Show-Me State Times

University of Missouri researcher Kiruba Krishnaswamy has taken on the global challenge of hidden hunger, a form of malnutrition affecting more than 2 billion people. Krishnaswamy, an assistant professor with joint appointments in the MU College of Engineering and MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, recently received a five-year, $532,000 Early Career Development (CAREER) award from the National Science Foundation for her project aimed at addressing hidden hunger.

“Whenever we talk about hunger, we usually talk about chronic hunger, but hidden hunger is much more dangerous,” Krishnaswamy stated. “If we don’t have enough micronutrients, our bodies won’t be able to absorb the required nutrients. This can create a snowball effect — leading to serious health issues like spina bifida, iron deficiency, and anemia.”

Krishnaswamy's project, titled “FEAST (food ecosystems and circularity for sustainable transformation) framework to address hidden hunger,” focuses on creating a circular food system model to combat hidden hunger. By transitioning from a linear food system that prioritizes quantity over quality to a circular system that tailors solutions to individual communities, Krishnaswamy aims to provide nutritious food in larger quantities to combat hidden hunger.

Partnering with the Osage Nation in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, Krishnaswamy is working to address hidden hunger and promote food sovereignty within the community. The project includes goals such as investigating specific interactions in the soil-water-plant-food-people chain, exploring sustainable food processing strategies, and developing a FEAST framework to enhance food and nutrition security.

Krishnaswamy emphasized the importance of cultural appropriateness in her research, stating, “We could develop something in the lab, but if it’s not culturally appropriate or socially acceptable, then it’s not going to reach people.” She highlighted the significance of listening to community members to develop solutions tailored to their specific needs and wants.

The project also focuses on educational outreach and community engagement to increase awareness about hidden hunger and sustainable food processing. Krishnaswamy expressed gratitude for the support she has received, acknowledging her family, students, colleagues, mentors, and community partners for inspiring her work in addressing hidden hunger.

Krishnaswamy's commitment to tackling difficult topics and driving goals forward in the field of hidden hunger has led to her recognition with the prestigious NSF award, showcasing the impact of her innovative approach to addressing this global challenge.