Day 3

Food

How do our food choices impact climate change?

Introduction

Nothing brings people together quite like food. Across the globe, we gather around a common table, yet many still struggle with food insecurity and inadequate nutrition — issues exacerbated by climate change. Rising temperatures wither crops, while intensified natural disasters flood agricultural regions. We are left with a choice: accept these challenges or work together to build resilient solutions to food, hunger, and agriculture in our communities. 


If we recognize that food is the foundation of our culture and our relationship with the earth, we understand that sustainable agriculture is not just an option but a necessity.
Carlo Petrini, Italian Activist and Founder of the International Slow Food Movement
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The Global Food Crisis

Beyond the accelerating climate crisis, soaring costs and global conflicts are contributing to a rise in food insecurity. Beth Bechdol, deputy director of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, states, “Climate change is compromising food security, and its impacts are a growing threat to international peace and security. There is no food security without peace, and no peace without food security.” Climate change drives instability, leading to conflicts over natural resources. 

Africa is facing an extreme food crisis, with reports indicating that over 50% of Africans could be chronically undernourished by 2030. Drought and a lack of agricultural knowledge about crop diversification are severely impacting small farmers who provide 70% of Africa’s food. In Gaza, over 95% of the population is experiencing acute food insecurity due to ongoing conflict, with 2.15 million individuals facing crisis levels of hunger, according to the World Food Programme. 

While the food crisis is dire, mitigating the impacts of climate change can build resilience into our global food system.

The Impact of Industrial Agriculture

Currently, industrial agriculture is essential to meet global demand. However, these practices rely heavily on fertilizers and pesticides, which damage natural resources on an unprecedented scale. According to National Geographic, industrial agriculture emits more greenhouse gases than all cars, trucks, trains, and airplanes combined. It is also a significant contributor to the climate crisis, as it reduces biodiversity, erodes soil, and pollutes waterways. 

The Case for Sustainable Agriculture

In contrast, sustainable agriculture produces organic products without chemical additives, pesticides, or genetic modification. Organic standards should also apply to animal products, as conventional methods often harm animal welfare, the environment, and human health. Nature’s Path, one of our long time partners, is a pioneer in organic farming, growing food that nourishes communities and preserves life. Eating organic significantly reduces exposure to heavy metals and pesticides, benefiting both our bodies and the environment. For more research on organic benefits, explore The Organic Center, a trusted source for scientific reporting on organic agriculture and food.

Food Justice and Equity

When advocating for sustainable agriculture, it’s crucial to recognize that not everyone is affected equally. Environmental protections must be paired with equitable access. Disenfranchised and marginalized communities, who often live in areas with limited access to fresh, healthy food, disproportionately suffer the negative effects of chemical-laden conventional foods — a situation known as food apartheid. To address these critical issues, we need to foster food independence through community-led solutions and systemic change.

Turning Green’s Commitment: Conscious Kitchen

Turning Green takes a proactive stand for food justice through our Conscious Kitchen (CK) program, which is dedicated to food equity, access, and education. Since 2013, CK has served fresh, local, organic, seasonal, nutritious (FLOSN) meals to students, creating the first organic public school meal program in the country. This initiative began with a historically marginalized school district where 95% of students qualify for government-subsidized meals. Through partnerships with schools, local organic farmers, and communities, CK is shifting the paradigm around food access by replacing pre-packaged, processed food with fresh, organic meals that nourish students, lands, and communities. Feeling hungry after all this talk about delicious, sustainable food? Check out these great FLOSN recipes from today’s nonprofit partner, The Organic Center.

PARTNERS

Guayaki
The Story of Stuff Project

EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Nourishing Change through Food Resources

Your actions have the power to shape a more sustainable future! By choosing organic, supporting sustainable agriculture, and advocating for food justice, you contribute to a healthier planet. As you explore these ideas, use the following resources to deepen your understanding and inspire your journey.

CHALLENGES

Green

20 POINTS

THINK

A FLOSN (Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal, Nutritious) diet is often thought to be more expensive, but that’s not always the case! By buying seasonal produce, you can enjoy fruits and vegetables at their peak of freshness, flavor, and abundance, often at lower prices. Shopping at local farmers markets allows you to access fresh and often organic options while directly supporting your local economy. To make a FLOSN meals even more budget-friendly, consider buying in bulk, especially at the end of the market day when prices are likely to drop.


