'Eating Trash' Shows Us Something Ugly About Waste

In April of 2023, CBS published a short documentary titled "Eating Trash: The Chefs Turning Food Waste Into Trendy Eats." The documentary involves Adam Yamaguchi visiting different restaurants that are utilizing discarded remains of food (leftovers) that have yet to be cooked and serving them in dishes in their restaurants. 

Throughout this 22 minute video you can listen to various restaurant owners talk about sustainability, food scarcity, the impact of wasted food on climate change, and how they believe they are making a difference. Only one of the establishments in the documentary was an actual non-profit; the rest appeared to be middle to upscale restaurants.

'La Soupe,' a non-profit in Cincinnati, OH

The restaurants and non-profit included in this documentary are undoubtedly making an impact on the amount of waste food in the world. But the majority of these establishments were for-profit and converting something which was once free (as trash) into an something which has monetary value. Considering how expensive restaurants are compared to grocery stores, it is possible that for-profit 'food upcycling' has the potential to actually increase food scarcity and inequality without proper controls. 

This dynamic shows us something ugly about waste: It's really, really hard to get rid of it for free.

At 4:44 in the documentary, a literal pie-chart shows the proportion of food waste coming from different sources. The single largest source of food waste in the United States was "Residential" at 54.5% with 43.6 Million tons wasted. The restaurants and non-profits in this documentary were primarily getting their food scraps from other restaurants or food distributors discarding products that were past their sell-by date as opposed to whether or not the food was actually expired. Food service was at a substantially lower 16% and 12.8M Tons out of all waste.

Source: CBS 'Eating Trash'

Large scale operations like 'La Soupe' featured in the documentary have the potential to make a real difference in their communities by tackling food scarcity head-on. But a large operation creates an equally large expense, and a non-profit by its very nature has its growth limited by the generosity of donors, whether private or public.

If you consider the cost and feasibility for the average household to preserve their scraps for non-profits, or upcycle their own leftovers, you now have one of the largest logistics problems in the United States. As stated in the documentary, in 2021 alone 43.6 million tons of food were wasted in the United States by residential sources. Any measurable decrease in this figure automatically means moving millions of tons of unwanted food into the hands of those who really need it. This means that for every United States Household, additional resources have to be spent preserving, transporting, and storing food scraps. Additionally, the bad habits of billions of United States residents have to be changed, which is another massive operational effort on the education and public service front.

Is there a solution in sight? In Portland Oregon, one service that could be the seed of a more sustainable future is the PDX Free Fridge project:

 

PDX Free Fridge: Blue Icons are non-refrigerated pantries, purple icons are refrigerated storage

One possible solution may involve projects like PDX Free Fridge. If these services were proliferated and supported by a city service similar to a trash service, while simultaneously incentivizing participation, then it could become easier to get otherwise wasted food to those in need.

Interested in donating unwanted food that is still good to eat? You can visit the PDX Free Fridge website below to find a fridge or pantry near you.

PDX FREE FRIDGE

Early Childhood Nutrition and Long-Term Health

 The nutrition one gets when they are a smile child, an infant, even, has a lasting impact on one's health for their entire life.

Image from Getty Images

Childhood nutrition is tied to a number of adult-age health aspects, including a healthy BMI, reduced risks of diabetes, and a less likelihood of developing an eating disorder. Additionally, well-balanced diets in childhood are linked to healthy brain development, strong reasoning skills, and better mental health outcomes.

Schools which offer a comprehensive, well-balanced meal service to students are key in giving children a better outcome through nutrition alone. In one particular study, not only were students who received early childhood nutrition from schools healthier over their lifetimes, they were also likely to earn 3% more in their total income than peers who did not have nutritional support. It's not only physical and mental health that can be improved through a lifetime with just early nutritional intervention, it is also financial health that seems to be connected.

As important as the early childhood nutrition is, it's important to include prenatal health in this equation. Maternal health has long been proven to have a serious impact on the health of a fetus pre-birth, but maternal nutrition specifically is responsible for the earliest sources of vitamins and proteins to a fetus, and it's proven this early nutrition is key in reducing the risk of developing a wide-range of noncommunicable diseases. 

