Climate Solutions

Hydroponics farming could help reduce Nigeria's spiraling youth unemployment rate

https://tribuneonlineng.com/hydroponics-farming-could-help-reduce-nigerias-spiraling-youth-unemployment-rate

Justice Nwafor

Nigerian Tribune

19 October 2020

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By using an agricultural technique that doesn’t use soil to grow crops, a farmer is upending the traditional farming practices in Nigeria and offering job opportunities to those who might otherwise be unemployed. Hydroponics farming is a type of horticulture that grows plants without soil by using mineral nutrient solutions. BIC Farms utilizes the method, which can reduce crop water consumption, and has trained more than 12,000 people on the soilless farming technique. Hydroponics can also help farmers reduce food waste and post-harvest losses.

Pee fanatics want to feed the world with your liquid gold

https://www.wired.co.uk/article/urine-fertiliser-growing-plants

Katy Lee

Wired

7 October 2020

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A French startup is turning urine into an environmentally-friendly fertilizer that could replace chemical products. Early tests suggest that the urine mixture created by Toopi Organics can compete with synthetic fertilizers, which end up in waterways and can alter lake and river ecosystems. While the organic fertilizer requires a significant amount of urine to make, it could be a viable alternative to grow crops.

Amid COVID-19, Urban Growers Collective distributes nearly one million pounds of produce

https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/amid-covid-19-urban-growers-collective-distributes-nearly-one-million-pounds-of-produce/Content?oid=83220311

Adam M. Rhodes

The Chicago Reader

2 October 2020

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For several years, the Urban Growers Collective in Illinois has been helping to bring and distribute healthy food to underresourced communities throughout Chicago by operating eight urban farms, but efforts have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In just over six months, the organization has "delivered nearly one million pounds of produce to more than 25 partner organizations across the city."

Local farms, small gardens see boost in interest, funding to tackle hunger

http://nmindepth.com/2020/09/28/local-farms-small-gardens-see-boost-in-interest-funding-to-tackle-hunger

Elizabeth M. Miller

New Mexico In Depth

28 September 2020

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations and government agencies are connecting farmers with people in need by making fruits and vegetables more affordable or even free. For example, Bueno Para Todos, a small farm in New Mexico, has planted new fruit trees alongside a vegetable garden, and allows people to pick what they want and pay how they can, either with money or by helping on the farm. Scaling these efforts can be difficult if communities want to encourage growing more local food.

Would You Eat Food Waste To Help Tackle The Climate Crisis? These Companies Are Betting On It.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/food-waste-climate-change-company_n_5f68eb06c5b63b8afd80ba41

Kyla Mandel

The Huffington Post

23 September 2020

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Companies around the world are investing in “food upcycling,” which involves turning food waste that would usually end up in a landfill into new edible products. In 2019, member companies of the Upcycled Food Association — which includes pet food, juice, and snack brands — helped prevent 8 million pounds of food waste. Though scaling these operations can be difficult, the food upcycling sector was worth $46.7 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow.

Scientists work in Arizona to reshape desert food production

https://tucson.com/news/state-and-regional/scientists-work-in-arizona-to-reshape-desert-food-production/article_a7dcbbe1-9c5d-5951-b799-b0b7de632aca.html

Henry Brean

Arizona Daily Star

20 September 2020

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In an experimental garden in Arizona, scientists are seeing how to produce sustainable and local food in a desert environment. They’re growing plants under a photovoltaic “canopy” of solar panels that provide necessary shade for the crops and, at the same time, generate cheap, renewable energy for irrigation systems and farm equipment. So far, they’ve been able to grow basil, Anasazi red beans, and a special bell pepper. While not all crops will work in this system and scaling the garden has its challenges, learning how to grow food in the desert is necessary to adapt to a future with climate change.

