How Black Communities Are Bridging the Food Access Gap
Addressing systemic racism in U.S. agriculture has to begin with the USDA.
Black Lives Matter in the Food System
During the first half of 2020, the disproportionate spread of COVID-19 in communities of color and the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police have drawn into sharp focus the systemic racism present in the United States—including…
Battered Food-Service Industry in Santa Barbara in Battle to Survive COVID-19 Pandemic
Brooke Holland of Noozhawk writes about the difficulties the local Food-Service industry has had to face due to the pandemic. Local business owners of bars, restaurants, and breweries share details on the many hurdles they've had to face.
The pandemic has hit restaurants hard, but experts say the ‘ghost food hall’ concept might save them
An article written by Marisa Iati explores how the 'ghost hall' concept might be the answer. The concept allows for multiple restaurants/chefs to operate in one huge kitchen to deliver food out to their customers. As the pandemic continues this…
An Open Letter from BIPOC Leaders in Food & Agriculture to Food Systems Funders
An open letter was written to Food System Funders to move towards regenerative practices and to meet the moment for change. This letter was written by amazing BIPOC leaders in Food and Agriculture, to name a few organizations Soul Fire…
Direct Assistance to Farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) offers direct assistance to farmers and ranchers in support for losses related to the pandemic. The USDA, through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), will be accepting applications from agricultural producers who have suffered losses…
Supporting Farmers and Food Systems during Covid-19
Based on our long trajectory supporting the organic farming community with valuable information and skills, we will be identifying new ways to provide support at this time. This will include sharing relevant information with you on an on-going basis through our website, newsletter, and social media; supporting our partners; and holding webinars throughout the spring. To keep you updated, we have created this webpage to keep you updated regularly as new information about COVID-19 and possible impacts to farming and food systems becomes available.
Making a Match
Santa Barbara County Food Rescue, a program of the Community Environmental Council, includes multiple collaborations to support countywide efforts to feed those in need during the COVID-19 crisis.The program matches donors that have excess, nutritious food with organizations serving food…
‘If All the Stores Close, We Need Food’: Community Gardens Adapt to the Pandemic
Around the United States, local growing operations are offering fresh produce and socially distanced outdoor time.
Gardening is Important, But Seed Saving is Crucial
The U.S. is in the midst of a gardening renaissance. As the coronavirus pandemic prompts big questions about the future of our food system, people everywhere are buying up seeds, pulling up lawns, building raised beds, and flocking to learn from Master Gardeners.