Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Grass, and Possibly Garden, is Always Greener… on the Roof?

Guest post by Karen Kappert

Urban agriculture – a topic that appears to be gaining much attention because of its potential to ensure food security and increase the consumption of local food. But what is urban agriculture… and does it mean everyone will have cows in their backyard? Can the grass and garden be greener on the roof?

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Healthier Communities through Good Food Policy

Do we really need more laws and regulations or can we promote healthier communities through sound effective food policy?

As different projects, programs and initiatives are developed around Virginia and the country to address obstacles, challenges and needed change in the food system, communities and states are evaluating policies that can affect and inform change.

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Leadership, Transformational Change and the Food System

In a 1995 article on leadership and organizational change, John Kotter of the Harvard Business School outlined eight reasons why transformational efforts fail and what is needed to create and sustain change. As different projects, programs and initiatives are developed around Virginia and the country to address obstacles, challenges and needed change in the food system, Kotter’s outline continues to offer a solid framework and best practices for leading and encouraging change within organizations and the food system.

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Greater Availability and Accessibility of Good Local Food

For Virginians to eat foods produced and processed as close to their homes as possible can we encourage movement and momentum towards a goal of 10% local food production and consumption in the next 5 to 7 years.

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Emerging Local Goodness: Community Supported Investment

How can we encourage community investment and food system innovation for the long-term?

Local and regional food commerce continues to grow and emerge in communities and localities across the Commonwealth. New business enterprises and community initiatives have been incubated and expanded to meet consumer demand and community interest in local foods. These businesses and initiatives include food hubs, cooperatives, produce auctions, online farmers markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs), urban and community gardens, food policy councils and working groups, Buy Fresh Buy Local chapters, crop mobs and gleaning clubs, farm-to-school, university, hospital and institutional procurement programs.

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