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Smutná Z, Vávra J, Duží B. An insight into market and non-market alternative food networks in Czechia during Covid-19 and beyond. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1327308. [PMID: 38379542 PMCID: PMC10876859 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1327308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Covid-19 pandemic affected food systems in many countries and emphasized a lot of already existing social, economic and environmental agri-food problems. Alternative food networks (AFNs), praised for their ability to improve the food systems, were under stress, however, at the same time, the changed conditions may have opened new possibilities. In this paper we address the importance of AFNs during the pandemic and investigate how households have changed their participation in AFNs. Our research is novel by simultaneously focusing on both market and non-market AFNs which are often studied separately. Methods A representative questionnaire study of Czech households was carried out in Autumn 2021 to provide a case study of food and consumption behavior of the European country after several waves of Covid-19. Results and discussion Based on the responses of 515 participants, the results show that 68% of Czech households participate in some form of AFNs, be it shopping or food self-provisioning, i.e., non-market food procurement in the form of gardening. Focusing on the market AFNs, farmers' markets and farm gate sales are the most popular. Covid-19 and 2021 emerging economic pressures led to a decrease of consumption of organic food (22% of respondents) as well as fresh fruit and vegetables in general (10% of respondents) and a noticeable occurrence of food insecurity (18% of households). Based on these findings, the paper discusses the ability of AFNs to support food and nutritional resilience. Problems which may endanger market-oriented AFNs are discussed as well. Conclusion By addressing both market and non-market AFNs, the paper brings new knowledge into the food environment and agri-food policies research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdeňka Smutná
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czechia
| | - Jan Vávra
- Department of Local and Regional Studies, Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Barbora Duží
- Department of Environmental Geography, Institute of Geonics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
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Niles MT, McCarthy AC, Malacarne J, Bliss S, Belarmino EH, Laurent J, Merrill SC, Nowak SA, Schattman RE. Home and wild food procurement were associated with improved food security during the COVID-19 pandemic in two rural US states. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2682. [PMID: 38302511 PMCID: PMC10834469 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52320-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Both food insecurity and home and wild food procurement (HWFP), including gardening, increased in many countries during the COVID-19 pandemic; yet little evidence has demonstrated what impact HWFP had on food security. Using data from a representative sample of nearly 1000 residents in the two most rural US states (Vermont and Maine) conducted via an online survey in Spring/Summer 2021, as well as matching techniques, we compare food security outcomes among households who did and did not participate in HWFP in the first year of the pandemic. Nearly 60% of respondents engaged in HWFP in some way during the first year of the pandemic, with food insecure households more likely to do HWFP. Furthermore, HWFP early in the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with improved food security in the 9-12 months later, though these improvements were primarily associated with newly, not chronically, food insecure households. Newly and chronically food insecure households were more likely to want to continue these activities in the future, but also exhibited greater barriers to land access and costs associated with these activities. These results suggest that HWFP may provide food security improvements for certain households that utilize them, especially during crisis situations. Future research about HWFP should continue to explore multiple HWFP strategies, their barriers, and their potentially myriad relationships to food security, diet, and health outcomes, especially with longitudinal data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith T Niles
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Vermont, 355 Carrigan Wing, 109 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA.
| | - Ashley C McCarthy
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Vermont, 355 Carrigan Wing, 109 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | | | - Sam Bliss
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
- Rubenstein School of Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Emily H Belarmino
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Vermont, 355 Carrigan Wing, 109 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Jennifer Laurent
- Department of Nursing, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Scott C Merrill
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Sarah A Nowak
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
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Coffin-Schmitt JL, Clements N, Marshall G, Liu L, Trombitas A, Wang Z, Yuan S, Safi AG, Hanson KL, Fiorella KJ. Wild and backyard food use during COVID-19 in upstate New York, United States. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1222610. [PMID: 37731401 PMCID: PMC10507697 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1222610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 acutely shocked both socio-economic and food systems in 2020. We investigated the impact of COVID-19 on production and consumption of gardened produce, backyard poultry, wild game and fish, and foraged mushrooms, berries, and other plants in New York State, aiming to understand crisis influenced food choice and motivations, including food security. Methods We conducted an online, cross-sectional survey in October-December 2020 with a convenience sample of participants (n = 505) with an interest in gardening, poultry rearing, foraging, hunting, and/or fishing from six counties in upstate New York. We recruited through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and other relevant email and social media pages. Results Across the wild and backyard food production strategies, 4.0-14.3% of respondents reported engaging for the first time and 39.6-45.7% reported increased production (a little or a lot more), and 31.6-42.7% of respondents' production was the same as the previous year. Consumption of foods produced was widespread, including fruit and vegetables (97.6% of producers also consumed), backyard eggs (92.7%), and foraged foods (93.8%). For meats, a majority consumed backyard poultry meat (51.2%), wild-caught fish (69.7%), and wild game they hunted (80.1%). The frequency of consumption of fruit and vegetables (average of 13.5 times/month) and eggs (16.4 times/month) was very high, while average consumption of poultry meat, foraged foods, fish, and wild game ranged from 3.1 to 5.8 times/month. The number of respondents who reported "have more control over food availability" as motivation to produce all wild and backyard foods increased from 2019 to 2020 (p < 0.05 - p < 0.001). There was also a significant relationship between experiences of COVID-19 related hardship (i.e., food insecurity, income loss) with gardening and poultry-rearing (p ≤ 0.05), but not with other production methods or with consumption of wild and backyard foods. Discussion Our findings help to locate wild and backyard foods within COVID-19 impacted food environments, and describe food security as a particularly relevant motivation, among others, reported by respondents in 2020. Given this, New York State service providers can use these findings to tailor current future support for households exerting control over their own food environments with wild and backyard foods, allowing the state to be better prepared for future crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne L. Coffin-Schmitt
- Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Nia Clements
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Grace Marshall
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Aly Trombitas
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Zi Wang
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Shuai Yuan
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Amelia Greiner Safi
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Karla L. Hanson
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Kathryn J. Fiorella
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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Nedzingahe V, Tambe BA, Zuma MK, Mbhenyane XG. Associations among Food Systems, Food Environments, Food Choices, Food Security, and Nutrition Transition in Limpopo Province, South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6557. [PMID: 37623143 PMCID: PMC10454841 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20166557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was applied to investigate the influence of food systems and food environments on food choices and nutrition transition of households in Limpopo province, South Africa. A sample of 429 households was systematically selected using a paper selection draw from three districts. This paper determines the association among food systems, food environments, food choices, and nutritional measurements of the respondents. A validated questionnaire was used. Most of the respondents responsible for food procurement were females (80.4%). There was a significant association (p < 0.001) between proximity to food stores and dietary diversity of the households. Staple foods such as bread, maize, rice, samp, and mealie rice were available in almost all surveyed households (95.6%). More than half of the households (59.8%) had home gardens in their yards. Almost half of the households (48.4%) had a low Dietary Diversity Score. The study further revealed that 46.0% of households were food secure. Over a third (36.2%) of the respondents were obese, and 32.5% were diabetic. The mean total blood cholesterol was 3.69 ± 0.74 mmol/L. A high percentage of both females (89.6%) and males (91.5%) had normal hemoglobin levels. Almost half of the respondents had normal systolic blood pressure levels (45.6%), and nearly a quarter had high diastolic levels (21.4%). The 25 coping strategies were applied during food shortage periods. Even though the food environments provided both obesogenic and protective foods, the consumption of unhealthy foods was high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vhushavhelo Nedzingahe
- Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, Western Cape, South Africa; (V.N.); (B.A.T.); (M.K.Z.)
| | - Betrand Ayuk Tambe
- Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, Western Cape, South Africa; (V.N.); (B.A.T.); (M.K.Z.)
