We continue our series focused on Food and its impact on the environment, our health, our communities, and social justice. As many of us encounter the realities and effects of climate change, we look for ways to participate in solutions. Re-examining what we eat and how we buy and prepare our food offers many options for change, large and small.
Changes we make within our lifestyles can help the overall challenge of food insecurity for those more vulnerable. As stated in the USDA article Climate Change, Global Food Security, and the U.S. Food System, “Climate change can affect food availability, access, utilization, and the stability of each of these over time. Constrictions at any point can lead to food insecurity through the activities of the food system, including food production, transportation, and storage.”
Our guest this morning is Aubrey Alvarez, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Eat Greater Des Moines. Started in 2013, they are a non-profit that unites the community in providing quality food access for all; facilitating and building connections to strengthen the area’s food system.
Listen to the podcast to hear all the great work that Aubrey and the team are doing at this vital non-profit in the Des Moines metro including gleaning, the Find Food Map and the Chow Bank app.
Key Takeaways from our discussion:
- Everyone should have access to safe and healthy food within our communities
- Food recovery programs are essential to minimizing food waste while also providing accessible food to vulnerable populations
- Our current food system is in need of rebuilding with some deep structural changes
- Food connection programs are best developed locally because it requires knowing who to call on for various aspects of where existing gaps are within the particular town or city
- Recognize the power you have in where you buy your food
“We have to change how we produce and consume food,
Not just for environmental reasons,
But because this is an
Existential issue for humans.”
~ Janet Ranganathan,
VP for science and research at the World Resources Institute
“Food security is an authentically human requirement.
Guaranteeing it for present and future generations
Also means safeguarding ourselves against the
Uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources.
~ Pope Benedict XVI
Thank you for listening to today’s discussion. Let’s continue the conversation and learn from each other.