Our current food system requires an enormous amount of land, water, and other natural resources. Ranches and farms make up more than half of the land mass of the lower 48 states and consume more than 80% of all ground and surface water. Waste throughout the food supply chain (from production to disposal) is significant; some estimates suggest that a 15% reduction could feed 25 million more people. Pesticides, fertilizers, and other contaminants generate significant environmental issues for our farmlands, rivers, and wildlife, and 85% of fish stock levels within our oceans, the primary source of protein for more than 1 billion people globally, is depleted and exploited. These and other impacts have caught the attention of many environmentally focused food donors.

Promising approaches that use resources sustainably and reduce waste, contaminants, and emissions exist at the local, regional, and national levels. In this section, we offer a case example of one promising approach along with descriptions of other promising approaches for environmentally-focused food donors.

WHAT IS IT? Often applied within post-industrial cities nationwide, organic urban gardening offers an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional, largescale industrial farming with its related high use of natural resources and pesticides.

This approach initially involves clearing trash and debris from abandoned and vacant lots, planting grass and/or trees, fencing, and providing minimal annual maintenance. Once “cleaned and greened,” these plots become sites for community gardens, often above ground due to the significant soil rehabilitation costs.

RATIONALE Although such gardens are dwarfed by the size and scale of industrial farms, they can still generate tens of thousands of pounds of produce each year for the local community. While donors may view such urban land rehabilitation through an environmental lens, the impacts achieved also include reductions of hunger, improved health and access to healthy foods, development of a vibrant community, decreased gun crimes and vandalism, and increased housing wealth in neighborhoods.

EXAMPLE Pennsylvania Horticultural Society LandCare and Garden Tenders Programs (Philadelphia, PA); Green Guerillas (New York, NY); Lots of Green (Youngstown, OH).

PROMISING APPROACH

Promote healthy, productive soils and waters through conservation and rehabilitation efforts

Extend “cleaning and greening” impact with organic, urban gardening

RELATED IMPACTS

• Environment: Reduce Waste, Contaminants & Emissions, Use Resources Sustainably
• Vibrant Communities: Foster Community Engagement, Support Local Economies

Support organic farming and other related practices for sustainably produced food

• Environment: Reduce Waste, Contaminants & Emissions, Use Resources Sustainably
• Vibrant Communities: Foster Community Engagement, Support Local Economies

PROMISING APPROACH

Advocate for reduced levels of pesticides, toxins, and antimicrobials

RELATED IMPACTS

• Health & Hunger: Reduce Hunger, Improve Health
• Environment: Reduce Waste, Contaminants & Emissions, Use Resources Sustainably
• Rights & Equity: Improve Worker Conditions, Improve Access to Food

Support food system partners that reduce emissions, materials, and waste at various points across the food supply chain (farm-to-table)

• Health & Hunger: Reduce Hunger, Improve Health
• Environment: Reduce Waste, Contaminants & Emissions, Use Resources Sustainably
• Vibrant Communities: Foster Community Engagement, Support Local Economies

Provide assistance and tools to farmers and ranchers to optimize management practices, including utilization of more clean, efficient energy sources

• Environment: Reduce Waste, Contaminants & Emissions, Use Resources Sustainably