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
| | - Mthokozisi Kwazi Zuma
- Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, Western Cape, South Africa; (V.N.); (B.A.T.); (M.K.Z.)
- Impact and Partnerships Division, Agricultural Research Council, P.O. Box 8783, Pretoria 0084, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Xikombiso Gertrude Mbhenyane
- Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, Western Cape, South Africa; (V.N.); (B.A.T.); (M.K.Z.)
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Schanbacher WD, Cavendish JC. The effects of COVID-19 on Central Florida's community gardens: lessons for promoting food security and overall community wellbeing. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1147967. [PMID: 37483929 PMCID: PMC10359818 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1147967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
For quite some time, food systems scholars, public health workers, and food justice activists have recognized structural problems in the global food system that can cause food insecurity and inequitable access to nutritious foods. The COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying disruption in food supply chains (FSCs) exposed these problems and raised questions about how community gardening and urban agriculture might offer some solutions. In this article, we examine the effects of the pandemic on the operations of community gardens in Central Florida and the attempts of these gardens to address the disruption in food supplies in their local communities. We do so by using data drawn from two research strategies employed by the members of University of South Florida's Urban Food Sovereignty Group: (1) a survey conducted in 2021 of 45 leaders of community gardens throughout the Central Florida region; and (2) participation in the meetings and activities of a coalition of community gardens based in Tampa, Florida, from 2019 to 2022. Results reveal that although most community gardens in Central Florida were forced to change their routines in various ways (e.g., limiting the number of workers or volunteers who could work at the garden at the same time, or delivering workshops and education programs online instead of in-person), some gardens were able to maintain their regular operations and even reported increases in their membership or participation during the pandemic. Many community garden leaders also recognized the positive effect that community gardening seemed to have on their gardeners' mental health, noting that their gardens became places of refuge for gardeners who sought safe, outdoor spaces, to relieve stress and interact with their neighbors. These same leaders also observed the effect of the pandemic on residents' access to quality food, and intensified their efforts to provide more fresh food to pantries and traditional emergency food outlets. Survey respondents also shared important lessons they learned from the pandemic by suggesting that community gardens establish clear emergency protocols, use existing resources more efficiently, continue their educational programs, and strengthen their communications and cooperation with other gardens and actors in local food supply chains in order to ensure food security. We conclude by suggesting that one of the best ways that local communities can avert future food crises and strengthen their resilience is to root themselves more firmly in the principles of food sovereignty so they can sustain themselves when commercial FSCs are disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James C. Cavendish
- Department of Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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Wu CF, Trac LVT, Chen SH, Menakanit A, Le QT, Tu HM, Tsou CP, Huang HC, Chookoh N, Weng CC, Chou LW, Chen CC. Enhancing human resilience beyond COVID-19-related stress: public responses to multi-benefits of home gardening. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10534. [PMID: 37386291 PMCID: PMC10310725 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37426-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused a public health crisis globally. Against the backdrop of global resilience, studies have demonstrated the therapeutic value of home gardening as a measure to strengthen human health. However, there is a lack of comparative studies on its benefits across countries. Studies need to examine the role of home gardening in improving public health in various societies to understand and encourage this practice broadly and effectively. We chose Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam as case studies, which have suffered substantial pandemic impacts, with millions of infections and thousands of deaths. We explored and compared the perceptions of people on home gardening and its health benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted online surveys in three countries between May 1 and September 30, 2022, with a total of 1172 participants. Data were collated on perceived pandemic stress, challenges and solutions in gardening, home gardening intentions, and mental and physical health benefits. In these countries, we found that perceived pandemic stress positively affects home gardening intentions, whereby the motivation of Vietnamese people is the highest. Challenges hinder gardening intentions, while the solutions only positively affect gardening intentions in Taiwan and Vietnam. Home gardening intentions positively affect mental and physical health, whereby there are higher mental health benefits in Taiwanese people than in Thai people. Our findings potentially support public health recovery and promote healthy lifestyles during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Fa Wu
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan
- Innovation and Development Center of Sustainable Agriculture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan
| | - Luu Van Thong Trac
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan.
| | - Szu-Hung Chen
- International Master Program of Agriculture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan.
| | - Alisara Menakanit
- Department of Horticulture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Quoc Tuan Le
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University - Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam
| | - Hung-Ming Tu
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan
- Innovation and Development Center of Sustainable Agriculture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Peng Tsou
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Chih Huang
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan
| | - Nittaya Chookoh
- Department of Horticulture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Chih-Cheng Weng
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan
- Miaoli Management Office, Irrigation Agency, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Miaoli County, 360, Taiwan
| | - Li-Wei Chou
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404332, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, China Medical University, 406040, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Asia University Hospital, Asia University, Taichung, 413505, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Chuan Chen
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Chung Chou University of Science and Technology, Changhua County, 510, Taiwan
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Nigg C, Petersen E, MacIntyre T. Natural environments, psychosocial health, and health behaviors in a crisis - A scoping review of the literature in the COVID-19 context. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 88:102009. [PMID: 37065613 PMCID: PMC10082968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2023.102009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak led to major restrictions globally, affecting people's psychosocial health and their health behaviors. Thus, the purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the available research regarding nature and health in the COVID-19 context. Keywords relating to natural environments and COVID-19 were combined to conduct a systematic online search in six major databases. Eligibility criteria were a) published since 2020 with data collected in the COVID-19 context b) peer-reviewed, c) original empirical data collected on human participants, d) investigated the association between natural environments and psychosocial health or health behaviors, and e) English, German, or Scandinavian languages. Out of 9126 articles being screened, we identified 188 relevant articles, representing 187 distinct studies. Most research focused on adults in the general population and was predominantly conducted in the USA, Europe, and China. Overall, the findings indicate that nature may mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on psychological health and physical activity. Through a systematic thematic analysis of the extracted data, three primary themes were identified: 1) type of nature assessed, 2) psychosocial health and health behaviors investigated, and 3) heterogeneity in the nature-health relationship. Research gaps in the COVID-19 context were identified regarding I) nature characteristics that promote psychosocial health and health behaviors, II) investigations of digital and virtual nature, III) psychological constructs relating to mental health promotion, IV) health-promoting behaviors other than physical activity, V) underlying mechanisms regarding heterogeneity in the nature-health relationship based on human, nature, and geographic characteristics, and VI) research focusing on vulnerable groups. Overall, natural environments demonstrate considerable potential in buffering the impact of stressful events on a population level on mental health. However, future research is warranted to fill the mentioned research gaps and to examine the long-term effects of nature exposure during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Nigg
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 145, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engler-Bunte-Ring 15, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Evi Petersen
- Department of Sports, Physical Education and Outdoor Life, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3800, Bø i, Telemark, Norway
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Oslo Metropolitan University, Pilestredet 42, 0167, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tadhg MacIntyre
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Maynooth University, North Campus, W23 F2K8, Maynooth, Ireland
- Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, Maynooth University, North Campus, W23 F2k8, Maynooth, Ireland
- TechPA Research Group, Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
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Nicklett EJ, Cheng GJ, Morris ZA. Predictors of food insecurity among older adults before and during COVID-19 in the United States. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1112575. [PMID: 37250079 PMCID: PMC10213641 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1112575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has strained the health and wellbeing of older adult populations through increased morbidity, mortality, and social exclusion. However, the impact of COVID-19 on the health of older adults through food security has received relatively little attention, despite the strong impact of diet quality on the health and longevity of older adults. Objective The objective of this study was to identify sociodemographic and socioeconomic predictors of self-reported food insecurity before and early in the COVID-19 pandemic among community-dwelling older adults in the United States. Methods Using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative sample of middle-aged and older adults in the United States, we examined the associations between sociodemographic and socioeconomic predictors of self-reported food insecurity between 2018 (N = 2,413) and June 2020 (N = 2,216) using population-weighted multivariate logistic regression models. Results The prevalence of food insecurity doubled among participants from 2018 (4.83%) to June 2020 (9.54%). In 2018, non-Hispanic Black and rural residents were more likely to report food insecurity, while individuals with higher education and greater wealth were less likely to report food insecurity in adjusted models. In June 2020, those who were relatively younger, not working due to a disability, and renting were more likely to report food insecurity. Those with an increased number of functional limitations, a recent onset of a work-limiting disability, and those who were no longer homeowners experienced an elevated longitudinal risk for food insecurity. Conclusion Future research should examine effective policies and interventions to address the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on populations at a heightened risk of experiencing food insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Joy Nicklett
- Department of Social Work, College for Health, Community and Policy, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Greta Jianjia Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Zachary A. Morris
- School of Social Welfare, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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Taylor S, Charlebois S, Music J. Affordability of Canada's Food Guide: Current challenges amid COVID-19, War in Ukraine, and other world events. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1085855. [PMID: 37063329 PMCID: PMC10098082 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1085855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the 2019 Canada Food Guide was released, there have been concerns raised over the cost of food, with an emphasis on the affordability of nutritious food. In this study, we evaluate the affordability of the 2019 Canada Food Guide in relation to the previous edition from 2007. As a result of the pandemic and other significant world events, many are feeling financial stress as prices in many areas of life rise, including housing, gas, and food. Our results show that it is more cost-effective, on average, for children and teens to follow the 2019 Canada Food Guide, but more expensive for adults, when compared to the 2007 edition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey Taylor
- Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- *Correspondence: Stacey Taylor
| | | | - Janet Music
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Iida A, Yamazaki T, Hino K, Yokohari M. Urban agriculture in walkable neighborhoods bore fruit for health and food system resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. NPJ URBAN SUSTAINABILITY 2023; 3:4. [PMID: 37521202 PMCID: PMC9890428 DOI: 10.1038/s42949-023-00083-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Urban agriculture is the key to creating healthy cities and developing resilient urban food systems in uncertain times. However, relevant empirical evidence is limited. This study quantitatively verified the association of access to local food through urban agriculture with subjective well-being, physical activity, and food security concerns of neighborhood communities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The target was Tokyo, Japan, where small-scale local food systems are widespread in walkable neighborhoods. We found that diversity in local food access, ranging from self-cultivation to direct-to-consumer sales, was significantly associated with health and food security variables. In particular, the use of allotment farms was more strongly associated with subjective well-being than the use of urban parks, and it was more strongly associated with the mitigation of food security concerns than the use of food retailers. These findings provide robust evidence for the effectiveness of integrating urban agriculture into walkable neighborhoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Iida
- Department of Urban Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 1138656 Japan
| | - Takahiro Yamazaki
- Department of Urban Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 1138656 Japan
- Department of Environmental Design, Kobe Design University, Hyogo, 6512196 Japan
| | - Kimihiro Hino
- Department of Urban Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 1138656 Japan
| | - Makoto Yokohari
- Department of Urban Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 1138656 Japan
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11
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Debucquet G, Maignant A, Laroche AL, Widehem C, Morel P. Bringing nature into private urban housing: Environmental, social and food connections for urban resilience. CITIES (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 131:104007. [PMID: 36211220 PMCID: PMC9529358 DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2022.104007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Ongoing confinement for millions of urban citizens due to the Covid-19 pandemic has raised ecological consciousness, changed food habits and questioned the relationship urban dwellers have with nature. There is more interest in bringing plants into urban homes and in sustainable food sources, but no research have studied the relationships between food behaviours and plant-care activities. To address this gap and explore urban citizens' nature relatedness through the greening of private areas, we conducted a national survey of French, young urban citizens (n = 1000), who are more committed to 'edible' cities than older generations but have the lowest rate of plant purchasers. A quantitative approach reveals the prevalence of aesthetic/hedonistic expectations for plants in private housing but also demonstrates contrasting perceptions of tasks for plant maintaining and unequal valuation of social issues around plants. We discuss continuities between environmental awareness, commitment to sustainable food and natural/social uses of plants and argue that urban planning processes should address potential synergies for more integrative resilience. Community building around green areas, urban agriculture or collective gardens, in cities, can have ripple effects towards the greening of private housing. Lastly, the multi-disciplinary approach bridging psychosociology and urban studies can inspire multi-scalar urban planning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Allan Maignant
