UNC Takes a Stand Against Student Hunger
Addressing Student Hunger at UNC
UNC hopes to address student hunger by opening a new Center for Student Well Being at the start of the spring semester. This will triple the size of the Bear Pantry and help students find other resources like federal food benefits. The survey suggests that a majority of UNC students don't always have access to food or rely too much on cheap food options.Reasons for student hunger vary widely. Ryan Wood, for example, doesn't have a car and relies on UNC's meal plan. Grocery stores are scarce around UNC, and he doesn't have the money for delivery or rides. Freddie Horn, who runs the pantry, tries to make students feel welcome. "Sometimes they just want to stop in and say hello," he said.
A national crisis is at hand. Student hunger isn't just a UNC problem; CSU estimates that more than 40% of its students face food insecurity. The Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education has recognized this issue, and data shows that about 23% of college students experienced food insecurity in 2020.
The Bear Pantry's Impact
The Bear Pantry goes beyond supplying food. Horn teaches students how to shop, keep food fresh, and use healthy recipes. Taylor Schiestel was hired to oversee the pantry after learning about its expansion. She believes that students shouldn't have to struggle with hunger and that the university's care is an act of love.Student retention rates improve when students thrive. Hunger can affect a student's ability to focus, sleep, and work out, which can lead to lower grades and dropout rates. UNC is trying to keep costs affordable and provide support to students.
The Cost of College and Hunger
The high cost of education and housing is part of the problem. Michael Buttram, CSU's basic needs manager, admits that when students go hungry, it's partly because of these costs. But the best work is around food insecurity. CSU has a mobile food pantry, a meal program, and other initiatives to help students.The pandemic gave higher education the opportunity to act. Programs like Rams Against Hunger and the meal swipe card program have continued to help students. Buttram encourages students to think of reducing food waste as a way to help.
Reducing Stigma
The new Bear Pantry will be in a visible location at UNC to reduce stigma. The Center for Student Well Being will help students navigate resources and apply for emergency support funds. Many students qualify for SNAP but don't enroll.Buttram encourages students to think of reducing food waste as a way to help. Horn makes eye contact with every student to make them feel seen. As a society, we waste 40% of the food we create, and the pantry is trying to reduce that.
"Government Takes Action to Protect Kids' Health through Advertising Ban"
Impact on Online and TV Advertising
Starting from October next year, companies will be prohibited from advertising unhealthy food online or on TV before the 9 pm watershed. This move is a significant expansion of the government's efforts to reduce children's exposure to such foods. It is estimated that 7.2 billion calories per year will be removed from UK children's diets, potentially preventing around 20,000 cases of childhood obesity. 1: The ban is a crucial step in shifting the focus of healthcare from treating sickness to preventing it. By curbing the advertising of junk food, the government hopes to create a healthier environment for children and set them on a path to a lifetime of good health. 2: Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, emphasized the importance of this action, stating that obesity robs children of the best possible start in life and imposes a heavy burden on the NHS. The ban on junk food ads across TV and online is the first step towards achieving a major shift in healthcare.Inclusion of Breakfast Staples and the Debate
The inclusion of everyday breakfast foods like porridge oats has sparked a heated debate. While studies and health authorities endorse unsweetened porridge oats as a healthy breakfast option due to their high fibre content and potential to lower cholesterol, some critics argue that the broader inclusion risks demonizing a food that can be part of a healthy diet. 1: Professor Gunter Kuhnle, an expert in nutrition and food science, branded the proposals as "unhelpful", highlighting that some of these foods, such as porridge, are actually very healthy. Alex Cole-Hamilton, the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, also expressed concerns, stating that porridge oats are a staple for many in Scotland and that singling them out is an overreach. 2: Nutritionist Tina Lond-Caulk, known as The Nutrition Guru, emphasized the benefits of oats, stating that they are rich in soluble fibre and essential vitamins and minerals. However, dietician Dr Carrie Ruxton warned that the new rules could send the wrong message by conflating all oat-based products with unhealthy processed food.Other Junk Food Items Covered
In addition to porridge, muesli, and crumpets, other items such as scones, croissants, pains au chocolat, pancakes, waffles, muffins, flapjacks, and mini rolls are also considered junk food under the new advertising ban. 1: Most experts agree that limiting the promotion of sweets, crisps, biscuits, soft drinks, and confectionery is a positive step. However, nutritionists have urged policymakers to be careful not to generalize and demonize all oat-based products. 2: For example, kids' yoghurts and fromage frais, which are rich in calcium and fortified with vitamin D, contain a small amount of sugar. Similarly, some breakfast cereals are excellent sources of fibre and whole grains but need a small amount of sugar and salt to be palatable.Protect Your Health with Food Safety Information
Food Recalls on the USDA and FDA Platforms
Recently, there have been several food recalls and safety alerts making headlines. For instance, certain brands of carrots from Grimmway Farms have been recalled due to possible E. coli contamination. Wolverine Packing Co.'s ground beef is also part of a recall, again due to the risk of E. coli. Yu Shang Food Inc.'s ready-to-eat meat and poultry products are recalled due to possible listeria, and TreeHouse Foods' frozen waffles and pancakes have been recalled for the same reason. These recalls highlight the importance of being cautious when it comes to our food.
Moreover, there are new recalls related to eggs, cucumbers, and ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables that were sold in specific states. It's essential to stay updated on these recalls to ensure the safety of our meals.
Differences Between Food Recalls and Safety Alerts
Food recalls occur when a specific product is taken off the market because it poses a risk of illness or harm. On the other hand, food safety alerts are issued to inform consumers about potential health risks when the exact source of a food-related outbreak has not been identified yet. Understanding these differences helps us better navigate the world of food safety.
Recalls and alerts happen for various reasons, such as food being contaminated with bacteria like E. coli, listeria, and salmonella, or viruses like norovirus and hepatitis A. There can also be cases where a product contains foreign objects or an allergen that was not included on the label.
What to Do If You Have a Recalled Product
If you think you may have a product that has been recalled or included in a food safety alert, it's important to take immediate action. Visit FoodSafety.gov to find more details and confirm whether your product is affected. You should also return the recalled product for a refund or dispose of it properly. Additionally, clean and disinfect any surfaces that came into contact with the food, such as your refrigerator or countertops, to prevent any cross-contamination.
By staying aware and taking these steps, we can enjoy our meals with peace of mind and protect our health.
Stay safe, stay informed, and make every meal a healthy one.