Written by Nancy Iden, NU Sustainability Intern
Advances in modern agriculture have allowed human civilizations to grow significantly and thrive over time. However, there has become a more pronounced disconnect between us and where our food is produced. Most Americans can go to a grocery store year-round and find a variety of produce and other items without thinking twice about the labor that led to its production and transportation. In 1870, about 50% of the U.S population were employed in the agricultural field while nowadays that number is less than 2%. [1] [2] Additionally, more people are living in cities than ever before. 83% of the country’s population resides in urban areas compared to only 64% in 1950.
That number is projected to increase to 89% by the year 2050.
Urban farming has been a growing trend across America as more people are trying to provide their neighborhoods with more locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. There are a variety of benefits to this practice, such as creating a food system that more equally distributes healthy options. The city of Chicago, unfortunately, demonstrates a distinct divide in the subsistence available to different areas. Studies from the Food Empowerment Project found that over 500,000 are living without nearby access to affordable and healthy food, with most of these citizens residing in neighborhoods on the South and West side. An additional 400,000 people live in areas with accessible fast-food restaurants but without grocery stores. Therefore, having community gardens and green roofs can be a way to integrate fresher food while also having members of the community working together.
One organization called Urban Grower Collective has made it its mission to promote fresh foods in the areas of Chicago that lack access to nearby stores that have fresh and affordable produce. Especially throughout the pandemic, there has been increased stress placed on those who are already food insecure. The UGC has been able to donate 1,150,000 pounds of emergency food to the neighborhoods that most need assistance right now. This black and women-led nonprofit also provides educational opportunities for the adults and teens that work on one of the eight urban farms found throughout Chicago. On top of career and personal growth, working with plants allows for increased outdoor time and can reduce stress levels, blood pressure, and muscle tension.
Urban gardens can also assist in reducing the environmental health of a city. It could potentially decrease the reliance on imported produce which is associated with a high carbon footprint. Additionally, cultivated land can absorb more rainwater so there is less of a strain on sewer systems when there is a storm. Also, the addition of vegetation and tree coverage may help minimize the urban heat island effect, which can cause temperatures to rise up to 7°F. So while gardening can positively impact the health of the people involved, the work also contributes to a healthier environment. Ultimately, urban gardens can help bring a community together as a way to reconnect with the Earth and have a better sense of where our food originates.
Sources: