www.fairfoodfoundation.org/news.xml News Updates from Fair Food Foundation Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:04:53 GMT ListGarden Program 1.3.1 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=797769 Growing Power's Will Allen is recognized for his great work on making healthy food that's "available and affordable to everyone". Learn more about Allen's many years of work and success in this article. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:03:53 GMT http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=797769 http://media.www.dailypennsylvanian.com/media/storage/paper882/news/2008/09/23/News/Urban.Farm.Tills.The.West.Phila.Fields-3445839.shtml As a way of growing food as close as possible to where the people eat it, this urban farm in Philadelphia grows and sells food in the same community. Interest is being spread on education, nutrition, and people who just want to be involved. Learn more about how this small half-acre plot is impacting the whole area. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:03:26 GMT http://media.www.dailypennsylvanian.com/media/storage/paper882/news/2008/09/23/News/Urban.Farm.Tills.The.West.Phila.Fields-3445839.shtml http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources&id=6402379 In one of the last places you'd look to find a source of fresh produce, this South Side Chicago farm is raising food, help, and hope. Operated by the organization Growing Home, focusing on transitional jobs, residents of the area are able to find fresh food, as well as learn how to grow and sell their own. Read more and watch the video here. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:02:59 GMT http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources&id=6402379 http://www.metrotimes.com/arts/story.asp?id=13259 Along with the rise of community gardens in the metropolitan area of Detroit, a new project is underway- urban beekeeping to support the urban gardens. Learn more about the "pollination of Detroit" here. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:02:34 GMT http://www.metrotimes.com/arts/story.asp?id=13259 http://www.ediblesandiego.com/content/pages/articles/fall08/reachingTheHeights.pdf A new farmers’ market in a diverse neighborhood encourages healthy eating, with the support of nutrition programs and community investment. Learn more about how this market is making good food available to the whole community by reading this article. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:35:20 GMT http://www.ediblesandiego.com/content/pages/articles/fall08/reachingTheHeights.pdf http://www.madison.com/tct/news/303922 To build bridges between local food, and local communities, 35,000 pounds of food for Dane County food pantries was collected from farmers markets in 2007. They’re expecting about the same for 2008. Food pantries often lack supply of fresh produce, but the gleaning program is making a big difference for many communities. Follow the link to read more about the program. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:34:53 GMT http://www.madison.com/tct/news/303922 http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6373065 Many neighborhoods do not have access to full-service grocery stores, and even fewer have access to organic produce. A farming couple has recently moved to the Chicago area to market specifically to inner city stores, and help educate the community on healthy eating, particularly on the South Side. Read more and watch the video here. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:34:28 GMT http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6373065 http://www.indy.com/posts/11251 More and more young families in Indianapolis are turning to producing their own food, not just for their own meals, but are distributing to neighbors and local outlets as well. Read more about the many neighbors getting their hands dirty. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:33:58 GMT http://www.indy.com/posts/11251 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/29/HO1J124S37.DTL Teenagers and young adults are participating in the People United for a Better Life in Oakland by gleaning fruit from backyard trees. The food is then donated to low-income senior centers in the area, or other community programs. July alone saw a harvest of 600 pounds. Read more about this initiative, see pictures, and watch a video at this link. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:51:06 GMT http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/29/HO1J124S37.DTL http://www.visionmagazine.com/archives/0809/holistic_roots.html The Seeds of Leadership Youth Garden Program at Morse High School is an after-school gardening program. Students are regularly rotated into the program to learn about sustainable food, nutrition, food justice, and even public speaking. While helping carrots grow, they learn about the community around them, the history of their grandparents and ancestors, and the hope for their own children. Read more in this article. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:50:38 GMT http://www.visionmagazine.com/archives/0809/holistic_roots.html http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-food-desert-01-sep01,0,1864985.story Chicago neighborhood residents organize to bring a voice to government that more healthy food choices are needed in many areas of the metro area. Read more about the neighborhood of Roseland and their call for better food. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:50:10 GMT http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-food-desert-01-sep01,0,1864985.story http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/assignment_7&id=6366665 Its not just about rising food prices, but there’s many reasons more people are turning towards urban farming. All around the Bay Area in California, gardens are springing up with the help of nonprofits and other community groups, and people are happy to explain the number of reasons they enjoy their new source of food. Watch the video and read more here. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:49:40 GMT http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/assignment_7&id=6366665 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121926371492857735.html?mod=googlenews_wsj The historically underserved and industrial community of West Oakland has become surprising host to the local foods movement. The neighborhoods have seen 80 urban farms sprout since 2001, producing more than 10,000 pounds of produce last year. A lot of the momentum comes from an organization called City Slicker Farms. Read the article to learn about Oakland’s story. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:36:53 GMT http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121926371492857735.html?mod=googlenews_wsj http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/08/21/top_story/doc48accb1e3f4ac195644076.txt Council members and residents alike are looking at land in a different way, looking at other models around the country. The city still has many questions on how to expand gardens into public spaces. The article also states that they understand that much of the effort has to be taken on by volunteers in the neighborhoods. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:36:20 GMT http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/08/21/top_story/doc48accb1e3f4ac195644076.txt http://features.csmonitor.com/gardening/2008/08/21/growing-green-in-detroit/ Greening of Detroit and all the organizations members are expanding growing gardens across the city often referred to as “rusted out”. More than filling vacant lots, the gardens are providing the community with education, job skills, healing, and accomplishment. Read this article for more. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:35:45 GMT http://features.csmonitor.com/gardening/2008/08/21/growing-green-in-detroit/ http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200880819092 A rooftop garden project aims to boot older residents’ health and well being. As part of an effort to help urban elders have access to more fresh local food and exercise, residents are working on gardening on the top of their apartment buildings. Learn more about this project here. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:35:04 GMT http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200880819092 http://community.feministing.com/2008/08/the-accessibility-of-sustainab.html This article explores the true accessibility of healthy food, particularly ‘sustainably grown’ food. There are many barriers that people face when making food, cooking, and shopping choices, which must be addressed and understood before claiming that healthy food is available to everyone. Click here to read more. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:34:21 GMT http://community.feministing.com/2008/08/the-accessibility-of-sustainab.html http://m.cincinnati.com/news.jsp?key=117127&rc=bz A Cincinnati neighborhood worries about what their access to food will be when a local grocery store closes. Many residents don’t drive, and have depended on the walk-ability of their neighborhood. City officials and residents alike are unsure of what will happen in this new “food desert” of Cincinnati. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:15:22 GMT http://m.cincinnati.com/news.jsp?key=117127&rc=bz http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/08/14/urban_students_watching_their_garden_grow/ This article tells the story of a children’s garden at the first school to receive funding to build a vegetable garden on pavement. Not only are children learning about growing plants and food, but also how to run a business, as the school of pre-K to 8th grade will operate a farmers’ market at harvest time. The article quotes many children who are enjoying the new side of their classroom. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:14:43 GMT http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/08/14/urban_students_watching_their_garden_grow/ http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_10246618 This southwestern city has been developing their local agriculture scene for years, and is now witnessing other communities following suit with rising food prices and transportation concerns. But it’s not about what’s trendy, it’s about growing food to eat. This article describes Albuquerque’s agriculture while recognizing the national momentum towards growing good food. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:14:04 GMT http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_10246618 http://www.citylimits.org/content/articles/viewarticle.cfm?article_id=3606&content_type=1&media_type=3 Two eleven year-old girls have put together a documentary about where food comes from, based on a challenge to find out who grew a cherry tomato they tasted. The girls interviewed people all along the food chain, including doctors, and hope to see the release of their film soon. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:14:27 GMT http://www.citylimits.org/content/articles/viewarticle.cfm?article_id=3606&content_type=1&media_type=3 http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/13/dining/13calo.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin The city planners of the urban landscape of Southern California are making food choice a public health concern. A ban on new fast food restaurants has caused much debate in the Los Angeles area. Read this article to learn more. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:13:53 GMT http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/13/dining/13calo.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin http://www.isthmus.com/eats/article.php?article=23507 At a recent meeting of mayors from several cities, urban agriculture was a recurring theme. Advocates spoke to the convened group, and triggered inspiration in the governmental group, who are increasingly recognizing the importance of local food systems. This article describes the meeting, but not what results will take effect because of it. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:13:08 GMT http://www.isthmus.com/eats/article.php?article=23507 http://www.coloradodaily.com/news/2008/aug/03/no-headline---2008-08-03-155206714640/ Gardeners and onlookers find so many benefits from the tomatoes and peppers- its about much more than nutrition in this community. This article will tell you how much people love getting their hands dirty, for their health and wellbeing. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:02:00 GMT http://www.coloradodaily.com/news/2008/aug/03/no-headline---2008-08-03-155206714640/ http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1508378/student_farmers_on_an_ecomission/ A group of students band together to grow fresh food for families with foster children. Their work is about teaching, learning, and growing food that’s environmentally sustainable, local and healthy, and sharing it with people who need it. Learn more about the group here. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:01:20 GMT http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1508378/student_farmers_on_an_ecomission/ http://www.mlive.com/news/annarbornews/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1217745679212460.xml&coll=2 Farmers Markets in Ypsilanti, MI, are now accepting food assistance cards and coupons. Participants in WIC and Food Stamps/EBT now have access to high quality, fresh, local foods. Learn more in this article about the growing diversity of farmers market shoppers. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:00:45 GMT http://www.mlive.com/news/annarbornews/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1217745679212460.xml&coll=2 http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-43/1217657727252680.xml&coll=6 Tax breaks have been created to draw grocery stores to expand or relocate in areas with little access to full-service groceries and healthy food. Many neighborhoods in Grand Rapids find themselves searching for easy access to food supply. The new tax break may make a difference. Follow the link to learn more. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:00:05 GMT http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-43/1217657727252680.xml&coll=6 http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080801/FEATURES04/808010341 Detroit youth are finding a new summer job that shows hard work can pay off. As a community organizing program, this project in Detroit is growing and including more and more participants, while producing more and more food. Follow the link to learn more. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:59:22 GMT http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080801/FEATURES04/808010341 http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/canada/urban-farmer-veggie-garden-1940.html Young and old are learning new ways of getting fresh food around the country and around the world, as urban farms continue to spring up in some of the more unlikely places. People are seeing health, financial, community, and so many more benefits to their work. This article describes how its not just a new trend, but also something that city dwellers have done for generations. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:58:40 GMT http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/canada/urban-farmer-veggie-garden-1940.html http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2008/07/28/2008-07-28_east_new_york_farms_tries_to_reverse_obe.html On a mission to beautify neighborhoods, give projects to children and youth, and reverse obesity trends, East New York Farms provide a welcome outlet for many neighborhoods and children. Read the article to learn more about the projects. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:57:59 GMT http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2008/07/28/2008-07-28_east_new_york_farms_tries_to_reverse_obe.html http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/07/29/18520936.php Amidst several social problems that are affecting urban populations, urban agriculture can bring much hope. This article describes how gardeners must join efforts together, in coordination with local governments and academicians, to work collaboratively towards a positive future. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:34:11 GMT http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/07/29/18520936.php http://www.insidebayarea.com/bayarealiving/ci_10033561 The new “Victory Garden” in front of San Francisco City Hall has brought out all kinds of supporters to watch the gardens grow. Slow Food Nation and others recognize that its not just about gardens, but about equitable access to healthy foods and good food systems for all people. The call is for urban areas to use the land they have in new ways to assure they have healthy food for the future. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:33:33 GMT http://www.insidebayarea.com/bayarealiving/ci_10033561 http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080730/NEWS02/807300336/1003/NEWS02 The Vermont Foodbank has bought a farm with its community partners to assure a permanent supply of fresh produce for food shelves around the state. In addition to conserving the plot of land, the Foodbank hopes to use the farm as a teaching tool about our agricultural systems, farming, and hunger itself. This article describes all the hopes the Foodbank partners have for this land in the coming years. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:32:53 GMT http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080730/NEWS02/807300336/1003/NEWS02 http://arieff.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/28/grow-your-own/?ref=opinion Urban dwellers are increasingly turning to growing their own food, in anyway they can. Its changed the landscape of people’s backyards, and even more public places like San Francisco City Hall. Academicians, politicians, and citizens alike are getting their hands dirty. Read this article to learn more. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:32:08 GMT http://arieff.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/28/grow-your-own/?ref=opinion http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25896233/ To tackle obesity and promote health, the City Council voted to place a one-year ban on new fast food restaurants in L.A. neighborhoods. Instead, the city will approve healthier, quality food outlets. The action is thought to be the first of its kind. Read this article to learn more about the realities and hopes for the Los Angeles food system. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:30:22 GMT http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25896233/ http://readme.readmedia.com/news/show/STATE-ANNOUNCES-FUNDING-TO-SUPPORT-COMMUNITY-GARDENS/263575 Recognizing the community and health benefits of community gardens, the State of New York is starting a new grant program for their promotion throughout the state. They’re giving special emphasis for urban gardens that serve low-income communities. Read the press release for more details. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:29:32 GMT http://readme.readmedia.com/news/show/STATE-ANNOUNCES-FUNDING-TO-SUPPORT-COMMUNITY-GARDENS/263575 http://www.californiachronicle.com/articles/68798 Los Angeles leaders are urging the city council to hold grocery stores accountable and address issues that communities are becoming “food deserts”. Ideally, this would bring more jobs, healthier alternatives, and higher quality of life for these under served communities. Read this article to learn more. Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:49:23 GMT http://www.californiachronicle.com/articles/68798 http://www.dailynewstribune.com/news/x1816443212/Healthy-Harvest-Outreach-market-provides-low-cost-produce A market is practicing a belief of “local food for everyone” through this unique farmers market. Read this article to learn how this market is assuring that high-quality foods remain affordable and accessible to communities that don’t often find such food in their neighborhoods. Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:48:35 GMT http://www.dailynewstribune.com/news/x1816443212/Healthy-Harvest-Outreach-market-provides-low-cost-produce http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08206/899003-34.stm More than interest in urban agriculture, there are many people interested in the sweet results of growing plants and pollination. Interest is growing for urban-made honey and a healthy bee population. Read this article to learn more. Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:47:50 GMT http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08206/899003-34.stm http://alamedasun.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3649&Itemid=10 A summer program is giving teenagers real-life job training, while meeting an economic and social need for food justice. Read this article to learn more about Growing Youth and the community that is benefiting from young peoples’ efforts. Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:47:00 GMT http://alamedasun.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3649&Itemid=10 http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1826271,00.html In response to many social, economic, health, and climate changes, people all over the country are taking matters of food back into their own back yards with urban gardening. This article from a national news source describes several initiatives around the country. Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:46:13 GMT http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1826271,00.html http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080716/METRO01/807160368/1409/METRO A summer program reinvests teenagers’ energy in their community through gardens, growing, plants, and beautification of the area. This article describes the efforts the city’s youth is engaged in, which the Detroit community will enjoy for years to come. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:15:33 GMT http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080716/METRO01/807160368/1409/METRO http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080711/NEWS03/807110357 After running an assessment on availability of healthy food in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods, a group of teenagers involved at a local vocational school now run a farmers market to sell their own locally grown produce. This article describes how communities can come up with solutions to food insecurity, while building new leaders. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:15:01 GMT http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080711/NEWS03/807110357 http://www.californiaaggie.com/article/1137 This article discusses how academic leaders and others are encouraging communities to grow their own, a concept that was once called a Victory Garden during World War II. Food supply was not constant during that time, and many of today’s communities have a problem with an adequate and healthy food supply. Even by modeling their own, this group of academicians are working to increase people’s control over their own food. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:14:12 GMT http://www.californiaaggie.com/article/1137 http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080706/NEWS01/807060475/1008 Louisville organizers are thinking strategically about the nutrition of people in their city. Many neighborhoods do not have access to fruits and vegetables, and people are stepping up to do something to improve their 'food security'. This article describes the new efforts to reach into the corner stores and local groups to improve nutrition. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:36:16 GMT http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080706/NEWS01/807060475/1008 http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/07_03-27/CSP A community has taken it into their own hands to make fresh and local fruits and vegetables affordable to everyone, by planting food specifically for a food pantry. This article describes one of the many creative ways people are making healthy food more affordable and available in inner city communities like Annapolis. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:34:59 GMT http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/07_03-27/CSP