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Food is medicine (FIM) initiatives are an emerging strategy for addressing nutrition-related health disparities increasingly endorsed by providers, payers, and policymakers. However, food insecurity screening protocols and oversight of medically-tailored food assistance programs are novel for many healthcare settings. Here, we describe the pre-implementation planning processes used to successfully engage federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) across Kansas to develop new FIM initiatives. A Kansas-based philanthropic foundation facilitated pre-implementation planning for FQHCs over 17 months across 3 stages: 1) Community inquiry, 2) FIM learning event with invitation for FQHC attendees to request pre-implementation funding, and 3) Pre-implementation planning workshops and application assignments for FQHC grantees to develop a FIM implementation grant proposal. We evaluated satisfaction and perceived utility of these pre-implementation planning activities via post-workshop surveys and qualitative comparisons of FIM design components from pre-implementation and implementation grant applications. All 7 FQHCs attending the learning event applied for and were awarded pre-implementation planning grants; 6 submitted an implementation grant application following workshop completion. FQHCs rated pre-implementation support activities favorably; however, most clinics cited limited staff as a barrier to effective planning. As compared to pre-implementation planning grant proposals, all FQHCs elected to narrow their priority population to people with pre-diabetes or diabetes with better articulation of evidence-based nutrition prescriptions and intervention models in their final program designs. In the midst of a nationwide FIM groundswell, we recommend that funders, clinic stakeholders, and evaluators work together to devise and financially support appropriate pre-implementation planning activities prior to launching new FIM initiatives.

Food is medicine (FIM) initiatives are an emerging strategy for addressing nutrition-related health disparities increasingly endorsed by providers, payers, and policymakers. However, food insecurity screening protocols and oversight of medically-tailored food assistance programs are novel for many healthcare settings. Here, we describe the pre-implementation planning processes used to successfully engage federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) across Kansas to develop new FIM initiatives. A Kansas-based philanthropic foundation facilitated pre-implementation planning for FQHCs over 17 months across 3 stages: 1) Community inquiry, 2) FIM learning event with invitation for FQHC attendees to request pre-implementation funding, and 3) Pre-implementation planning workshops and application assignments for FQHC grantees to develop a FIM implementation grant proposal. We evaluated satisfaction and perceived utility of these pre-implementation planning activities via post-workshop surveys and qualitative comparisons of FIM design components from pre-implementation and implementation grant applications. All 7 FQHCs attending the learning event applied for and were awarded pre-implementation planning grants; 6 submitted an implementation grant application following workshop completion. FQHCs rated pre-implementation support activities favorably; however, most clinics cited limited staff as a barrier to effective planning. As compared to pre-implementation planning grant proposals, all FQHCs elected to narrow their priority population to people with pre-diabetes or diabetes with better articulation of evidence-based nutrition prescriptions and intervention models in their final program designs. In the midst of a nationwide FIM groundswell, we recommend that funders, clinic stakeholders, and evaluators work together to devise and financially support appropriate pre-implementation planning activities prior to launching new FIM initiatives., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Dr. Marianna S. Wetherill, Dr. Kristina M. Bridges, and Dr. Susan P. Harvey received financial support from the Sunflower Foundation for their work as advisors for the initiative described in this manuscript. There are no other competing interests to report.

The present study was investigated the antioxidant capacity of Moringa oleifera Seeds (MOS), its impact on the Male Albino rats, and its comparison with Food supplement (FS). The study provided 15 Rats, and according to different feeding foods, the rats are divided into three groups; MOS, FS, and normal Rat's food as a control group. Samples (urine and serum) were collected from each rat after intake MOS, FS and normal food for 85 days then biochemical analysis were performed such as liver enzymes (glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (GPT), and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)), lipid profile (high-density lipoprotein (HDL), Triglycerides (TG), and Total Cholesterol (TC)), (Tp and Alb). Moreover, it determined mineral contents of MOS, FS, and normal rat's food by using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). It also detects total antioxidant capacities in MOS, which were evaluated through using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assays. Statistical analysis showed the final body weight significantly increased in FS group compared to MOS and control groups. The TP and Alb levels revealed a significant difference between groups in both serum and urine samples. Liver function parameters raised significantly in FS group when compared with Mos and control group. Moreover, it was evaluated of higher concentration of Potassium and Magnesium in MOS when compared with FS group and control group. PPH scavenging capacity in MOS. We conclude that MOS is healthy and rich with Potassium and Magnesium, which can be used as an antioxidant source. While FS has side effects on rats' kidneys and liver, although the FS increases body weight compared to other groups.

