News

Need for free food in Washington state has doubled, many groups report, as COVID-19 rips away jobs and security
January 2, 2021 | The Seattle Times
Every level of the food distribution chain in the state of Washington has been challenged since the pandemic began, and this article illustrates how different food assistance organizations are faring. The WAFOOD survey and study from researchers in the UW Center for Public Health Nutrition, WSU and Tacoma Community College are mentioned, and how the study aims to understand nuances of this food insecurity crisis.
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Washington researchers start second round of food security surveys amid coronavirus pandemic
December 22, 2020 | Seattle P-I
Jennifer Otten is quoted in this story that highlights wave 2 of the Washington Food Security Survey which monitors the continuing impact of the pandemic on economic- and food-related wellbeing, eight months after the initial lockdown in the state.
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What you can do to reduce food waste
December 14, 2020 | Chicago Sun Times
Consumers from around the world waste mountains of food. In fact, food is the largest category of waste in landfills, where it generates methane, a contributor to global climate change. Associate Professor and Food Systems Director Jennifer Otten offers tips on how each of use can reduce consumer food waste.
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Going hungry in the pandemic
December 14, 2020 | UW DEOHS
With food insecurity at 30% in Washington State, UW researchers seek participants for a second round of statewide survey to understand WA residents’ access to food and their economic well-being. Research being conducted by the Center for Public Health Nutrition is highlighted.
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Round 2 of Washington study underway to determine food, economic insecurity during pandemic
December 8, 2020 | UW News
How UW, WSU, and Tacoma Community College researchers, along with input from partners in Washington State local, county, and state government, are understanding the impacts of COVID-19 on food insecurity and access in our state.
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WSDA joins UW and WSU to learn more about COVID-19 impacts to agriculture
December 8, 2020 | Washington State Department of Agriculture
How the UW, WSU is joining with the Washington Department of Agriculture to study how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Washington’s farms and ranches and those working in agriculture and learn how they have been weathering this deadly pandemic.
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Nearly one-third of Washington households not getting enough food since start of pandemic: study
November 23, 2020 | Seattle P-I
Findings from a study conducted by a research team from UW, WSU, and Tacoma Community College studied how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted economic and food security in Washington State are highlighted in this story from the Seattle P-I.
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Research Shows the Importance and Paradox of Early Childhood Care and Education
October 8, 2020 | Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
This story highlights research by Jennifer Otten that highlights the deep crisis ECCE providers and teachers face and how low wages force many to the brink of poverty. Many lack access to health insurance or paid sick or family leave.
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UW and WSU collaborate to advance food systems education in Washington
October 7, 2020
The University of Washington and Washington State University are embarking together on a project to strengthen and transform food systems education in Washington State. The two institutions have been jointly awarded a Higher Education Challenge planning grant by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)....
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Food insecurity in Washington State highest among low-income groups and persons of color
September 24, 2020
Food insecurity has spiked post Covid-19, affecting an estimated 30% of households in WA State and bringing many pre-existing social inequities to light. Highest rates were observed among households below the poverty line (58%), with some college education or less (44%), and for persons of color (42%). Households with children were also affected. Of the...
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