Jersey City's Composting Program Expands During a Pandemic

https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/jersey-citys-composting-program-expands-during-a-pandemic

Emily Nonko

Next City

16 September 2020

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Since the Jersey City composting program, over 50,000 pounds of disposable waste has been used to fertilize home gardens, parks, and community gardens, instead of going into landfills. While scaling the program is a challenge due to the lack of infrastructure for integrating composting as part of the city’s waste removal, residents were eager to participate.

The luxury of food waste

https://hothouse.substack.com/p/the-average-household-spends-1800

Thomas McMullan

Hothouse Solutions

14 September 2020

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At St George the Martyr church in London, an initiative to offer food to people that would otherwise have been wasted is taking on new meaning due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The “community fridge” started in 2019 as a way to combat the environmental impacts of food waste by giving away free fruit, vegetables, milk, bread, and meat, and was helping up to 20 people each week. Now, more than 100 people have turned up because they’re experiencing economic hardship and social distancing restrictions is making it a challenge to deliver food to those who need it.

How a $3 billion USDA coronavirus program is helping feed S.C. families

https://thegroundtruthproject.org/how-a-3-billion-usda-coronavirus-program-is-helping-feed-south-carolina-families

Sam Ogozalek

The GroundTruth Project

10 September 2020

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A new initiative from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is helping connect farmers with those who are facing food insecurity during the coronavirus pandemic. The program, known as Farmers to Families, allocates monetary contracts to companies that go towards distributing boxes of produce to families. In South Carolina, one farm has been able to distribute over 5.2 million pounds of food throughout the southeast region of the state.

The remarkable floating gardens of Bangladesh

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200910-the-remarkable-floating-gardens-of-bangladesh

Kalpana Sunder

BBC

10 September 2020

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Bangladeshi communities are reviving a traditional method of crop cultivation known as floating vegetable gardens to grow food during monsoon season. On these floating organic beds, farmers can grow vegetables like okra, spinach, and snake gourd. They can supply enough food to feed their family and be a source of income. While scaling this approach to other parts of the country can be difficult, many see this practice as a way to adapt to the effects of climate change.

When Boston's public schools closed in March, their gardens went untended. Then a volunteer effort grew.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/08/lifestyle/when-bostons-public-schools-closed-march-their-gardens-went-untended-then-volunteer-effort-grew

Lisa Zwirn

The Boston Globe

8 September 2020

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After Boston Public Schools closed in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, about 70 volunteers tended schoolyard gardens at 14 schools to grow food for local families experiencing economic hardship. While students were not able to participate because of COVID restrictions, residents during the summer months cleaned garden beds and planted vegetables like eggplants, cucumbers, and peppers. Organizers expect to harvest about 300 pounds of vegetables by the end of September.

How the Lebanese Diaspora Is Mobilizing Against Food Insecurity at Home

https://www.yesmagazine.org/economy/2020/09/08/lebanon-food-shortage

Marianne Dhenin

Yes! Magazine

8 September 2020

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Volunteer-run organizations are helping those facing food insecurity throughout Beirut by preparing and delivery food on a daily basis. Although the food system in the country remains heavily strained, the grassroots network of organizations are relying on one another for support which has resulted in diverting aid and strategically funneling resources where they're most needed.

In Rural Vermont, Food Relief Program Is Eyed as Model

https://dailyyonder.com/in-rural-vermont-food-relief-program-is-eyed-as-model/2020/09/08

Meg McIntyre

The Daily Yonder

8 September 2020

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A food-relief initiative in Brattleboro, Vermont is helping connect people facing food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic with free meals that are provided by local restaurants. The initiative – which also requires that the restaurants source 10% of the food from local farms – has already provided nearly 12,000 meals to local residents.