Ultimately, comprehensive nutritional services must be available for both mother and child to best influence the health of someone through their entire life.

What do food deserts look like in Portland, Oregon? - Taking a look with GIS

 
Food deserts are officially defined as neighborhoods which have access difficulties to grocery stores while simultaneously being categorized as low-income. “Access difficulties” in the case of food deserts means living more than a mile away from the nearest grocery store, where nutritious foods can be purchased.

Living in a food desert does not necessarily mean that one is unable to find food, despite the way the name sounds. The focus here is on the word “nutritious,” which means having access to foods important for the maintenance of health, especially fruits and vegetables. A food desert may be labeled such because it is a geographic location where food is available, but none of it is fully nutritious. These venues may be places such as fast food restaurants, or gas stations where it is common for low quality food to be found. Regular consumption of these food products often leads to poor health, which impacts quality of life and can keep people in poverty.

So when it comes to food deserts, where does Portland come in? Below is a map of food deserts for the entire united states, focused on Portland. You can find a link to this application here: https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/go-to-the-atlas.aspx#.UUDJLTeyL28

For urban environments, the Green areas are Low-Income and Low-Access at one mile. This means that residents are more than one mile away from the nearest grocery store. The Orange areas Low-Income and Low-Access at 1 / 2 mile. This means that residents in this area are at least a half-mile away from the nearest grocery store.

According to Grist.org, Portland ranks #13 in a Top 51 Big City Walk Score rating, with 29% of all residents being able to regularly walk to a grocery store within 5 minutes. According to Grist, walk Scores are considered by city planners as a proxy for food deserts, though the Walk Score also measures other items as well. While ranking #13 out of 51 doesn’t sound too bad for Portland, it does ring some alarm bells that 71% of the population still doesn’t live within a 5 minute walk to a grocery store.

Mapping of food deserts is pivotal for tackling food access challenges. By overlaying demographic data, it highlights areas lacking fresh, healthy food. This informs targeted interventions, guiding the establishment of grocery stores and community initiatives. GIS analysis also aids in evaluating transportation infrastructure, ensuring residents can easily access nutritious food. Through evidence-based decision-making, GIS empowers communities, fostering equity in food distribution and informing policies for healthier societies.

---

Want to Learn More about how Maps and GIS can aid in social Equity Programs? Use the link below to explore Tutorials on Racial and Social Equity Impacts by using ArcGIS.

Integrate Social Equity Analysis - esri.com

Nourishing Our Future: School Meal Programs in Portland

Imagine a classroom in Portland where young minds are eager to learn, but their attention is hijacked by a more immediate concern – hunger. This is a reality for many children in our nation, and also in our city, where food insecurity means an empty stomach and a barrier to learning. In Oregon, more than 300,000 students are food insecure. School meal programs aren’t merely a convenience; they are a lifeline for children who otherwise wouldn’t have steady access to nutrition. But why should this matter to you, and how can you help?

Why School Meal Programs are Essential

In Portland, and in many other cities, the face of hunger is not obvious. It is hidden in plain sight: in our neighborhoods, and in our schools. School meal programs play a pivotal role in combating childhood food insecurity. They ensure that all children, regardless of their socio-economic status, have access to nutritious meals. Food insecurity causes real and harmful effects on children, and our shared communities.

Photo Credit: https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2021/07/09/Stricter-nutrition-standards-threaten-school-meal-program-participation-funding-argues-SNA

During the pandemic, the need for these programs became even more apparent. Schools in Portland, and across Oregon quickly adapted, turning into meal pick-up centers to ensure that children learning from home still had access to nutritious food. Again, during the teacher’s strike in Portland, Portland Public Schools served as pick-up centers to help ensure that children would not go hungry, while teachers were collectively bargaining for their wages. This adaptability highlights the programs' importance and also their vulnerability.

Challenges Faced by School Meal Programs

Despite their crucial role, these programs face significant challenges. Budget constraints, logistical hurdles, and nutritional guidelines create a complex landscape for schools to navigate. In Portland, where the cost of living continues to rise, these challenges are even more pronounced. Schools struggle to balance quality, nutrition, and budget, often operating on razor-thin margins. All across the country, school nutrition programs are threatened by increasing costs, and decreasing budgets.

