Food Safety Crisis: Nigeria’s Ondo State reports 48 deaths after people consumed a suspected methanol-tainted drink, with 182 affected and arrests tied to alleged production and distribution. Food Security & Climate: Kenya faces rising drought-linked hunger risk as El Niño could worsen conditions, with 2.7 million people in arid and semiarid counties facing acute food insecurity. School Food Procurement: Iowa expands its Choose Iowa Local Food for Schools grants, adding 33 schools/districts to a pilot that pushes local sourcing in child nutrition programs. Community Food Access: Newark opens ward-based community grocery stores aimed at lower prices than supermarkets, offering fresh produce and staples through nonprofit partnerships. Local Food Systems & Grants: South Dakota launches funding for 2026 community forestry projects, including urban food forests and tree plantings on public land. Food Waste Action: Vermont declares Food Waste Prevention Week (Sept. 28–Oct. 4) and launches a Scrap Food Waste Challenge to cut waste and emissions. Industry & Innovation: Tetra Pak and Soy Excellence Center Asia run a soy beverage learning track across Thailand and Bangkok, focusing on processing and product development. Community Events: West Wales’ Narberth Food Festival returns Sept. 26–27 with Michelin Green Star chef Matt Powell and foraging demos. Public Health & Nutrition: A new review links junk and processed foods to higher depression risk, while Mediterranean-style diets show lower risk.