5@5: USDA revises SNAP rules for grocers | The challenges of cultured meat

Clean meat's path to commercialization

The founders of Mosa Meats and Memphis Meats have clear goals: get clean meat (plant-based products that closely mimic meat) to the market within five years, and make it cost-competitive with conventional meat within 10 years. Bringing down the cost—because of the intensive process of growing a small sample of cells into a full-fledged product—is probably the most critical hurdle. Learn more about the process of cultured meat and its challenges from the Good Food Institute....

Regulators tweak SNAP rules for grocers

New rules around the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will require the more than 265,000 retailers that participate in the program to carry more healthy food options—although not as many as originally proposed. Under the new rules, retailers will have to carry seven varieties in the four staple food categories: dairy products; breads and cereals; meats, poultry and fish; and fruits and vegetables. And potato chips and ice cream no longer count as staples. But some nutrition experts say the new rules don't go far enough. Read more at The Wall Street Journal...

First ladies often forge food trends, but Melania's menu is a mystery

Michelle Obama may have prioritized nutrition more than any other first lady in America's history—from Let's Move to "My Plate." What will come next? Read more at NPR...

In Kenya, organic macadamia nuts provide a cushion against drought

Farmers in Kenya are experimenting with organic farming as a more affordable and drought-resistent way to grow crops. A company called macadamiafans is funding a project that promotes organic farming and is working to create a new sustainable market system around macadamia nuts. Read more at Thomson Reuters Foundation News...

Lactose-free ice cream startup wins mentoring help from Sam Adams

Minus the Moo, a Boston company that makes lactose-free ice cream, won the Samuel Adams Brewing American Dream Pitch Room competition. The prize includes $10,000 and a year's worth of mentoring. Read more at Boston Business Journal...