Food Security, Production, and Human Health

Focused on improving agricultural production; enhancing the quality of food and feed; ensuring an adequate, affordable, and safe food supply; and maintaining agrosecurity to ensure food security and the basics of nutritional health for a growing global population.

Foodbanking and Farming with Ohio’s Youth

The Foodbank, Inc. in Dayton, Ohio has been a hub of activity since the coronavirus outbreak. With massive COVID-19 drive-thru distributions and assistance from the National Guard, this community food supplier has shared 17.8 million pounds with more 900,000 people this year in Montgomery, Greene, and Preble counties, Ohio.

“Our community here in Dayton has had a difficult two years, starting first with a water crisis in February of 2019, 15 tornadoes in May of 2019, a mass shooting in August of 2019, and now COVID,” Lee Lauren (Alder) Truesdale, Chief Development Officer at The Foodbank. “Our team’s response to many of these emergencies, providing critical emergency food assistance, is only possible because our team knows how to be flexible, we know how to work together amid crisis, and we have the best supporters.” Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

Land-Grant Cornerstone Conversation

Join the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) for the 2020 Land-Grant Cornerstone Conversation being held virtually during the 58th annual Farm Science Review on Tuesday, September 22. Dr. Cathann A. Kress, vice president for agricultural administration and dean of the CFAES and special guests, including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, will discuss the future of agriculture research technology and prominent ways to ensure the food supply chain in Ohio and beyond. Follow this link to register. 

Sourced from: CFAES

2020 Ohio Master Urban Farmer Workshop

This series of 10 evening workshops is designed to help individuals learn how to produce and market all types of food products in an urban environment. While the workshop content will be introductory, individuals who already have some experience growing or marketing food products will benefit from participating. The 2020 Master Urban Farmer class will be held utilizing a hybrid model of some in-person classes, some outdoor sessions, and many classes held virtually. The in-person sessions will utilize safety protocols including reduced class size, social distancing, face masks required, and no food served. Because of this, the cost of registration will be cut in half from $200 to $100 for the general public and $50 for Franklin County Master Gardener Volunteers. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: OSU Extension, Franklin County

Online Lecture Series – Seeking Good, Clean, and Fair Food for All: Equity. Inclusion. Justice.

Slow Food Columbus is proud to once again co-host our next lecture series with Ohio State’s Anthropology Public Outreach Program (APOP). Inspired by Slow Food USA’s Manifesto for Equity, Inclusion, and Justice, this series draws on the collective experiences of panelists, who will share how these themes are manifested in their work.

Each event will take place on the third Tuesday of the month, beginning with “Seeking Good, Clean, and Fair Food for All: Equity. Inclusion. Justice.” on September 15, from 6-7:15 p.m. The entire series is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is required. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: Slow Food Columbus

The Impacts of COVID-19 on Food Security and Long-Term Implications and Adaptations Webinar

The Impacts of COVID-19 on Food Security and Long-Term Implications and Adaptations will be the fifth in a series of events on “Cities and Regions in the Post-Coronavirus Era,” initiating community conversations on what lessons we can learn from this crisis to create a more resilient and sustainable world. What are the Impacts of COVID-19 on Food Security? What are the long-term implications? How can we learn from this crisis and find new adaptations to make our communities more food resilient and secure? The webinar is taking place Friday, September 18, 2020 from 12-1 p.m. EDT. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: CURA

Empowering Communities to Feed Themselves in the Time of COVID-19

On a morning in early April, a line of people snaked around a Bronx city block. Normally a bustling borough, the area, on this day, was subdued, as most residents heeded the government advice to stay home to stop the spread of COVID19. And yet some 3,000 senior citizens –  the majority of them nervous, wearing masks, and keeping a safe distance from their line neighbors, found their fear of the contagious illness trumped by a more immediate human need: hunger. Their queue stretched more than a mile as they waited next to their shopping carts for a city councilman to arrive with the pantry staples he had promised to distribute. Follow this link to read more.

Sourced from: Next City

Ohio Victory Gardens Program Kicks Off

Victory Gardens originated during World War I, an answer to a severe food shortage at the time. The idea was wildly successful, growing an army of amateur gardeners and serving to boost morale and patriotism. ODA and OSU Extension are reviving the effort and once again encouraging people to plant seeds, realize the fruits of their labor, and share with others if inspired. Advice and resources on every aspect of planting and harvesting produce are available at the Ohio Victory Gardens website.

“At a time when many people are spending more time at home with their families, we saw revitalizing the concept of Victory Gardens as an enjoyable, interactive way to learn about growing your own nutritious food that can be made into meals everyone can enjoy,” said Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Dorothy Pelanda. “This is a great way for anyone to start a new hobby and to have a little fun while learning an important life skill.” Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: Morning Ag Clips.

Urban Food System Symposium

Urban Food Systems would like to invite students, as well as leaders in academic research and Extension, community organizers, and change makers in urban food systems and agriculture to register for the 2020 Urban Food Systems Symposium held virtually on Wednesdays in October. Attendees will share and gain knowledge on urban food systems and their role in global food security. This symposium includes knowledge on: urban agricultural production, local food systems distribution, climate change, nutrition, urban farmer education, urban ag policy, planning and development, food access and justice, and food sovereignty. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: Urban Food Systems