Food & diet | Spark of Genius

Hobbyist beekeepers help reverse America’s critical bee shortage in just 5 years

By Peter Schulte / April 3, 2024

Nearly a million bee colonies have been formed in the past five years, according to 2022 Census of Agriculture data from the USDA, boosting the total number of colonies to an all-time high of 3.8 million. The record high has arrived after nearly 20 years of collapsing colonies, where bees died from exposure to poisonous pesticides, stress from cross-country transit to pollinate crops, invasive pests, and changes to habitat.

Woman putting organic waste in the compost bin

France implements compulsory composting

By Peter Schulte / February 1, 2024

As of January 2024, municipalities in France must now provide residents with ways to sort bio-waste, which includes food scraps, vegetable peels, expired food and garden waste. Households and businesses are required to dispose of organic matter either in a dedicated small bin for home collection or at a municipal collection point. The waste will then be turned into biogas or compost to replace chemical fertilizers.

Chinese scientists invent a cost-effective, low-emission method of converting coal into protein for livestock feed

By Peter Schulte / January 9, 2024

Biotech researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) say the new method could feed livestock much more efficiently than natural plants, while using a1/1000th as much land as farming.

Millions more children to receive free school meals under expanded U.S. program

By Peter Schulte / September 26, 2023

At schools where 25% of families participate in income-based public benefits, such as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, the U.S. federal government now will cover the cost of free meals for all enrolled students. Previously, the qualifying threshold was 40%.

Massachusetts passes a millionaire’s tax

By Peter Schulte / August 14, 2023

A new 4% tax on the state’s wealthiest residents will account for $1 billion of the state’s $56 billion fiscal budget for 2024. A portion of those funds will be used to provide all public-school students with free weekday meals.

Massachusetts adopts universal free school meals

By Peter Schulte / August 12, 2023

All public school students grades K-12 will be entitled to free lunches regardless of their financial status. It’s estimated to save families about $1,200 a year per student.

Kenya is launching Africa’s biggest school meals program

By Peter Schulte / July 3, 2023

Under the new scheme, 250,000 children living in the country’s capital Nairobi will receive a hot meal every day.

Colorado passes first U.S. right to repair legislation for farmers

By Peter Schulte / April 12, 2023

Colorado farmers will be able to legally fix their own equipment next year, with manufacturers including Deere & Co obliged to provide them with manuals for diagnostic software and other aids.

South Korea achieves near 100% food waste recycling

By Peter Schulte / December 5, 2022

In 1996, South Korea recycled less than 3% of its food waste. Today, it has East Asian nation has achieved a near 100% food waste recycling rate after implementing a country-wide mandatory composting scheme in 2013.

Meat consumption is falling significantly across Western Europe

By Peter Schulte / October 3, 2022

A French research company interviewed more than 4,000 adults across France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. More than 50% reported having reduced their meat consumption in the last five years largely for environmental, animal welfare, and personal health reasons.