- ASTREDHOR, 42 rue Georges Morel, 49071 Beaucouzé, France
| | | | | | - Philippe Morel
- INRAE Pays de la Loire, 42 Rue Georges Morel, 49070 Beaucouzé, France
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12
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Wu CF, Chou LW, Huang HC, Tu HM. Perceived COVID-19-related stress drives home gardening intentions and improves human health in Taiwan. URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING 2022; 78:127770. [PMID: 36311210 PMCID: PMC9597545 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has added a layer of mental health problems and perceived stress. Home gardening is considered a good method to reduce perceived stress. The current research evidence is insufficient to understand the relationship and influencing factors between the intentions, behaviors, and benefits of home gardening during short-term COVID-19 events. Although the duration from the onset to stabilization of the outbreak lasted for only 1.5 months from May to June 2021 throughout Taiwan, the significant pandemic changes might have affected the perceived stress along with the intentions, behaviors, and benefits of home gardening. This study explored the relationship between pandemic stress and home gardening through online snowball sampling because of the strict social distancing regulations. A total of 1455 non-follow-up and internet questionnaires throughout Taiwan were collected during the wave onset, peak, easing, and stabilization stages. The questionnaire included questions on personal information, perceived pandemic stress, gardening intentions, gardening behaviors, and gardening benefits. This study showed that perceived stress increased from the pandemic onset to its peak, and decreased from the peak to stabilization stages. Home gardening intentions and behaviors also revealed similar trends. Higher pandemic-perceived stress directly increased home-gardening intentions and indirectly promoted home-gardening behaviors and benefits. Our findings indicated that home gardening is a positive element in reducing perceived stress. Lower gardening intentions and behaviors were observed when the high perceived stress was removed. This study suggests that home gardening was a valuable strategy for staying close to nature and obtaining multiple benefits during the peak pandemic period. Providing small-scale gardening activities and spaces is appropriate for obtaining gardening benefits and avoiding space abandonment after the pandemic. Providing seeds, seedlings, tools, knowledge, online home gardening programs, and small residential and food gardens is a valuable strategy for obtaining multiple benefits during the peak of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Fa Wu
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, Taiwan
- Innovation and Development Center of Sustainable Agriculture from the Featured Areas Research Center Program within the framework of the Higher Education Sprout Project by the Ministry of Education in Taiwan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Wei Chou
- Department of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, China Medical University, 406040 Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Asia University Hospital, Asia University, 413505 Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, China Medical University Hospital, 404332 Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Chih Huang
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Ming Tu
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, Taiwan
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13
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Kim JSG, Jeong W, Park S, Yang M. Development of a fuzzy logic-controlled system for home cultivation of sweet basil. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:999106. [PMID: 36340373 PMCID: PMC9627040 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.999106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As environmental pollution and the global population increase, and the COVID-19 pandemic becomes more severe, demands for indoor farming, especially home food gardening, have also increased. However, most research thus far has focused on large-scale food production, with very few studies having been conducted at the household scale. Also, the devices cultivating household crops with control systems in a continuous way, which minimize fluctuations of environmental conditions, have been rarely developed. Therefore, this study aimed to design a household cultivation system for sweet basil that is automatically and continuously controlled by fuzzy logic with a Raspberry Pi4. Three inputs (temperature, humidity, and growth stage) and seven outputs (fan, humidifier, heater 1, heater 2, LED red, green, and blue) were used with six rules, ensuring that three lights operated independently upon three growth stages. Simulation and actual operation were carried out, resulting in an appropriately controlled system that operated with few defects. In the case of an operation of the input variable, temperature and humidity were maintained at an average of 21.24 °C and 75.58%, respectively, and the LED operation for the growth stage was confirmed to be flawless. For verification of the designed fuzzy system, a comparison between the simulation and actual operation was performed to examine differences and identify problems. To this end, Pearson's correlation coefficients were used, and the direction of correction of the fuzzy logic system was proposed. Through these results, the feasibility of a home cultivation system using fuzzy logic was demonstrated, and it is expected that further studies applying it will be conducted in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Sun Gloria Kim
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Global Smart Farm Convergence Major, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Wooyoung Jeong
- Department of Technology Management, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seongmin Park
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Myongkyoon Yang
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Smart Agriculture Innovation Center, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
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14
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Kumareswaran K, Jayasinghe GY. Systematic review on ensuring the global food security and covid-19 pandemic resilient food systems: towards accomplishing sustainable development goals targets. DISCOVER SUSTAINABILITY 2022; 3:29. [PMID: 36258888 PMCID: PMC9561052 DOI: 10.1007/s43621-022-00096-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Covid-19, one of the most critical and widespread global pandemics, has resulted in extraordinary risk corollaries engulfing millions of people's lives and has caused an unprecedented economic downturn while amplifying food insecurity. A systematic review of 132 scientific communications was performed over a 15-year period, using articles from the ScienceDirect and Web of Science databases (2006-2021). In addition, 24 policy briefs, country papers, and publications from the UN, WHO, FAO, and OECD were cited. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of existing literature on the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on agricultural food systems, as well as potential strategies for building robust, resilient, and sustainable food systems to ensure global food security, safety, and endeavors regarding future global emergencies, as well as new research policies while achieving SDG targets. This would fill a research gap while also having long-term implications for health, agricultural, and food resilience policy development in a rapidly changing world. Covid-19 demonstrates how human, animal, and environmental health are all interconnected, emphasizing the need for one health legislation and a paradigm shift in planetary health. Furthermore, it identifies potential mechanisms for rebuilding better systems by shifting priorities toward policy coherence, innovative food system governance, re-engineering market access, and nexus thinking in the food system approach. According to our findings, the COVID-19 posed unavoidable impediments to achieving SDG targets for food security and household poverty. Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Keerththana Kumareswaran
- Department of Agric. Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka
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15
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Music J, Mullins L, Charlebois S, Large C, Mayhew K. Seeds and the city: a review of municipal home food gardening programs in Canada in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 9:273. [PMID: 35990764 PMCID: PMC9381390 DOI: 10.1057/s41599-022-01301-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, home food gardening articles have saturated popular media outlets. Home food gardening is more popular than ever, and community gardens and community greenhouses are at capacity with long waiting lists for plots. Several local governments across the country are also participating in the food gardening craze. This study compares 19 municipal urban home food gardening programs that ran in 2020. These municipalities provided program participants with free gardening supplies and instructions on how to grow food at home. This study reveals a complicated relationship among municipalities, food gardening programs and household and community food security. The study also determines that the social and emotional challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic are somewhat alleviated through gardening. Ultimately, municipalities are limited in their policy capacities to adequately move the needle on food insecurity in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Music
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Canada
| | - Lisa Mullins
- Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Canada
| | | | - Charlotte Large
- Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Canada
| | - Kydra Mayhew
- Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Canada
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16
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Sharma H, Pankratz VS, Demark-Wahnefried W, Pestak CR, Blair CK. Association between Quality of Life and Physical Functioning in a Gardening Intervention for Cancer Survivors. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:1421. [PMID: 36011078 PMCID: PMC9407773 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To examine potential factors associated with maintaining or improving self-reported physical function (PF) among older cancer survivors participating in a gardening intervention impacted by the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: Thirty cancer survivors completed a home-based gardening intervention to encourage a healthier diet and a more active lifestyle. Device-based measures of physical activity (PA) and surveys to evaluate quality of life (QOL; PROMIS-57 questionnaire) were administered at baseline, mid-intervention (6 months), and post-intervention (9 months). Results: Depression, fatigue, and sleeplessness at baseline were significantly associated with worse average PF scores across follow-up (2.3 to 4.9 points lower for every decrease of 5 points in the QOL score; p-values < 0.02). Worsening of these QOL domains during the intervention was also associated with an additional decrease of 2.1 to 2.9 points in PF over follow-up (p values < 0.01). Better social participation and PA at baseline were significantly associated with better average PF scores during the intervention (2.8 to 5.2 points higher for every 5-point increase in social participation or 30 min more of PA; p values < 0.05). Every 5-point increase in pain at baseline, or increases in pain during the intervention, was associated with decreases of 4.9 and 3.0 points, respectively, in PF. Conclusions: Worse QOL scores before and during the intervention were significantly associated with worse PF over follow-up. Encouraging social participation and PA through interventions such as home-based gardening may improve long-term health among older cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (V.S.P.); (C.K.B.)
