Affordability Pressure: A Harris Poll for The Guardian finds nearly half of Americans struggle to afford basics like groceries and gas, with 95% calling it an affordability crisis—fueling broader economic pessimism. Food Safety & Health Risk: Willis’ Global Food, Beverage and Agriculture Risk Report says 45% of firms now flag food safety and health as a top risk, up sharply from 2024, as ultra-processed food concerns and litigation exposure grow. Sustainable Protein Innovation: A study suggests proteins extracted from discarded marigold flowers could become a heat-stable, functional ingredient—turning crop waste into potential protein supply. Vertical Farming Breakthrough: Tokyo’s Plantx opened a fully sealed vertical-farming pilot, aiming for tighter control of produce quality while cutting water, fertilizer and labor needs. Food Prices Watch: Kazakhstan reported weekly deflation in socially significant foods, with tomatoes and cucumbers falling most. Community Food Access: Giving Gardens expanded to 12 free public garden sites, offering community harvests of vegetables, herbs and berries. Packaging & Convenience: New reporting highlights how thin-wall food packaging is gaining traction as ready-to-eat demand rises, despite tougher processing requirements. Local Dining Moves: Cambridge’s Nagomi Bento opened a second location, adding seating to its bento business.