Agriculture

There’s a food shortage going on that’s unlike anything we’ve seen in the last 40 years. Billions of people around the world are now chronically hungry, and tens of millions may face imminent famine and starvation. So what’s going on that’s different from years past? And what, if anything, can we do as individuals to begin to make a difference?

Explore three of the most common food intolerances to understand what a food intolerance is, how it’s different from a food allergy, and how you can identify and adapt your lifestyle in order to manage or even heal food intolerances.

Lentils are unassuming culinary heroes, featured in dishes from a wide variety of culinary traditions. Not only are they delicious, versatile, easy to cook, and nutrient-rich powerhouses, lentils also feature prominently in efforts to mitigate climate change and engage in sustainable food production. So what can lentils do for you and how can you get more of them into your life?

Between 1910 and 1997, America’s Black farmers lost about 90% of the land they owned. The USDA was later found liable for a pattern of extensive discrimination, and in 2010, agreed to pay out more than $1.25 billion to Black farmers. Still today, Black farmers face unique stressors and challenges. Understanding these challenges is critical to building a safe and healthy food system for all.

GMOs — or genetically modified organisms — are a lightning-rod issue. For some, GMO crops represent the height of human ingenuity, and anyone who says otherwise is a science denier. For others, GMOs represent an unprecedented and irreversible experiment on the entirety of life on earth, as we place the power to create life into the hands of transnational corporations whose agenda is monopolistic control of the global food supply. But what is a GMO, where are they found, and how concerned should you be?

Water is an essential part of every form of life on Earth. But by 2025, two-thirds of the world's population may be facing freshwater shortages, and ecosystems around the world may suffer even more. So what can we do to save water so future generations can drink and grow food? A lot! And it can all start with the food on our plates.

When millions of people suffer from malnutrition, either due to insufficient calories or a lack of access to affordable, wholesome food, their health, wealth, resilience, and even their mental clarity are impacted. If we want to create a just and sustainable world, we must tackle the twin issues of food inequality and food insecurity.

Food and climate change: Which foods are the most damaging to the planet? And which foods could help save it? Check out the current state of climate change and see what research says about the impact of certain foods.

Tomatoes are one of the most loved staple foods. They also happen to be an incredible source of nutrition. Like many produce items, homegrown varieties provide more health and flavor benefits compared to store-bought. Luckily, tomatoes grow in many different climates. While they take a little more room to grow than most veggies, you can get huge harvests packed with flavor and nutrients using a few simple strategies. Discover tips for growing your own delicious tomatoes here.

Many growers breed store-bought garlic for shelf life, not flavor or nutrient density. Luckily, growing nutrient-dense garlic varieties takes very little time and effort. You can grow enough garlic for a whole year in a small garden bed. Read on to discover how to grow your own garlic that’s bursting with flavor and nutrients for your health and vitality.

Community gardens are a great way to increase food security, improve public health, and even reduce crime rates. With a variety of setups, locations, and goals, they can play an important role in making healthy, ethical, and sustainable food available to ever more people.

Inga tree alley cropping has transformed the lives of 300 subsistence farming families in Honduras. Its replication across South and Latin America can make a major impact on people and the planet by improving food security, protecting wildlife habitats and water sources, and improving soil quality for years to come.