Consumer Reports joins in the chorus of dissenters rallying against a recent Stanford University study which suggests that organic foodstuffs might not be worth the higher price tag. Marion Nestle also reiterates her pro-organic stance, while Civil Eats points out why eating organic is socially responsible - it's good for other people's health.
The USDA reports that record numbers of American households demonstrated food insecurity in 2011. Within those homes, 1-in-3 reported "very low food security," totaling 5.7% of the US population. (Pittsburgh Post Gazette)
Incidentally, Panera Cares, a pay-what-you-wish version of the national sandwich chain, is raising awareness about food insecurity and learning that charity may, in fact, be profitable. (NPR)
One of the biggest threats that will contribute to food insecurity in coming years is an uptick in extreme weather patterns. Oxfam America predicts that the "boiling" planet will lead to a steep rise in the price of food products. (NPR)
A small portion of heart disease patients may actually benefit from being obese in a strange twist researchers are calling the "obesity paradox." (HealthDay News)
McDonald's has served everything from spaghetti to shrimp burgers in an effort to adapt to international taste preferences. Their most recent project? A series of vegetarian-only outposts in India. (Washington Post)