The impact of chosen oils seeds and food oils to supplementation of last fattening pig period on fatty acids structure in pig muscle fat. The fatty acids profile in broilers feed is possible to influence their share in a desired structure, which can balance the n-6: n-3 ratio in food, according to the consumers needs. Flax seed to lactating goats can be used as nutritional supplement to reduce saturated fatty acids and increase polyunsaturated fatty acids in milk. A significant increase in CLA in milk was achieved by supplementation to goats. The experimental groups of pigs was fed in the last month of fattening with a basal diet which incorporated various fats resources (lean seed 100 g/kg, linseed oil-2%, raps press seed 150g/kg (110g fat), raps oil 2%). The indicators (food intake, body weight gain, and the conversion) were established during the experiment, and in the end, the content of essential fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acids) in pigs meat were determined. The data was analyzed and statistically interpreted. There are some variations of the determined fatty acids content in muscles as well as in muscles fat in the for experimental groups compared to the control group. The content of SFA was reduced and the content of PUFA and MUFA fatty acids are increased.

The anti- microbial activity tests of the seed oil, NaOH and ash soaps of the seed oil, of C.albidum were carried out to determine their effectiveness against gram+, gram– bacteria and some fungi strains. The proximate analysis of C.albidum seeds was performed to determine its nutritional benefits to mankind. Agar diffusion tests using Disc diffusion for the pure oils and soaps while the cup plate test method for dilutions was used in the determination of in-vitro activities. Standard methods as described by AOAC, (1990); AOAC, (1984) and Kjeldahl method described by Chang (2003) were used for proximate determinations. The results show the activity of the oil against Klebsiella pneumonia at a concentration as low as 10 mg/ml. The ash-soap of the leaves shows the highest antimicrobial activities because its MIC is the closest to the standard, Streptomycin. It possesses activity against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia at a concentration as low as 5mg/ml. The % proximate analysis composition shows Moisture content, Ash content, Crude Fibre, fat/Oil, Protein, Carbohydrates as follows (14.98, 1.90, 2.09, 2.38, 12.14 and 67.65)%. The study concluded by unleashing the great potential of Chrysophyllum albidum seeds as a useful raw material in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries rather than being regarded as waste in the environment

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) seeds contain good nutritional constituents and several components that can potentially reduce cholesterol levels, namely oleic acid, phytosterols, and dietary fiber. However, it tastes bitter, so it needs to be treated so that the bitter taste disappears but does not affect much of the content that can lower cholesterol. This study aims to get moringa seeds that are not bitter and have the potential to prevent hypercholesterolemia. The soaking treatment of peeled moringa seeds in either water or 3.5% NaCl salt, followed by 80 minutes of boiling, resulted in moringa flour with a very low bitter taste. The oleic acid content of the seed flour from soaking treatment with water or salt by boiling for 40 or 80 minutes is still high, in the range of 69–72%. Oleic acid is known to improve blood cholesterol profiles. The content of phytosterols, one of the cholesterol absorption inhibitors, from moringa flour treatment of 27–29 mg/100 g dw, is much higher than control flour (15 mg/100 g dw). The dietary fiber content of moringa seeds (total dietary fiber, soluble dietary fiber, insoluble dietary fiber) generally does not change after treatment. The results showed that soaking moringa seeds in water for 24 hours, followed by boiling for 80 minutes, produced moringa flour that can be used to develop hypercholesterolemia prevention foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is the relation between seed quality and food security? Here we built a summary diagram that links the development stages of the seeds with their potential of providing grain yield. This idea was tested using cowpea as a model crop, grown in a tropical environment. Initially, seed quality attributes such as water content, dry weight, germination, vigor, and longevity were characterized during seed development. With this, we were able to elucidate at which point the late maturation phase and the acquisition of seed with superior physiological quality starts. From these data, the proposed summary diagram highlighted the seed quality as a technological basis for generating a more productive plant community. It also showed that only seeds with a high-quality profile have a better chance to establishment in an increasingly challenging agricultural environment. Overall, we bring the concept that cowpea seeds with superior quality besides being the essential input for tropical agriculture is also a strategy that can contribute food security.