| | - Vernon S. Pankratz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (V.S.P.); (C.K.B.)
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA;
| | - Wendy Demark-Wahnefried
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Claire R. Pestak
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA;
| | - Cindy K. Blair
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (V.S.P.); (C.K.B.)
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA;
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17
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Charlebois S, Hill A, Morrison M, Vezeau J, Music J, Mayhew K. Is Buying Local Less Expensive? Debunking a Myth—Assessing the Price Competitiveness of Local Food Products in Canada. Foods 2022; 11:foods11142059. [PMID: 35885306 PMCID: PMC9315852 DOI: 10.3390/foods11142059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that many consumers believe local foods are more expensive than comparative products coming from other markets. The aim of this study was to measure the price competitiveness of products certified by the Aliments du Québec program, a well-known program in the Canadian province of Quebec. Using machine-learning, artificial intelligence and targeted data mining, the report identifies local products and comparator products, to consider whether locally certified products are more expensive than comparative products coming from outside Quebec. Uncertified products used as comparative products come from anywhere around the world, outside of the province of Quebec. For this study, a total of more than 350,000 discrete price data points were analyzed in the Winter 2022. Local product prices were examined relative to the prices of comparator products. In total, there were 48 subcategories considered. In 70.83% of the subcategories, the local product was either as expensive (similar price) or less expensive than the comparator product. Results challenge the popular belief that local food products are often more expensive. This study also provides limitation and future research paths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Charlebois
- Agri-Food Analytics Lab, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (S.C.); (A.H.); (K.M.)
| | - Amy Hill
- Agri-Food Analytics Lab, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (S.C.); (A.H.); (K.M.)
| | - Melanie Morrison
- College of Arts and Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A2, Canada;
| | - Janele Vezeau
- Canadian Agri-Food Foresight Institute, Halifax, NS B2X 3T5, Canada;
| | - Janet Music
- Agri-Food Analytics Lab, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (S.C.); (A.H.); (K.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Kydra Mayhew
- Agri-Food Analytics Lab, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (S.C.); (A.H.); (K.M.)
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18
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Joshi N, Wende W. Physically apart but socially connected: Lessons in social resilience from community gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic. LANDSCAPE AND URBAN PLANNING 2022; 223:104418. [PMID: 36540856 PMCID: PMC9754715 DOI: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2022.104418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Urban green spaces, like community gardens, received increased attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from an ethnographic study on participating in community garden activities in Edmonton, Canada and inputs from 194 gardeners and 21 garden coordinators, this paper captures the experiences of creating community during a pandemic. Garden coordinators had to rethink and rework their operating styles in keeping participants physically apart but socially connected. Participants confirmed that garden activities provided respite from the pandemic restrictions. Findings also indicate that some participants missed group activities like work bees and potlucks while others were able to re-create community in digital spaces and in chanced and informal interactions. This study draws from and subsequently contributes to the existing literature on social resilience provided by community gardens during and after a crisis event. It also provides policy recommendations on how the city administration can help facilitate garden activities during times of disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelakshi Joshi
- Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development, Weberplatz 1, 01217 Dresden, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wende
- Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development, Weberplatz 1, 01217 Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Architecture, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 17, 01062 Dresden, Germany
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19
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Rice WL, Taff BD, Lawhon B, Newman P. Anticipated post-pandemic substitution behavior among new outdoor recreationists in the U.S.: analysis across involvement and activity clusters. MANAGING SPORT AND LEISURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/23750472.2022.2092540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William L. Rice
- Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Management Program, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
- Department of Society and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - B. Derrick Taff
- Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Ben Lawhon
- Recreation Solutions Group, Lyons, CO, USA
| | - Peter Newman
- Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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20
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Falkowski TB, Jorgensen B, Rakow DA, Das A, Diemont SAW, Selfa T, Arrington AB. “Connecting With Good People and Good Plants”: Community Gardener Experiences in New York State During the COVID-19 Pandemic. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.854374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Community gardens are collective projects in which participants collaborate to maintain a garden. They provide many biophysical and cultural ecosystem services, contributing to individual and community resilience and wellbeing. These benefits may be even more appreciated during a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. However, since community gardens require efforts from multiple gardeners in shared spaces, the pandemic also exposed some of their vulnerabilities. This study focuses on the benefits community gardens have offered during the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges the pandemic posed to sustaining community garden activity, and recommendations to address these issues moving forward. We conducted our study in four cities in New York representing a gradient of socioeconomic and biophysical characteristics: Binghamton, Buffalo, Ithaca, and New York City. We collected data from surveys and semi-structured interviews with community gardeners and analyzed them using mixed models and thematic coding. The primary benefits gardeners derived from their community garden experiences were: a sense of connection with other gardeners, their communities, and nature; mental and physical wellbeing; and a safe space of refuge. In addition to material shortages (e.g., seeds), the biggest challenge gardeners faced due to the pandemic was the limited degree of socializing in the gardens resulting from personal behavioral changes and rules imposed by gardens. Despite the challenges, gardeners reported enjoying the 2020 garden season. The pandemic also created opportunities for gardens to serve their communities, such as organizing programs for composting, food donation and distribution, and home gardening. Our findings suggest that community gardens can be resilient sites of reprieve during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, providing essential benefits for gardeners and local residents. To sustain community garden resilience, we recommend community gardens and gardeners cultivate connections and diversity, within and between the biological and human communities of their gardens.