Why You Should Care

You might not have a child in school, but these programs impact our community's health and future. Children who have access to nutritious meals do better academically, are healthier, and have better chances of success in the future. They grow up to be adults who are empowered to contribute positively to society. By supporting these programs, we are investing in our community’s future.

How Can You Help?

• Advocate for Policy Change: Stay informed about local and state policies affecting school meal programs. Contact your representatives in Portland and Oregon to express your support for increased funding and resources for these programs.

• Volunteer: Many organizations in Portland welcome volunteers to help with their meal programs. 

• Donate: Consider donating to local non-profits in Portland that work to support school meal programs. Your contributions can help bridge the gap where funding falls short.

• Spread Awareness: Talk about the importance of these programs within your circle. Use social media or community gatherings to raise awareness about the critical role of school meal programs in fighting child food insecurity.

Alternative Ways of Growing Food: Hydroponic Farming

Introduction: Getting into hydroponic farming can be a rewarding venture, allowing you to grow crops efficiently and in a controlled environment. Here's a 12 step guide to help you get started with hydroponic farming:

1. Educate Yourself:

Before diving in, take the time to learn about hydroponics. Understand the different systems (e.g., deep water culture, nutrient film technique, aeroponics) and the principles behind them. There are numerous online resources, books, and courses that can provide valuable insights.

2. Start Small:

Begin with a small-scale setup to gain hands-on experience without overwhelming yourself. This could involve setting up a small hydroponic system for a few plants. Learn about the specific needs of the crops you're interested in cultivating.

3. Choose Your Crops:

Different crops have varying requirements, and some are better suited for hydroponic systems than others. Herbs, lettuce, tomatoes, and strawberries are common in hydroponic setups. Consider factors like growth cycle, nutritional needs, and compatibility with hydroponic systems when selecting crops.

4. Select a Hydroponic System:

Choose a hydroponic system based on your space, budget, and the crops you plan to grow. Common systems include deep water culture, nutrient film technique, drip systems, and aeroponics. Each system has its advantages and considerations, so pick one that aligns with your goals.

5. Gather Necessary Equipment:

Acquire the essential equipment, including containers, growing medium, nutrient solutions, pH testing kit, pumps, and lighting (if growing indoors). Ensure that your chosen system and equipment are properly sized for the scale of your hydroponic farm.

6. Set Up Your System:

Follow guidelines and instructions to set up your hydroponic system. Pay attention to factors such as pH levels, nutrient concentrations, and water quality. Proper installation is crucial for the success of your hydroponic farm.

7. Monitor and Adjust:

Regularly monitor the environmental conditions, nutrient levels, and overall health of your plants. Be prepared to make adjustments based on observations. Understanding how to manage pH levels, nutrient concentrations, and water quality is essential for a thriving hydroponic farm.

8. Experiment and Learn:

Hydroponic farming involves a degree of experimentation. Keep detailed records of your practices, take note of what works well, and be open to refining your approach based on experience.

9. Join Hydroponic Communities:

Connect with other hydroponic farmers, either locally or online. Participate in forums, attend workshops, and seek advice from experienced growers. Learning from others can provide valuable insights and troubleshooting tips.

10. Consider Sustainability:

Explore sustainable practices within hydroponic farming, such as recycling nutrient solutions, using energy-efficient lighting, and implementing water-saving techniques. This not only benefits the environment but can also contribute to the long-term viability of your hydroponic farm.

11. Comply with Regulations:

Be aware of any local regulations or permits required for hydroponic farming. Some areas may have specific guidelines for water usage, nutrient disposal, or building structures for hydroponic systems.

12. Scale Up as Needed:

Once you gain confidence and experience, you can consider scaling up your hydroponic operation. This may involve expanding your system, increasing the variety of crops, or exploring commercial opportunities.

Summary: Remember, hydroponic farming requires ongoing attention and a willingness to adapt. By starting small, learning continuously, and staying connected with the hydroponic community, you can build a successful and sustainable hydroponic farm.