Could the Coronavirus Yield a More Robust Northwest Seafood Economy?

https://bitterrootmag.com/2020/08/28/could-the-coronavirus-yield-a-more-robust-northwest-seafood-economy

Virginia Gewin

Bitterroot

28 August 2020

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The international seafood supply chain was disrupted in the wake of the pandemic but small fisheries in the northwest have tapped into new local markets. The fisheries, which generally depend on exporting seafood internationally as well as supplying restaurants, have found an interest among local consumers in fresh seafood that has led to community-supported fisheries and includes meal kits. Smaller operations have found it easier to pivot to regional customers and have taken the opportunity to build a stronger regional food system which creates a sustainable seafood market.

Homegrown: Part 2

https://montanafreepress.org/2020/08/21/community-based-food-processors-make-montana-food-resilient

Emily Stifler Wolfe

Montana Free Press

21 August 2020

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By collaborating with other businesses, nonprofits, and institutions, food processing enterprises in Montana are expanding the local supply chain to keep food in the state. The Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center packages food for a local grower's co-op, which distribute Montana products to individuals, grocery stores, and restaurants. The Livingston Food Resource Center created its own partnerships by buying its food from Montana farmers to give to people experiencing economic hardship. These collaborations are reducing the costs for local food processing, which also cuts down on costs for customers.

Meet three Black-owned grocery delivery services bringing fresh food to your door during the pandemic

https://thetriibe.com/2020/08/three-black-chicago-owned-grocery-delivery-services-bringing-fresh-food-to-your-door-during-the-pandemic

Jessie Roti

The TRiiBE

19 August 2020

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Chicago-based grocery delivery services are alleviating the hardship faced by those who live in food deserts. Black and brown communities with limited access to groceries were hit especially hard during COVID-19, when shelves were emptied out by those who could afford to stock up. Black-owned grocery delivery meets a crucial need in a community that has limited access to fresh produce. The service is also able to deliver hard-to-find ingredients and is a comforting presence in neighborhoods that are braced for another possible wave of the virus, potentially making the upcoming winter especially difficult.

Just What the Doctor Ordered: Produce Prescriptions are More Important—and Popular—Than Ever.

https://civileats.com/2020/08/13/just-what-the-doctor-ordered-produce-prescription-programs-are-more-important-and-popular-than-ever

Andy Hirschfeld

Civil Eats

13 August 2020

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Produce prescription programs across the United States are seeing a resurgence in activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These programs provide healthy foods at a subsidized price to patients with chronic health issues. For example, the VeggieRx program in Chicago used to give out up to 70 boxes of fruits and veggies a week, but now they’re up to 160 boxes a week. While studies have shown that these programs can have a positive impact on patients' health, insurance companies usually only pay for patients to participate in them for a short period of time, so the health benefits might be limited.

The Kitchen Garden Series upends the textiles industry by reviving an old Philly tradition: producing local linen

https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/kitchen-garden-series-philadelphia

Courtney Duchene

The Philadelphia Citizen

13 August 2020

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A former costume designer and a farmer in Pennsylvania are partnering together to grow flax to produce their own linen. Since the fashion and textiles industries produce a lot of waste, the duo are reviving the crop that was traditionally grown in the area to raise awareness on the importance of a strong local textile supply chain. While harvesting the crop can be labor intensive and they don’t plan on making a profit from it this year, they hope to show that growing flax could be a staple crop in urban agriculture.

Homegrown

https://montanafreepress.org/2020/08/05/homegrown-how-small-food-processors-are-building-a-more-resilient-montana-food-system

Emily Stifler Wolfe

Montana Free Press

5 August 2020

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Federal funding helped local food producers expand their operations to include processing plants which enables farmers to meet the demand of Montanans who sought an alternative to the empty grocery store shelves. The lack of processing plants has caused a bottleneck in the local food supply chain, a sore point which was amplified when the pandemic disrupted international supply chains, sending shoppers to their neighborhood farms. Small operators rarely have their own processing plants and must outsource that step in order to take their products to market.