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21
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Sooriyaarachchi P, Francis TV, Jayawardena R. Fruit and vegetable consumption during the COVID-19 lockdown in Sri Lanka: an online survey. NUTRIRE : REVISTA DE SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE ALIMENTACAO E NUTRICAO = JOURNAL OF THE BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF FOOD AND NUTRITION 2022; 47:12. [PMID: 38625301 PMCID: PMC9205284 DOI: 10.1186/s41110-022-00161-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the dietary patterns of individuals. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the purchase and consumption of fruit and vegetables in Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An online cross-sectional survey assessed the self-reported changes in fruit and vegetable consumption and purchase using Google forms. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between decreased consumption of imported fruits and increased home-grown food intake with socio-demographic variables. Results Among the 3621 survey respondents, 63.0% and 43.3% reported a decreased intake of imported and local fruits purchased from the market, respectively. Although the overall vegetable consumption has declined, the leafy vegetable consumption has increased by 40.7%. Imported fruit intake has significantly reduced among youngsters, males, respondents living in municipal areas, employed, and those with lower monthly incomes. Among the respondent, 48.9% declared an increased consumption of home-grown fruits or vegetables. Responders living away from Colombo and rural areas were more likely to report a higher intake of home-grown fruits and vegetables (OR 2.021; 95% CI, 1.762-2.318, P < 0.001). Employed males residing in municipal areas were less likely to report an increased intake (OR 0.689; 95% CI, 0.574-0.827, P < 0.001). Conclusion Purchase of imported and local fruits from the market has reduced. Although the overall vegetable consumption was decreased, there has been an increase in the consumption of leafy vegetables. Furthermore, consumption of home-grown fruits and vegetables has increased considerably. Well-established food distribution programs are essential in future pandemics to promote healthy eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piumika Sooriyaarachchi
- School of Exercise & Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD Australia
- Health and Wellness Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Tormalli V. Francis
- Health and Wellness Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Ranil Jayawardena
- School of Exercise & Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD Australia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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22
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Should I Pay or Should I Grow? Factors Which Influenced the Preferences of US Consumers for Fruit, Vegetables, Wine and Beer during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Foods 2022; 11:foods11111536. [PMID: 35681284 PMCID: PMC9180933 DOI: 10.3390/foods11111536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examines the key factors that determine the preferences of US consumers towards the growing and processing used for horticultural products such as fruit, vegetables, wine and beer over their preferences for buying them both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings obtained using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) show that engagement with horticulture prior to and after the occurrence of COVID-19 influenced preferences for the growing and processing of fruit, vegetables, wine and beer over buying them in both the pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 contexts. Engagement with horticulture before and after the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly impacted by attitudes towards US growers. Attitudes towards COVID-19 and human values such as self-enhancement, conservation and self-transcendence were also found to be significant factors, while openness to change was not found to be significant. Best practice recommendations are included on the basis of these findings for managers of community gardens, horticultural properties and specialized food stores.
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23
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Gerdes ME, Aistis LA, Sachs NA, Williams M, Roberts JD, Rosenberg Goldstein RE. Reducing Anxiety with Nature and Gardening (RANG): Evaluating the Impacts of Gardening and Outdoor Activities on Anxiety among U.S. Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095121. [PMID: 35564513 PMCID: PMC9100102 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted mental health. Growing research has identified the mental health benefits of nature contact, including gardening. We used a cross-sectional survey to investigate the association between gardening and other outdoor activities with anxiety among U.S. adults. The RANG (Reducing Anxiety with Nature and Gardening) survey was distributed online from June−September 2020 through social media (Twitter and Facebook) and a national Master Gardeners listserv. Survey questions captured demographics, COVID-19 experiences, gardening, outdoor activities, and anxiety using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale. Data were analyzed using chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Kruskal−Wallis tests, as well as logistic regression. Among participants, 46% reported anxiety symptoms. Participants who had gardened ≥ 15 years and those gardening > 8 h over two weeks had lower anxiety scores. Spending more time outdoors on weekdays also decreased anxiety scores. After adjusting for covariates, lower odds of anxiety were identified for 50−69 and 70−89-year-olds vs. 18−29-year-olds; males vs. females; and Texas vs. Maryland residents. These findings confirm increased anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic and suggest that sustained gardening and other outdoor activities could help reduce anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Gerdes
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Lucy A. Aistis
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Naomi A. Sachs
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Marcus Williams
- Baltimore City Extension, University of Maryland Extension, Baltimore, MD 21215, USA;
| | - Jennifer D. Roberts
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Rachel E. Rosenberg Goldstein
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-301-314-1588
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24
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Canadian Consumers’ Dining Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Channel Decisions in the Foodservice Industry. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14094893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The past two years have been challenging for the restaurant industry in Canada and countries worldwide. This has led many casual and fine dining restaurants to adapt their business models to overcome the immediate and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper aims to understand how COVID-19 has impacted Canadian consumers’ on- and off-premise dining behaviors and how such behaviors vary among various sociodemographic groups, general knowledge of COVID-19, and telecommuting. Data were collected from a nationally representative consumer panel (n = 1091), from a survey administered online by Angus Reid. The results show that Canadian consumers increased their off-premise dining experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, which also varied across various sociodemographic groups. There was also an increased level of telecommuting during the pandemic, of which 68% started following the pandemic. However, telecommuting was negatively correlated with off-premise dining experiences during the pandemic. Canadian consumers perceived off-premise dining during the pandemic as reasonably expensive, lesser quality, and more convenient. The findings may have important implications for casual and dining restaurants in Canada to improve channel decisions and messaging as operators prepare for a full-service post-COVID-19. They can build on the infrastructure and capability that has been established during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer sustainable services beyond the pandemic.
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25
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Millard J, Sturla A, Smutná Z, Duží B, Janssen M, Vávra J. European Food Systems in a Regional Perspective: A Comparative Study of the Effect of COVID-19 on Households and City-Region Food Systems. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.844170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of the city-region food system is gaining attention due to the need to improve food availability, quality and environmental benefits, for example through sustainable agri-food strategies. The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of coherent and inclusive food governance, especially regarding food resilience, vulnerability and justice. Given that evidence from good practices is relatively sparse, it is important to better understand the role of different types of cities, regions and household characteristics. The paper's aim is to describe, analyze and attempt to explain (sub-national) regional variations of household food behavior before and during the first wave of COVID-19 in 2020 using a city-region food system perspective. Informed by the literature, comprehensive survey data from 12 countries across Europe is used to describe the pre-pandemic landscape of different household food behaviors across comparable regional types. We examine how a specific economic and social shock can disrupt this behavior and the implications for city-region food systems and policies. Conclusions include the huge disruptions imposed on income-weak households and that the small city scale is the most resilient. Proposals are made that can strengthen European city-region food system resilience and sustainability, especially given that future shocks are highly likely.
