2025 was a year marked by immense uncertainty. Cuts to nutrition assistance and climate smart agriculture programs in the United States, the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development, and declining Official Development Assistance from countries including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have raised hard questions about what the future holds.

But around the world there is so much resilience and excitement as organizations prove food and agriculture systems can be a solution to our most pressing social and environmental challenges. They are establishing models that nourish children and support local farmers. They are creating more opportunities for women and young farmers to become leaders in their communities. And they are cultivating new and innovative partnerships to fund and scale the solutions already working on the ground.

As we enter 2026, here are 126 organizations and initiatives to learn about, engage with, and support as they work to build a more equitable, regenerative, and delicious future.

1. African Population & Health Research Centre, Kenya

APHRC is an African-founded, African-led research-to-policy institution driving evidence-informed decisions on health and development. Headquartered in Nairobi, they work across 35+ countries to strengthen African research leadership and advance sustainable progress across the continent. They are also behind the award-winning initiative Restoring Nairobi to “A Place of Cool Waters,” to transform Kenya’s capital into a greener, food secure city.

2. Agroecology Fund, International

Since 2011, the Agroecology Fund has pooled resources to strengthen grassroots agroecology movements advancing fair, biodiverse, climate-resilient food systems. Guided by civil society advisors, it supports community-led organizing, learning, and policy advocacy. With US$41 million granted in 100+ countries, the Fund helps build food systems where producers and consumers govern locally—and where agroecology, not industrial agriculture, shapes a just future for people and planet.

3. AKADEMIYA2063, Africa

AKADEMIYA2063 equips African governments with the data, analysis, and technical capacity needed to achieve Agenda 2063’s vision of prosperity and sustainability. Based in Rwanda with a regional office in Senegal, it leads core initiatives to strengthen knowledge systems, empower African experts, and accelerate evidence-based agricultural transformation across the continent. Together with GAIN, they recently launched a toolkit to help governments align policies across sectors to accelerate food systems transformation.

4. Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), Africa

AFSA unites a powerful network of 48 member alliances across 50 countries working to secure food sovereignty rooted in agroecology, traditional knowledge, and community rights. Representing small-scale food producers, Indigenous Peoples, and environmental defenders, AFSA amplifies African-driven solutions and resists industrial agriculture that threatens land, culture, and biodiversity—mobilizing a strong, unified voice for just and resilient food systems.

5. American Farmland Trust (AFT), United States

American Farmland Trust is safeguarding the future of U.S. agriculture by protecting farmland, restoring soil health, and keeping farmers on the land. From advancing smart land-use policies to supporting new generations of producers, AFT links food, climate resilience, and rural prosperity. Amid rapid land loss, AFT’s No Farms No Food message continues to spotlight farmland as the foundation of our food system.

6. Annie’s Project, United States

Annie’s Project empowers women farmers, ranchers, and growers with the business skills and confidence needed to lead thriving agricultural operations. Through peer networks, practical training, and locally tailored learning environments, participants strengthen decision-making across financial, legal, and risk-management challenges. Honoring a legacy of women as equal partners on the land, Annie’s Project is helping shape stronger farms, families, and communities.

7. Aragón Agri-Food Institute, Europe

Based at the Aula Dei research campus in Spain, CITA drives scientific innovation to strengthen sustainable agriculture, forestry, and rural economies. Its teams advance agroecology, climate resilience, and the bio- and circular economy through collaborative research and living labs. From conserving genetic resources to improving livestock and plant systems, CITA helps shape a more competitive and sustainable agrifood sector across Europe.

8. Arrell Food Institute, Canada

Based at the University of Guelph, the Arrell Food Institute connects scientists, policymakers, industry, and communities to advance sustainable, equitable food systems. Its work spans reducing waste in supply chains, supporting climate-smart production, and improving nutrition access. Through initiatives like ag-tech innovation and net-zero food system challenges, AFI helps Canada lead in resilient food futures.

9. Asian Farmers Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA), Asia

AFA unites small-scale farmers, fishers, Indigenous Peoples, and pastoralists across Asia to advance food sovereignty and resilient rural livelihoods. Through advocacy, cooperative development, youth engagement, and farmer-to-farmer learning, AFA strengthens secure land rights and agroecological production. With members in 20+ countries, the alliance amplifies community voices in policies that shape a just farming future for the region.

10. Australian Conservation Foundation, Australia

For nearly 60 years, the Australian Conservation Foundation has mobilized people across the country to protect wildlife, forests, rivers, and reefs. From securing World Heritage protection for the Great Barrier Reef and Kakadu to advancing clean energy and stronger nature laws, ACF challenges harmful industries and empowers communities—driving bold action so nature and people can thrive together in Australia’s future.