Living a Healthy Life: Eating MRE's for Every Meal

Introduction: An MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) is a military ration designed to provide a nutritionally balanced meal in a compact, durable package. While MREs are designed to meet the nutritional needs of individuals in challenging situations, relying exclusively on an MRE-only diet for an extended period would not be recommended for several reasons.

• MREs lack fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich sources of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A diet without these components may lead to deficiencies and negatively impact overall health.
• MREs are designed for short-term consumption and do not offer the variety of nutrients found in a well-rounded diet. Over time, a lack of diversity in nutrients can lead to deficiencies and health problems.
• An MRE-only diet does not provide the long-term health benefits associated with a balanced and varied intake of whole foods. Over time, this could contribute to an increased risk of chronic diseases and other health issues.

If you find yourself in a situation where MREs are the primary or only available food source, it's important to supplement them with additional nutrients. Whenever possible, try to incorporate fresh foods, such as fruits and vegetables, into your diet. If a varied diet is not feasible, consider taking dietary supplements to address potential nutritional gaps.

In summary, while MREs are convenient and designed for short-term use, they are not intended to provide a complete and balanced diet for long-term health. A diverse and nutrient-rich diet that includes a variety of fresh foods is essential for maintaining overall well-being.

Bootstraps and Other Nonsense — Things Not to Say to the Houseless

E

nding up on the streets is hard enough without getting bombarded with insulting comments that may be well-meaning but are actually hurtful and ignorant. Unfortunately, these are things the houseless hear too often. Here are six things not to say. 

1. “Just pull yourself up by your bootstraps!” 

Photo by Matt Collamer on Unsplash

The modern meaning of this phrase is to achieve something by yourself. It suggests that you should be able to accomplish whatever you want if you just put your mind to it. It may be intended as encouragement, but it fails to take a person’s circumstances into consideration. It also fails to acknowledge that the speaker’s own successes were not without assistance. You would be hard-pressed to find a “self-made” successful person who didn’t get help from many other sources on their way to the top, whether from education, family and friends, government breaks, or privileges of one kind or another. Everyone needs help, so even by the modern interpretation of this phrase, no one can really do it. 

The funny thing is, however, the original meaning from the 1800s was the complete opposite. It meant something that was impossible to do. Because you can’t actually pull yourself up by your bootstraps, unless you are somehow able to levitate. 

2. “Get a job!”

This is the ruder, less “encouraging” version of number 1. It assumes that getting a job is something easy to do for everyone, and like number 1, it fails to acknowledge all the assistance the speaker had in attaining their own employment. Not everyone has all the connections you do. Not everyone has the advantages of education, family, and friends, or even the confidence instilled from positive role models. Some folks have a much harder battle. A little understanding of that can go a long way. 

And the truth is, that the houseless person you insulted might actually have a job. It’s just not a job that pays them enough to afford housing. If your answer to that is “get a better job,” you haven’t been paying attention.

3. “Don’t use this money to buy drugs or alcohol.” 

If you’re going to take the step to offer someone money, you can’t also dictate what they spend it on. You don’t know what that person is ready for at the moment. And kicking alcohol, or whatever bad habit, might not be possible for them just yet. Give without strings attached if you want to give. It is a kind and generous act and that alone can get someone through another day sometimes. Let the receiver make their own decision how to spend it. 

4. “Why don’t you get some help?” 

This is a boldly ignorant statement that makes the assumption that the person you’re talking to hasn’t already done whatever they can to get help. They may well know about the programs available but didn’t qualify or were turned away. A better response would be to actually offer the help that you suggest they get. Learn about local programs and requirements so you can offer educated advice and have a respectful conversation instead. 

5. “Why don’t you go to a shelter?”

Related to number 4, this is likely well-meaning, but it’s a question that would only be asked by someone who’s never been homeless. Shelters provide a necessary service, but they aren’t all the cozy escape from the streets you may think they are. In fact, some houseless prefer the streets for one reason or another. The shelter’s rules may be prohibitive, the curfew may not line up with their work schedule, or there may actually be too much drug use at the shelter. Many shelters even charge fees, and some take up to fifty percent of a resident’s SNAP benefits. Often they just don’t have enough beds for the people who request them. 