In syntropic agriculture, farmers stop fighting nature and learn to embrace it

https://news.mongabay.com/2020/07/in-syntropic-agriculture-farmers-stop-fighting-nature-and-learn-to-embrace-it

Sandra Weiss

Mongabay

30 July 2020

Multi-Media / 1500-3000 Words

Ernst Götsch, an agronomist and cocoa farmer in Brazil, uses a different method of agriculture that could be more beneficial to small farmers. His method, known as syntropic agriculture, is an agroforestry system where different plants interact with each other to create more complex ecosystems and more fertile soils. While the method involves more labor and observation, it doesn’t use pesticides or fertilizers and has resulted in larger crop yields and more income on his own farm. He is sharing his process with other farmers looking to improve their farms.

Is underground farming the future of food?

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20200723-is-underground-farming-the-future-of-food

Kwon Moon

BBC

24 July 2020

Multi-Media / 3-5 Minutes

There’s a subterranean, organic farm in one of Seoul’s subway stations that could be another way to approach sustainable urban farming. The “vertical” farm, known as Metro Farm, uses a mineral nutrient solution instead of regular soil, and has an automated tech network to control the underground ecosystem’s temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels. While Farm8, the tech startup in charge of the venture, hasn’t made much of a profit yet, the farm produces about 30 kilograms of vegetables per day at a rate that is 40 times more efficient than traditional farming.

How A Healer, An Artist And A Chef Are Fighting For Black Food Sovereignty In South LA

https://laist.com/2020/07/23/healer_artist_chef_black_food_sovereignty_south_la_ali_anderson_lauren_halsey_kat_williams.php

Lillian Kalish

LAist

23 July 2020

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To ensure that Black communities have access to healthy food, three people in Los Angeles are taking different approaches to promote food security and food sovereignty. As part of Feed Black Futures, Ali Anderson packs nearly 100 boxes a week of fruits and vegetables to deliver to Black women and caregivers who have been impacted by incarceration. Artist Lauren Halsey and her Summaeverythang Community Center deliver up to 1,000 boxes a week of free organic produce. Chef Kat Williams is also making sure Black people of the LGBT community have access to healthy meals.

How This N.Y. Island Went From Tourist Hot Spot to Emergency Garden

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/23/nyregion/governors-island-nyc-urban-farm.html

Rachel Wharton

The New York Times

23 July 2020

Multi-Media / 800-1500 Words

For environmental organization GrowNYC, their one-acre teaching farm on Governor’s Island became a victory garden for New Yorkers who aren’t having their basic needs met during the COVID-19 pandemic. While future land development on the island could impact their work, the farm is on track to produce about 20,000 pounds of food that is distributed by other groups like the Black Feminist Project as free or low-cost coronavirus relief food boxes.

Will Community Gardens Survive Pandemic Budget Cuts?

https://foodprint.org/blog/community-gardens

Lela Nargi

FoodPrint

23 July 2020

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The ability of community gardens to supply healthy food to those who might not have their basic needs met has grown in importance as coronavirus continues to spread across the United States. For example, the New Roots community gardening initiative in Salt Lake City helps nearly 150 refugee families raise food on plots, and about 86 percent of the gardeners report saving an average of $30 a week by growing their own food. However, the future of this program, and others around the country in New York City, Seattle, and Minneapolis, are uncertain as they face budget cuts from cities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

2.4 million pounds and counting: How sending surplus crops to food banks is helping Washington farmers and hungry families

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/2-3m-pounds-and-counting-how-sending-surplus-crops-to-food-banks-is-helping-washington-farmers-and-hungry-families

Scott Hanson

The Seattle Times

21 July 2020

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When the economy came to a sudden halt with the onset of a global pandemic, farmers were left with produce meant for the restaurant industry while families who lost incomes struggled to put food on their tables. For one good samaritan “it was just a matter of connecting the dots.” George Ahearn's idea to crowdsource transportation from farms to food banks led to the creation of EastWest Food Rescue, a nonprofit that has delivered 2.4 million pounds of crops to 160 food banks.