COVID-19 has impacted everyone across the globe but in recent months the brunt of this impact has been felt in India. On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Angeline Jayakumar, Ph.D., assistant professor of public health nutrition at the University of Pune in India. They discuss the impact the pandemic has had on India and how recent events have influenced food insecurity.

We’ve all heard the importance of washing your hands. Since the pandemic began, spreading the message of washing your hands has become even more prevalent. On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Penn State Senior Food Safety Extension Associate Martin Bucknavage. They discuss the importance of hand washing and the impact it has on food safety and overall health.

The pandemic has created many challenges for the hospitality industry. History has shown, out of great challenges come even greater innovation. On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Dr. Annette Graham, dean of the School of Business Management at the Culinary Institute of America. They discuss the pandemic’s impact and the opportunity it has created for entrepreneurship and innovation in the industry.

Hunger is a challenge that has many complex layers. One factor that contributes to hunger is food and disposable waste. On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Director of University of South Carolina School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management Robin B. DiPietro, Ph.D., M.B.A. They discuss the challenges food waste creates for the foodservice industry and how COVID-19 has impacted planning and prevention of food disposal and waste.

COVID-19 has affected every single industry. No industry was hit harder than hospitality. The importance of advocates for this industry has increased during the pandemic. On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association John Longstreet. They discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on PA’s restaurant and lodging industry and how PRLA is hopeful for the future of the industry.

Beverages, just like food, are something that unites us all. On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Kirk French, Teaching Professor of Anthropology at Penn State University, College of Liberal Arts. His research focuses on the cultural meanings of alcohol. He discusses how alcohol has developed throughout history and the impact on culture.

allinfoodz has explored the impact outside factors, like COVID-19, have had on food insecurity. On this episode of allinfoodz, we explore the impact of another factor on food insecurity, extreme weather conditions. Amit Sharma is joined by Dean of the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management Dennis Reynolds, Ph.D. They discuss the impacts the recent extreme weather in Texas has had on local food insecurity.

Responsible consumption is a complex issue that involves consumers and food providers. On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Registered Dietitian Mary Alice Cain. She promotes balanced meals created from healthful ingredients and believes affordable, wholesome food should be available to all. Visit her website to learn more. https://www.maryalicecain.com/

Food insecurity is a challenge the United States has always faced. However, given the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, food insecurity is affecting more Americans each day. On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Director of the YMCA of Centre County Moshannon Valley Branch Mel Curtis. He discusses the “new hungry” and how the YMCA is helping local communities fight food insecurity.

We’ve all seen sell by dates and other labeling on foods at the grocery store but many consumers don’t realize the meaning or reasoning behind the label. On this episode of allinfoodz, Amit Sharma is joined by Penn State Hospitality Management Senior Nicholas Wagner to discuss his research on food labeling and discounting and the impact on food waste in the United States.