6. “You don’t look homeless.”

A good answer to this might be, “Oh? You don’t look clueless.” But, the fact is, it proves that you are. It shows that you aren’t really aware of the many levels of homelessness. Not everyone struggling on the streets pushes a shopping cart and holds up cardboard signs. Not all houseless are unwashed or addicts. Some are living out of their car or an abandoned building. Some may be living in a shelter, cheap motel, or even couch surfing. None of these people have permanent housing and are therefore houseless. All of them need some kind of assistance. A little reading up on what homelessness can look like will go a long way in understanding someone’s particular situation.

Want something better to say? 

Try simply saying, “hello.” That simple acknowledgment is something that the vast majority of people do not do. Most houseless are treated as if they are invisible. Making a point of recognizing the person standing there, making a connection, however mundane, reminds that person that they are important, that you see them. From there, asking if they want to talk, or just making small talk for a minute can be refreshing. You don’t have to feel pressure to give. Simply acknowledging them and treating them as a fellow human is a form of giving. If you want to help, but don't have cash or can't afford to, consider letting them know that and ask if you can help out some other way. There might be some small task that would be easy for you and would mean the world to them. 

And if you really care and want to help solve the homeless crisis, you can go well beyond these steps and take some real and meaningful action. 

"Shaping Resilience" Portland Playhouse: A Beacon of Mental Health Support During the Holidays

https://portlandplayhouse.org/mental-health-and-wellness-resources/

    The holiday season often paints a picture of joy and celebration, yet for many, it can amplify feelings of loneliness, stress, and mental health challenges. In the heart of Portland, amidst the bustling streets and vibrant culture, stands a beacon of hope and support for those navigating the complexities of mental health during this time: Portland Playhouse.

   What sets this organization apart is its community-driven approach. They recognize that the holiday season can evoke a spectrum of emotions and offer a range of tailored programs to support individuals through these challenging times. Portland Playhouse promotes the exploration of human behavior within a supportive and caring setting, welcoming students of every age. Their dedication lies in empowering the voices of the future by immersing them in the transformative realm of dramatic arts, ensuring a profound educational encounter. This involves engaging with Shakespearean texts, utilizing Viewpoints and yoga practices, refining vocal skills, fostering collaboration between actors and directors, and offering personalized mentorships across all facets. Through their programs, they cultivate self-assurance and self-worth, provoke critical examination of societal viewpoints, encourage meaningful artistic connections, and cultivate empathy by embracing the power of storytelling.

   Moreover, their outreach initiatives extend beyond the confines of their center. They collaborate with local communities, businesses, and institutions to spread awareness about mental health challenges during the holiday season. Through educational campaigns and partnerships, they aim to destigmatize conversations around mental health and offer guidance on how to seek support.

Check out some of their wonderful work using the link below! 

Wonderland Festival presents - CATHARSIS by Fyndi Jermany

Farm-to-Family Food for All

It's difficult for families to reach farm-fresh produce at the best of times. It's almost impossible for those families on nutritional assistance, including SNAP and WIC, to access those fresh options for their produce. The rising cost of produce, along with the inaccessibility of things like farmer markets for those using benefits, makes shopping at local markets impossible for families.

Picture from Portland Farmers Market website

Or at least, it was impossible until the Oregon Health Authority allowed for SNAP benefit users to use vouchers for local farmer markets. While this is a great step in the right direction, it's not a perfect solution. Each voucher is worth $4, with a total of $32 being distributed monthly through these vouchers. While that may seem like a decent amount of money for families for the month to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, the rising cost of produce makes this an unrealistic budget for families.

Farmers markets' have stepped up to fill some of that gap by providing additional dollars to those SNAP-eligible families so they can buy more food at markets.

Additionally, other organizations have stepped in to provide support to families and communities who are food-insecure, so they can get involved with their food. Some of these organizations bring the farm to the family by supporting communities in starting and maintaining a community garden. Others focus on educational opportunities, or creating fresher food pantries for families.

While all of these efforts are helping connect those who most need farm-fresh produce, there's a long road ahead to creating a system of accessible, fresh, and local food for those communities who need it most.