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Evaluation of Compact Tomato Cultivars for Container Gardening Indoors and under Sunlight. HORTICULTURAE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae8040294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Numerous compact tomato cultivars are available for home gardening. However, evaluations under different environmental conditions are limited. The aim of this study was to characterize the growth and productivity of 20 compact tomato cultivars grown indoors under environmental conditions that resembled a residential space (11 mol·m−2·d−1 of white light, constant 22 °C, and moderate relative humidity) or in a greenhouse with sunlight only. Plants in the greenhouse were generally larger and yielded more fruit than those grown indoors, likely due to the various differences in environmental conditions and corresponding effects of water and nutrient availability. Considering growth and yield variables, all cultivars evaluated in this study are recommended for outdoor gardening. However, ‘Little Bing’, ‘Sweet SturdyTM F1—Grace’, ‘Sweet SturdyTM F1—Jimmy’, ‘Sweet SturdyTM F1—Jo’, and ‘Tarzan F1′ are likely too large to be grown in most space-limited indoor environments. Furthermore, ‘Little Bing’, ‘Rosy Finch’, ‘Sweet ‘n’ Neat Yellow’, and ‘Yellow Canary’ were affected by intumescence when grown indoors, which could negatively affect gardening experiences until recommendations to mitigate this disorder become available. Results from this study provide baseline information for the use of compact tomato cultivars for container gardening indoors and under sunlight.
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The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Rural Food Security in High Income Countries: A Systematic Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063235. [PMID: 35328924 PMCID: PMC8954908 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, rural-dwelling people in high-income countries were known to have greater challenges accessing healthy food than their urban counterparts. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted food supplies across the world, and public health restrictions have changed the way people shop for food, potentially exacerbating food insecurity. This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aspects of food insecurity in rural populations residing in high-income countries. Five electronic databases were searched, identifying 22 articles that assessed food insecurity prevalence or data on food availability, access, utilization and the stability of the food supply in rural populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ten studies examined the prevalence of food insecurity in rural populations, with the reported prevalence ranging from 15% to 95%. Where rural/urban comparisons were presented, most studies (n = 5; 71%) reported that food insecurity was significantly higher in rural regions. Five studies examined the availability of food and eight studies examined access to food, identifying that rural populations often had lower food availability and access to food during the pandemic. In contrast, two studies identified positive effects such as more gardening and increased online access to food. Rural populations experienced multiple changes to food utilization, such as reduced diet quality and food safety observed in eight studies, but this was not shown to be different from urban populations. Additionally, the food supply in rural regions was perceived to be affected in two studies. The results of this review may be used to inform region-specific mitigation strategies to decrease the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic and future global events on food security. However, the lack of consistency in study outcomes in research on rural populations limits the identification of priority areas for intervention at a global-scale.
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Cerda C, Guenat S, Egerer M, Fischer LK. Home Food Gardening: Benefits and Barriers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Santiago, Chile. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.841386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people live in an unprecedented way. This includes severe impacts on people's health and wellbeing such as stress, reduced physical activity and loneliness due to confinement. In parallel, people had to find ways to secure their food, with fresh food especially scarce in some regions due to lockdowns and restricted flow of goods. As in previous massive crises, the practice of home food gardening seemed to have increased during this pandemic. Yet we largely do not know which parts of society took to home food gardening, in which urban setting home food gardening was practiced, and to which extent this practice contributed to people's daily livelihoods during the pandemic. In this case study we explore (a) who practices home food gardening, (b) the garden characteristics, and (c) the main perceived benefits and barriers bound to home food gardening during the pandemic. We set up an online questionnaire targeted at the population of Santiago de Chile, for which we received 305 responses. Our results clearly show that the possibility of being in contact with nature and feeling less stress through practicing home food gardening were the most significant perceived benefits, while lack of or inadequate space to garden and limited knowledge on home food gardening were the main barriers. These findings highlight for the specific context of a metropolitan region in South America that access to gardens and green space could contribute to a just urban society. Likewise, the practice of home food gardening can be a relevant tool to cope with the adverse consequences of the pandemic by informing public initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles during this and future crises contexts and also in the awaited “ordinary” times.
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Adaptalight: An Inexpensive PAR Sensor System for Daylight Harvesting in a Micro Indoor Smart Hydroponic System. HORTICULTURAE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae8020105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Environmental changes and the reduction in arable land have led to food security concerns around the world, particularly in urban settings. Hydroponic soilless growing methods deliver plant nutrients using water, conserving resources and can be constructed nearly anywhere. Hydroponic systems have several complex attributes that need to be managed, and this can be daunting for the layperson. Micro Indoor Smart Hydroponics (MISH) leverage Internet of Things (IoT) technology to manage the complexities of hydroponic techniques, for growing food at home for everyday citizens. Two prohibitive costs in the advancement of MISH systems are power consumption and equipment expense. Reducing cost through harvesting ambient light can potentially reduce power consumption but must be done accurately to sustain sufficient plant yields. Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR) meters are commercially used to measure only the light spectrum that plants use, but are expensive. This study presents Adaptalight, a MISH system that harvests ambient light using an inexpensive AS7265x IoT sensor to measure PAR. The system is built on commonly found IoT technology and a well-established architecture for MISH systems. Adpatalight was deployed in a real-world application in the living space of an apartment and experiments were carried out accordingly. A two-phase experiment was conducted over three months, each phase lasting 21 days. Phase one measured the IoT sensor’s capability to accurately measure PAR. Phase two measured the ability of the system to harvest ambient PAR light and produce sufficient yields, using the calibrated IoT sensor from phase one. The results showed that the Adaptalight system was successful in saving a significant amount of power, harvesting ambient PAR light and producing yields with no significant differences from the control. The amount of power savings would be potentially greater in a location with more ambient light. Additionally, the findings show that, when calibrated, the AS7265x sensor is well suited to accurately measure PAR light in MISH systems.
