Organic farming is not a new trend because it has been around for centuries, but it is now making a comeback as people are becoming more aware of the health risks associated with processed foods. The good news about organic farming is that it is a way of growing food without using pesticides or chemical fertilizers. This type of farming helps to preserve the environment and can help improve public health in underserved communities.
Michelle Obama has always been a champion for the underserved communities. In 2008, she was appointed as the first African American woman to be Vice President for Community and External Affairs at The University of Chicago Medical Center. Michelle became involved with a number of not-for-profit organizations including Let’s Move! She started the “Let’s Move” campaign to help combat obesity and provide healthy, affordable food for all Americans. Michelle Obama has always been a champion of organic farming. She has been teaching children and adults about the benefits of organic farming for over a decade. The benefits are many and include:
The initiative is still in operation and is currently being led by a team of Obama-appointed advisers.
Organic farming is an important part of food security, which is one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It is a type of agriculture that prohibits the use of synthetically produced fertilizers, pesticides, and GMOs because farmers use natural methods to produce crops with low environmental impact. The benefits of this type of farming includes providing healthy food for the community, creating jobs and opportunities for people in the community, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases, and improving mental health.
The best way to run an organic farm business in an underserved community is by employing people within the community. This will ensure that the profits stay within the community and create jobs for those who need them most.
Vacant lots in underserved communities are often unused, neglected, and are often seen as a problem for the community. They can be a source of safety issues, crime, or an eyesore. But, instead of seeing vacant lots as a problem, they can be turned into an opportunity for the community to grow and thrive. The owner of the vacant lot will benefit by not having to pay property taxes on the lot and will instead have a space they can use to make money by leasing out their land for farming, which is a much better alternative than just letting it sit there unused.
The vacant lot owner will also benefit from this business because it will be a great way to get rid of the weeds and debris that may have accumulated on the lot. These vacant lots are often located in low-income communities, and they are usually owned by banks, landlords, or the government. One of the benefits of these vacant lots is that they can provide organic produce for local, especially during certain times of the year when prices for fresh produce rise. A potential owner of a vacant lot or an entrepreneur within the community may be able to turn this land into an organic farm business by using it as a way to generate income and create jobs for people within their community.
However, the main benefits of utilizing vacant lots in a different way is that it will no longer be a breeding ground for crime, drugs, and other social problems, but instead can be turned into a space for organic farming, which can provide fresh produce and other healthy foods to the community. The first step is identifying a vacant lot in an underserved community. The next step is deciding what kind of farm you want to start. For example, if you want to grow vegetables, you will need some basic tools like shovels and trowels as well as seeds and compost. If you want chickens, you will need chicken coops, feeders and waterers.
Vacant lots are not the only source for organic farming. There are many buildings and structures where organic farming can thrive. For example, in a warehouse, the farmer can grow crops on the ground and on the walls and use the space in between as a composting area. The idea of farming on buildings and other structures is not new. There are already many examples around the world, such as on top of skyscrapers, bridges, and even in public parks and public walkways like The High Line in Manhattan, New York. But this practice is still largely untapped in low-income communities.
The government should invest funding in training underserved communities about organic farming so that they can start their own farms within their own communities. This will not only provide healthy food choices but also give underserved communities like Massachusetts’ 2nd Suffolk District access to fresh organic produce and healthier lifestyle options. The idea of training underserved communities to start and run organic farms on lots, buildings & other structures where organic farming can thrive is a revolutionary idea. It will not only provide an alternate source of healthy food for the community, but also give the community a new sense of pride and ownership. This idea will not only help in making our communities greener, but also contribute to the fight against climate change by reducing the carbon footprint.
James Grant
Massachusetts State Senate Candidate 2022
2nd Suffolk District