The role of food science and technology in humanitarian response.

Background: In humanitarian contexts, ensuring access to safe, nutritious, good quality and culturally appropriate food in the right quantity at the right time and place during an emergency or a protracted crisis is an enormous challenge, which is likely to increase given uncertainties such as climate change, global political and economic instability and emerging pandemics like COVID-19. Several international organizations and non-government organizations have well established systems to respond to food security emergencies. However, the role of food science and technology in humanitarian response is not well understood and is seldom considered in humanitarian circles.

Sustainable food systems, health and infectious diseases: Concerns and opportunities.

Food systems have been identified as one of the key issues in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Hence, food systems are embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a range of ramifications on different goals and targets. Current food systems practices are exposing the vulnerability of populations to various health issues.

The cultural basis for oral health practices among Somali refugees pre-and post-resettlement in Massachusetts.

Background: Oral health disparities related to socioeconomic status have been well described in the U.S., but oral health among refugee groups has not been well characterized.

Nutrition in conflict situations.

High prevalence of malnutrition is often linked to conflict situations. Conflicts affect local livelihoods, impair productive activities and limit access to safe foods and basic services. Strategies to protect and promote nutrition of affected households and communities must be based on an understanding of this impact.