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Anju T, Rai NKSR, Kumar A. Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merr.: a multipurpose plant with multiple uses in traditional ethnic culinary and ethnomedicinal preparations. JOURNAL OF ETHNIC FOODS 2022; 9:10. [PMCID: PMC8900104 DOI: 10.1186/s42779-022-00125-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Various plants form the basis of multiple traditional ethnic cuisines and ethnomedicinal practices across the globe. The ethnic cuisines cater to the nutritional, dietary and medicinal requirements of the tribal and rural communities even today. Using literature from various scholarly databases, this study was conducted to consolidate a comprehensive review on the use of Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merr. in various traditional ethnic cuisines and ethnomedicinal preparations across the globe. The survey shows that it is used in multiple ethnic cuisines and is variously known in different countries and among the communities. Further, it possesses multiple nutritional and ethnomedicinal properties. Considering its importance in ethnic foods and ethnomedicinal preparations, it is important to investigate the nutritional composition, phytochemical constitution and pharmacological basis of ethnomedicinal uses. Therefore, we further compiled this information and found that it is a rich source of both micro- and macronutrients and packed with several bioactive compounds. Survey of pharmacological studies on its traditional medicinal uses supports its ethnomedicinal properties. Despite its importance in traditional food and ethnomedicinal systems, it remains underexplored. Limited information on the toxicity of its various extracts shows that further studies should be conducted to understand its safety aspects. Further clinical studies to prospect possible drug candidates from it should be attempted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thattantavide Anju
- Department of Plant Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Periye, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316 India
| | - Nishmitha Kumari S. R. Rai
- Department of Plant Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Periye, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316 India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Plant Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Periye, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316 India
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COVID-19 Changed Human-Nature Interactions across Green Space Types: Evidence of Change in Multiple Types of Activities from the West Bank, Palestine. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su132413831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 stay-at-home orders impacted the way humans interacted with built and natural environments. Previous research on the human use of green spaces during the pandemic, largely conducted in a Western context, has found increased use of home gardens and urban green spaces, and decreased visitation to conservation areas. We explored changes in residents’ outdoor nature-associated activities during the pandemic in the West Bank, Palestine. We used a web-based survey to ask residents about their passive, interactive, and extractive outdoor activities that take place in home gardens, urban parks, and natural areas. Overall, our 1278 respondents spent less time with family and friends and more time alone. We found differences in respondent’s participation in activities both between green space types and between activity types. Participation in passive appreciation of nature activities increased for home gardens but decreased in urban parks and natural areas. Interactive activities, including cultivation, increased for all areas, while extractive activities stayed the same or decreased. Only in natural areas did respondents’ demographics explain changes in activity participation rates after the pandemic. Residents’ increased time alone raises concerns about mental health. The differences we observed in activity participation across green space types highlights the importance of looking across different types of natural spaces and different activities in the same setting, as well as examining non-Western settings.
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Losses, Gains, and Changes to the Food Environment in a Rural Kentucky County during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13113929. [PMID: 34836183 PMCID: PMC8617704 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused alterations to be made in the way many people access, prepare, and consume food. Rural communities are particularly impacted due to pre-existing structural vulnerabilities, i.e., poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited fresh food options. This study aimed to characterize experiences of one rural Appalachian community's changes to the food environment during the pandemic. In April 2021, six focus groups were conducted with residents of Laurel County, Kentucky. Using grounded theory, we identified losses, gains, and overall changes to the community food environment since the onset of COVID-19. Seventeen Laurel Countians (17 female; ages 30-74) participated in the six focus groups. Three main themes emerged regarding food environment changes-(1) modifications of community food and nutrition resources, (2) expansion and utilization of online food ordering, and (3) implications of the home food environment. Rural communities faced considerable challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, in part, due to gaps in existing infrastructure and loss of pre-existing resources. This study illustrates the complexity of changes occurring during COVID-19. Using the preliminary data obtained, we can better understand pre-existing issues in Laurel County and suggestions for future programming to address the inequitable access and response during public health emergencies and beyond.
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Schmitzer V, Senica M, Slatnar A, Stampar F, Jakopic J. Changes in Metabolite Patterns During Refrigerated Storage of Lamb's lettuce ( Valerianella locusta L. Betcke). Front Nutr 2021; 8:731869. [PMID: 34692746 PMCID: PMC8526726 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.731869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Lamb's lettuce is a popular winter salad, often grown in private vegetable plots, small local farms or in intensive vegetable production. It is usually marketed as a ready-to-eat produce in supermarkets. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in biochemical composition and degradation of bioactive compounds during consumer-relevant time of home-grown and store-bought Valerianella locusta “Vit” salad. Primary metabolites, assimilatory pigments as well as secondary metabolites were monitored during 1 week of refrigerated storage. Home-grown lamb's lettuce exhibited highest levels of total sugars, total organic acids, vitamin C, and total phenolic content as well as enhanced levels of most individual phenolic compounds and chloroplast pigments. Locally produced samples of lamb's lettuce also contained high levels of analyzed bioactive components. All samples retained most bioactive components during the entire period of refrigerated storage. The results underline the instability of vitamin C during refrigerated storage of lamb's lettuce and pinpoint this parameter as being the most affected by storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Schmitzer
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mateja Senica
- Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Slatnar
- Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Franci Stampar
- Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jerneja Jakopic
- Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Charlebois S, Music J. SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic and Food Safety Oversight: Implications in Canada and Coping Strategies. Foods 2021; 10:2241. [PMID: 34681290 PMCID: PMC8534857 DOI: 10.3390/foods10102241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has created enormous societal disruptions in the Western world, including Canada, with serious implications for food safety. Since the start of the pandemic, many scholars have investigated the issue of food safety through different lenses. In this review, two research thrusts were identified, the epidemiology of the virus and food safety oversight. Both were challenged by the pandemic in Canada and elsewhere. In this paper, we first present how Canada experienced the pandemic. We then present how epidemiology and food safety oversight were affected by the virus and how the spread exposed gaps in Canada's food safety system. We explain how Canada was not adequately prepared to face the food safety challenges posed by SARS-CoV-2. The review ends with an explanation on how risk perceptions will be altered by the pandemic in Canada and how food safety systems will adjust to better anticipate systemic risks in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janet Music
- Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B2X 3T5, Canada;
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Marsh P, Diekmann LO, Egerer M, Lin B, Ossola A, Kingsley J. Where birds felt louder: The garden as a refuge during COVID-19. WELLBEING, SPACE AND SOCIETY 2021; 2:100055. [PMID: 34746896 PMCID: PMC8562863 DOI: 10.1016/j.wss.2021.100055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries experienced something of a boom in interest in gardening. Gardens have long been considered as refuges into which we retreat to escape various struggles and challenges. In this study we examine the characteristics and functions of the garden as a refuge during the period of increased garden interest associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis of qualitative results about garden experiences from 3,743 survey respondents revealed intertwining garden and emotional geographies. Utilising non-representational and therapeutic landscape theories, we found multifarious and heightened experiences of non-material aspects of gardens; that is, the sensory and emotional aspects. People experienced, for example, a sense of joy, beauty, and reassurance, a greater attunement to the natural world and an increased sense of nature connection than they had at other times: birds felt louder. These heightened sensory and emotional experiences had therapeutic benefits, across age and geographical spectrums, during these difficult times. This research improves our understandings of the positive potential of non-material aspects of gardens in the creation of therapeutic landscapes in and beyond COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Marsh
- Centre for Rural Health, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Advocate House, 1 Liverpool St, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | | | - Monika Egerer
- Department of Life Science Systems, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | | | - Alessandro Ossola
- University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Macquarie University Sydney and University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jonathan Kingsley
- School of Health Sciences and Centre of Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
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