their heart and soul into their business.
Now let’s delve into why we love mom and pop businesses:
- Personalized Shopping Experience: Mom and pop businesses take pride in providing personalized service to their customers. They take the time to get to know you, understand your needs, and make your shopping experience memorable. Unlike large retail chains, they genuinely care about their customers and strive to create a unique and enjoyable experience with superior customer service.
- Community Support: Small businesses play a crucial role in supporting the local community. They create job opportunities, hire locally, and recycle the money they earn back into the neighborhood. By choosing to spend your dollars at mom and pop establishments, you contribute to the growth and sustainability of your community.
- Unique Discoveries: In a world where big-box stores dominate, mom and pop shops bring a breath of fresh air and unique products to the marketplace. They often showcase goods that are different from what you’ll find in every chain store. Discovering something special and undiscovered is quite the delight, and supporting these businesses encourages innovation and diversity.
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day is a reminder of the remarkable contributions made by small businesses. They are the backbone of our economy, providing jobs, personalized service, and unique experiences for customers. So, on March 29th, let’s show our appreciation for these hardworking individuals and make a conscious effort to support and celebrate the mom and pop shops in our communities.
News
Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Dual Language Programs in Arizona Schools
Judge Cooper dismissed Arizona’s school chief’s lawsuit challenging dual language programs for non-English speakers, affirming State Board of Education’s authority in approving language models. This reinforces adherence to approved educational standards.
In a recent legal development that has garnered attention, a judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought forward by Arizona’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, challenging dual language programs used in certain school districts to educate non-English speaking students. The dispute stemmed from the argument that these programs, which split a student’s day between English and another language, violated a 2000 voter-approved law mandating English-only instruction.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Katherine Cooper’s ruling on Tuesday was a significant turning point in this legal battle. She determined that Horne lacked the legal authority and standing to initiate the lawsuit and failed to present valid legal claims against Governor Katie Hobbs, Attorney General Kris Mayes, and the 10 school districts involved.
Judge Cooper’s decision highlighted the state Board of Education’s role in approving language immersion models, emphasizing that the school districts in question were following approved models. She clarified that the responsibility for developing and sanctioning immersion models lies with the State Board, not individual districts. As per her ruling, all public and charter schools must adhere to models endorsed by the State Board.
This ruling not only resolves the immediate legal dispute but also underscores the importance of adhering to established educational guidelines and processes. It reaffirms the regulatory role of the State Board of Education in approving language instruction models, providing clarity on the standards that schools must follow.
The outcome of this lawsuit marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding language education in Arizona. It serves as a reminder of the legal framework that governs educational practices and the significance of compliance with state-approved guidelines. Ultimately, this decision underscores the need for a clear, standardized approach to language education that aligns with the broader educational objectives of the state.
https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/
-
Community1 year agoDiana Gregory Talks to us about Diana Gregory’s Outreach Services
-
Senior Pickleball Report1 year ago
ACE PICKLEBALL CLUB TO DEBUT THEIR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED INDOOR PICKLEBALL FRANCHISES IN THE US, IN EARLY 2023
-
Entertainment1 year ago
The Absolute Most Comfortable Pickleball Shoe I’ve Ever Worn!
-
Automotive1 year ago
2023 Nissan Sentra pricing starts at $19,950
-
Blog1 year ago
Unique Experiences at the CitizenM
-
City8 months ago
Signal Hill, California: A Historic Enclave Surrounded by Long Beach
-
Senior Pickleball Report1 year ago
“THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS OF PICKLEBALL” – VOTING OPEN
-
Blog1 year ago
Assistory Showing Support on Senior Assist Day