Silk farming is an agro based industry which involves production of silk from silkworm. The different varieties of leaf of Morus alba L. are the solo source of the food for silkworm, Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae). The nutritional enrichment of mulberry leaves plays a very important role in yielding good quality cocoons. In recent years, chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) have become one of the world's most recognizable foods to have good protein content and its higher proportion of á-linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acids making it a good nutritional supplement. In the present investigation the effect of different chia seeds concentrations (1, 1.50 and 2.0% w/v) were used along with the mulberry leaves fed ad libitum to know its effect on food utilization and growth in the silkworm double hybrid FC1 x FC2 race from I to V instar larvae at 25±2°C with relative humidity of 75±5% and control were taken for comparing the experimental work. The food utilization parameters like food intake, faeces defecation, assimilation, food converted, oxidation, feeding rate, assimilation rate, conversion rate, metabolic rate, assimilation efficiency and conversion efficiency (K1 and K2) were studied. Results showed that the mulberry leaves supplemented with chia seeds as a feed to B. mori has direct effect on enhancing the growth of the larva, reduced larval period and food intake compared to control group. It has been observed that the 2.0% chia seeds treated group plays a significant role with an increase in growth and better food intake which averaged 6171.519 mg/mg/day compared to control group i.e., 3831.965 mg/mg/day and followed by other two chia seeds treated groups i.e., 1.50 and 2.0% concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study evaluated the effect of a protein, the isolated Trypsin Inhibitor (TTI) from Tamarindus indica L. seed, as a CCK secretagogue and its action upon food intake and leptin in obese Wistar rats. Methods: Three groups of obese rats were fed 10 days one of the following diets: Standard diet (Labina®) + water; High Glycemic Index and Load (HGLI) diet + water or HGLI diet + TTI. Lean animals were fed the standard diet for the 10 days. Food intake, zoometric measurements, plasma CCK, plasma leptin, relative mRNA expression of intestinal CCK-related genes, and expression of the ob gene in subcutaneous adipose tissue were assessed. Results: TTI decreased food intake but did not increase plasma CCK in obese animals. On the other hand, TTI treatment decreased CCK-1R gene expression in obese animals compared with the obese group with no treatment (p = 0.027). Obese animals treated with TTI presented lower plasma leptin than the non-treated obese animals. Conclusion: We suggest that TTI by decreasing plasma leptin may improve CCK action, regardless of its increase in plasma from obese rats, since food intake was lowest.

What is the relation between seed quality and food security? Here we built a summary diagram that links the development stages of the seeds with their potential of providing grain yield. This idea was tested using cowpea as a model crop, grown in a tropical environment. Initially, seed quality attributes such as water content, dry weight, germination, vigor, and longevity were characterized during seed development. With this, we were able to elucidate at which point the late maturation phase and the acquisition of seed with superior physiological quality starts. From these data, the proposed summary diagram highlighted the seed quality as a technological basis for generating a more productive plant community. It also showed that only seeds with a high-quality profile have a better chance to establishment in an increasingly challenging agricultural environment. Overall, we bring the concept that cowpea seeds with superior quality besides being the essential input for tropical agriculture is also a strategy that can contribute food security., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Ensuring food security consists in ensuring the amount of food needed by people and is part of ensuring national security. Food security takes into account both the need to ensure a sufficient agricultural supply and to ensure the economic access of the population to food, the stability of the supply and the way of using food at the individual level. The involvement of the political factor in these efforts is not sufficient, thus justifying the appearance of state bodies or different forms of population organization. This paper argues, based on the study of normative acts he need to involve the population in the free exchange of seeds, its first step in ensuring quality, tasty and safe vegetable products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoliberal economic frameworks threaten the ability of marginalized people worldwide to grow, harvest, and access sufficient healthy food because they deny traditional collective seed ownership and preclude subsistence as a viable livelihood. Many internationally-oriented counter-responses work to reframe intellectual property law in favor of traditional farmers. In the United States, various grassroots agricultural biodiversity conservation projects designed to re-establish the control of open-pollinated seeds within communities have emerged with similar intent. This article situates and explores the role of open-pollinated seeds and agricultural biodiversity conservation strategies in local food sovereignty. The authors direct applied research projects that collaboratively document and disseminate open-pollinated seed varieties throughout the Southeastern United States with a specific focus on the Ozark Highlands and Appalachian Mountains. The research methods represent an activist anthropology—participant observation and ethnographic interviewing while collaboratively growing and sharing seed varieties with local farmers, gardeners, seed-savers, and activists—with the explicit purpose of forging more sustainable, integrated, and sovereign local food systems. Keywords: agricultural anthropology, agrobiodiversity, grassroots strategies, in situ conservation, seed saving