In the news…good news: school meal reimbursements will continue during October as the shutdown continues. The Farm-to-School program returns after cancellation. On the flip side of the news, food security data will not be collected after this year. A interesting development in on line food buying: The private label movement rolls on as Amazon debuts its line with many items under $5. New studies: nanoplastics found in edible vegetables, a deep dive into Apple Watch’s hypertension alerts, climate change’s link to drinking more sweet drinks and a retraction of an apple cider vinegar and weight loss study. Looking at the health/food environment, Costco now sells Wegovy and Ozempic and grocery inflation is at its highest level since 2022.
What’s Trending
The latest trends highlight how the food system is adapting under pressure. Convenience continues to reshape grocery shopping as Amazon launches a private label with most items under $5 and Uber debuts grocery delivery perks with freshness guarantees. At the same time, school meals are in the spotlight—from California’s plan to phase out ultra-processed foods to national discussions about continued meal reimbursements during the shutdown. On the health front, Costco now sells GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, underscoring how weight management is moving mainstream. Meanwhile, climate and health studies reveal new concerns—from nanoplastics found in vegetables to a correlation between hotter weather and increased consumption of sugary drinks. Add in rising grocery inflation and declining consumer confidence in food safety, and the picture is clear: the U.S. food environment remains in constant motion.
A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT
School meal reimbursements will continue during October amidst the shutdown. The Farm-to-School program was cancelled but it is back. USDA proposal on SNAP retailer stocking requirements seeks comments through November 24. Food security data will not be collected after this year.
CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS
Snapshots include California’s 10 year timeline to ban ultraprocessed foods from school meals, Costco now sells Wegovy and Ozempic and food safety confidence falls to new low.
CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS
Buying food looks different as Amazon debuts its private label with many items under $5. Uber grocery shopping debuts weekly food discounts and a freshness guarantee.
Health is in the news with a commentary about school restrictions on smartphones: does it impact students with Type 1 diabetes? A study finds nanoplastics in edible vegetables. A look at the Apple Watch’s track record with regard to hypertension cases.