CHALLENGE

  1. Get Informed: Explore the following resources about organic shopping.
  2. Create Your Checklist: Examine Your Regular Purchases: Refer to the EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to see how the fruits and vegetables you buy rank by pesticide levels. Use this guide to make informed choices, reduce exposure, and prioritize which produce to buy organic. Make a simple checklist of 5-10 tips for shopping organic and staying eco-friendly. 
  3. Share Your Tips: Post a creative visual of your checklist on Instagram, tagging @TurningGreenOrg, @NaturesPathOrganic, and @OrganicCenter. Use the hashtag #PGC2024.

 

SUBMIT YOUR WORK

  1. Create a PDF: Combine your visual checklist and a screenshot of your social media post into a single PDF. Include your name (or team name), username, and school on your PDF.
  2. File Naming: Save your PDF as firstname_lastname_challengeday_challengelevel_year.pdf
    e.g.,
    kasie_jones_day3_green_2024.pdf
    Avoid using symbols (including #) or spaces in the file name.
  3. File Size: Ensure the file size does not exceed 5 MB.
  4. Submit: Upload your PDF. A green confirmation message will appear if your submission is successful. If you don’t see this, please try again.
  5. Points: If your total points don’t update, your submission may not have uploaded correctly—please retry. 
  6. Score: Points can be checked by going to Edit Profile on the bottom navigation bar. Your score is at the top of the page.
  7. Questions: Direct any inquiries to info@turninggreen.org.
  8. Social Media: Share your challenge activities on social media, tagging us on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg, Facebook @Turning Green, and using #PGC2024.
The deadline for entering this challenge has past.

Greener

40 POINTS

Greener is due on October 7 @ 6am PT.
Up to 100 bonus points will be awarded for outstanding work.


THINK

Cooking with FLOSN ingredients not only makes your meal more delicious but also boosts your health by using the freshest, most nutrient-rich foods available. Sourcing local and seasonal produce can be more affordable, while organic choices reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. For inspiration and recipes, check out recipes from OrganicKitchen.org and The Organic Center for inspiration to create flavorful, eco-friendly meals that nourish both you and the planet.

 

CHALLENGE

  1. Get Cooking: Now that you’ve gained valuable insights about sustainable food, it’s time to put your culinary skills to the test by cooking a meal for yourself and your friends or family. Using FLOSN criteria, prepare a meal for your housemates or family, keeping the cost under $4 per person.
  2. Plan and Shop: Gather recipes and shop for FLOSN ingredients. Include an entrée, vegetable, and side dish. Winners will have their meal costs reimbursed, so keep your receipts!
  3. Document Your Process: Write a report detailing your meal, including where you sourced ingredients and their costs, the percentage of FLOSN ingredients used, and what you learned during the process.
  4. Reflect on Your Experience: Reflect on your experience. Was it easy to stay on budget, and how did the costs of FLOSN foods compare to non-organic options? Consider the distance you traveled to buy ingredients and how far the food had to travel to reach your market.
  5. Capture and Share Your Meal: Take photos or videos of the preparation and final dishes. Post them on Instagram with a brief description and the full recipe. Use Instagram Reels for videos. Tag @TurningGreenOrg and any organic businesses you sourced ingredients from. Use the hashtag #PGC2024.


SUBMIT YOUR WORK

  1. Create a PDF: Combine your report detailing your meal, reflection, photos or video (include link to video and make sure it is public), full recipe and a screenshot of your social media post into a single PDF. Include your name (or team name), username, and school on your PDF.
  2. File Naming: Save your PDF as firstname_lastname_challengeday_challengelevel_year.pdf
    e.g., kasie_jones_day3_greener_2024.pdf
    Avoid using symbols (including #) or spaces in the file name.
  3. File Size: Ensure the file size does not exceed 5 MB.
  4. Submit: Upload your PDF. A green confirmation message will appear if your submission is successful. If you don’t see this, please try again.
  5. Points: If your total points don’t update, your submission may not have uploaded correctly—please retry.
  6. Score: Points can be checked by going to Edit Profile on the bottom navigation bar. Your score is at the top of the page.
  7. Questions: Direct any inquiries to info@turninggreen.org.
  8. Social Media: Share your challenge activities on social media, tagging us on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg, Facebook @Turning Green, and using #PGC2024.
The deadline for entering this challenge has past.

Greenest

60 POINTS

Greenest is due on October 7 @ 6am PT.

