How to give SNAP users more access

It's been a while since I blogged. Life got away from me for a bit, but I've managed to wrangle it back into beautiful submission (please don't misconstrue that as oppressive language). I've had cause in the last months to do some serious reflecting on just how tentative our food systems and social safety net really are. Any real safety net in our lives comes from the community we build around ourselves. And then, of course, what about those without the capacity to engage in that level of community building?

Cooking for Life

Just a quick little post to share a cool program I toured the other day at Covenant House here in Toronto. I've been spending more time exploring initiatives that engage youth in the production or preparation of good food. (Trying to marry my day job at Project Canoe with my passion for food policy and food security.)

Fresh Moves for food deserts

Forward thinking

It's been a somewhat frustrating week here in Toronto. The mayor's crew wants to TAKE OUT bike lines. Yes, take them out. At a time when we need everyone to have their future planning hats on, so many folks insist on sticking their heads in the sand. On the flip side, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer once again proves that politicians can make positive change. What's he up to? He's turning public school roofs into integrated green spaces. 

Virtual farming?

These days as I pound the warming downtown pavement, I must admit to having a little farm envy. I'm romanticizing the farm life. I even wore my Iowa farm apron last night while making dinner. And wouldn't you know it? I just came across an online project that allows average city-dwelling folks to get a taste of the farming life from the, um, comfort? of our computers! The only problem is the farm is in England, but that doesn't matter much online...

Hell yeah, I'm a foodie!

Over the last months, I've wrestled with my role in the "foodie" culture, and whether or not it's a good thing to be so damned concerned with every morsel I put into my mouth. To paraphrase Mark Bittman in a recent interview on Edible Radio, the folks concerned about food, health, and food security exist across such a broad spectrum that it's impossible to label this movement (made up of thousands of policies, activists, local projects, and regular folks) as elitist or fleeting. Along those lines I wanted to share a couple of fantastic stories/projects with you that inspire me to keep learning, writing, and sharing about food policy and security.

Ideas for nourishing the planet

Over the years I've come to the personal conclusion that we are not born with rights, but that collectively, we agree to certain essential standards that, when applied justly, benefit humanity as a whole. I tend to refer to these standards as human rights. I believe that clean water and nutritious food are part of these essential standards, and thankfully, I'm not the only one.

How we waste food

For the last few weeks, my paid work universe has been chaotic, to say the least. Coming off of that ride, I'm finally getting to my normal chores. This morning as I tackled the refrigerator, I was angry at myself for letting so many things go to waste. Earlier this week, Shana sent me an infographic from Sustain Ontario on said topic - how we waste food. (Shana knows how much I love infographics.)

On food justice

We've posted some definitions for clarification and/or inspiration on Folks Gotta Eat before, so let's keep adding to that list. Food Justice: Food justice seeks to ensure that the benefits and risks of where, what and how food is grown, produced, transported, distributed, accessed and eaten are shared fairly. Food justice represents a transformation of the current food system, including but not limited to eliminating disparities and inequities.

Barriers urban farmers' markets face

A new report from the Manhattan Borough President's office highlights what most of us already experience. It's the wrestling match between the Initiative to do something and the Red Tape that gets in the way. The challenge: New Yorkers need access to healthy food. The solution: community-based farmers' markets. The barrier: Red Tape (including high cost of entry, parking challenges, etc.).