 

THINK

Food insecurity is a significant global issue, impacting health and well-being, particularly among students. By integrating FLOSN principles (Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal, Nutritious) into food systems, we can help ensure that everyone has access to nutritious and sustainable meals. Educating ourselves and taking collective action can support food security in our communities.

 

CHALLENGE

  1. Research the Issue: Start by reading this report on campus food insecurity and check out this interactive map if you’re in the U.S., or research food insecurity in your country. Reflect on:
    • The prevalence of food insecurity among students in your community.
    • Barriers preventing access to fresh, nutritious, and local food. 
    • How food insecurity affects academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and mental and physical health.
    • Existing efforts, such as food pantries or school gardens, that provide access to organic, seasonal ingredients.
  2. Highlight Local Solutions: Research a local organization addressing food insecurity and utilizing FLOSN principles. Share their sustainable practices and consider how to encourage your school to adopt similar initiatives that emphasize fresh, local, and seasonal food.
  3. Create an Infographic: Design an infographic highlighting the issue of food insecurity in your community. Include tips and action steps to address it, focusing on how using FLOSN ingredients can promote both sustainability and health.
  4. Share Your Insights: Post the infographic on Instagram with a call to action about food security and the benefits of FLOSN practices. Tag @TurningGreenOrg, @NaturesPathOrganic, @OrganicCenter, and any relevant organizations. Use the hashtag #PGC2024.
  5. Amplify Your Message: Invite three friends to share your infographic on their stories and include screenshots in your submission.
  6. Bonus Points: Earn extra points if you meet with school or community leaders to discuss your infographic and ways to incorporate FLOSN principles into food insecurity programs. Document your meeting and send it to info@turninggreen.org by October 17.


SUBMIT YOUR WORK

  1. Create a PDF: Combine your research on a local organization, your infographic,  insights, call to action and a screenshot of your social media post into a single PDF. Include your name (or team name), username, and school on your PDF.
  2. File Naming: Save your PDF as firstname_lastname_challengeday_challengelevel_year.pdf
    e.g.,
    kasie_jones_day3_greenest_2024.pdf
    Avoid using symbols (including #) or spaces in the file name.
  3. File Size: Ensure the file size does not exceed 5 MB.
  4. Submit: Upload your PDF. A green confirmation message will appear if your submission is successful. If you don’t see this, please try again.
  5. Points: If your total points don’t update, your submission may not have uploaded correctly—please retry. 
  6. Score: Points can be checked by going to Edit Profile on the bottom navigation bar. Your score is at the top of the page.
  7. Questions: Direct any inquiries to info@turninggreen.org.
  8. Social Media: Share your challenge activities on social media, tagging us on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg, Facebook @Turning Green, and using #PGC2024.
The deadline for entering this challenge has past.

PRIZES

Up to 10 Greener and 10 Greenest outstanding submissions will be selected as winners.

 

Each Greener Winner will receive:

    • Selection of certified organic products from our partner, Nature’s Path, a family-owned company whose mission is to leave the earth better than they found it. They are committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. They hold organic to a higher standard: to build and regenerate the soil. All of their production facilities are zero waste and they are always trying to improve their energy and water conservation.
    • Napkin from U-Konserve, a Certified B Corporation and 1% for the Planet member, a company is using business for good by creating a positive impact for employees, communities and the environment. 
    • Bamboo Utensil set from ChicoBag, a Certified B Corporation and 1% for the Planet member, who every day looks for new ways to do things a #littlebitbetter, and align processes to evolve and grow in tandem with improvements in sustainable manufacturing technology and manufacturing. 
    • Enamelware set (dinner plate, salad plate and bowl) from Crow Canyon Home. Each piece is made from porcelain-covered steel that’s lightweight, durable, naturally non-stick, easy to clean without plastic coating, can withstand heat, and is shatterproof. 

 

Each Greenest Winner will receive:

  • Selection of certified organic products from our partner, Nature’s Path, a family-owned company whose mission is to leave the earth better than they found it. They are committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. They hold organic to a higher standard: to build and regenerate the soil. All of their production facilities are zero waste and they are always trying to improve their energy and water conservation.
  • Stainless Steel Food Container from EcoLunchbox. ECOlunchbox is a Certified B Corp and woman-owned California Green Certified Business founded in 2008 to educate, inspire and empower people to say goodbye to plastic. 
  • Copy of Chronicle Books’ cookbook, Flavor Equation. Nik Sharma guides home cooks on an exploration of flavor in more than 100 recipes that elevate elemental ingredients into delicious dishes that hit all the right notes.