11. Agroecology & Sovereignty Alliance (AFSA), Australia

AFSA is a farmer-led alliance working to democratize Australia’s food system through agroecology, land justice, and First Peoples’ sovereignty. From legal support for smallholders to campaigning for scale-appropriate regulation and local processing infrastructure, AFSA empowers producers and communities to reclaim control of food and land. Connected to La Via Campesina, the Alliance drives policy reform and grassroots solutions for just, local, climate-resilient food systems.

12. Better Food Future, International

Better Food Future brings industry, government, and civil society together to build resilient, transparent, and climate-smart food systems. By aligning sustainability goals with global data standards, the initiative strengthens traceability in seafood and cattle, expands fair market access for small-scale producers, and eliminates deforestation from supply chains—driving measurable progress and shared prosperity from source to shelf.

13. Black Feminist Project, United States

The Black Feminist Project advances food and reproductive justice for Black women, girls, and gender-expansive people in the South Bronx. Through Black Joy Farm, sliding-scale community meals, and youth programs like Guerrilla Girls and Sis, Do You!, the organization combats food apartheid, builds leadership, and cultivates joy and autonomy—placing MaGes and mother-led families at the center of community power.

14. Broadway Green Alliance, United States

The Broadway Green Alliance mobilizes theatre-makers and audiences to shrink the industry’s environmental footprint—from switching 100,000 marquee bulbs to efficient LEDs to diverting tons of textiles and electronics from landfills. With 1,600+ Green Captains on Broadway and campuses nationwide, BGA equips artists with practical sustainability tools and uses the power of storytelling to inspire climate-positive action.

15. Buğday Association, Turkey

Born from a grassroots ecological movement in the 1990s, Buğday Association works to build a culture of ecological living in Turkey. Through projects spanning seed exchange, pesticide-free farming, composting, agroecology education, and Turkey’s 100 percent Ecological Markets, Buğday strengthens links between rural producers and urban consumers while championing nature-friendly production and traditional knowledge.

16. C40 Food Systems, International

Part of a global network of 97 cities, C40 Food Systems helps mayors transform urban food into a powerful climate solution. The program supports cities to cut emissions from production to waste, improve food access and nutrition, and build resilience through circular, plant-forward, and equitable food policies—advancing a fair, green transition that protects people and the planet.

17. CARE International, International and CARE USA, United States

For 80 years, CARE has worked alongside communities to confront crises, defeat poverty, and advance dignity. Centering women and girls, CARE delivers lifesaving assistance, strengthens local leadership, and drives long-term change—from emergency response and food security to health, education, and economic opportunity. In 2024, CARE and partners reached 58.7 million people across 121 countries, proving that hope and equality can thrive even in the hardest places.

18. CGIAR, International

CGIAR is a global research partnership transforming food, land, and water systems through science and innovation. Its network includes the Africa Rice Center, CIFOR, CIMMYT, ICARDA, ICRISAT, IFPRI, IITA, ILRI, CIP, IRRI, IWMI, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, ICRAF, and WorldFish. Together, these centers advance climate-resilient crops, equitable food policies, regenerative land management, and sustainable aquatic and livestock systems—delivering research and partnerships that strengthen nutrition, farmer livelihoods, and environmental stewardship worldwide.

19. CORAF, West and Central Africa

CORAF unites the agricultural research systems of 23 countries to drive innovation, boost productivity, and strengthen food and nutrition security across West and Central Africa. Through regional centers of excellence, technology scaling, market access initiatives, and policy support, CORAF helps family farmers adopt climate-smart solutions and fosters a future where communities prosper through resilient, competitive, and sustainable agriculture.

20. Charlie Cart Project, United States

With its mobile kitchen classrooms, the Charlie Cart Project brings hands-on food education directly into schools, libraries, and community centers. Their integrated curriculum helps children and adults learn cooking skills, nutrition basics, and the origins of their food. In the last decade, they have reached over 500,000 children and families through our 500 community partners across the country.

21. City Harvest, United States

For more than 40 years, City Harvest has led the food-rescue movement in New York City—recovering over 86 million pounds of surplus food each year and delivering it, free of charge, to 400 pantries, soup kitchens, and Mobile Markets® across all five boroughs. With a focus on fresh produce, culturally responsive foods, nutrition education, and community partnerships, City Harvest fights hunger, reduces waste, and strengthens local food systems so every New Yorker can thrive.

22. Climate Group, International

Climate Group accelerates urgent climate action by mobilizing powerful networks of 500+ multinational companies and 180+ state and regional governments. Working across high-emitting systems—energy, transport, heavy industry, and food—it drives commitments, enforces accountability, and turns ambition into measurable progress. Its global collaborations push organizations to act now and help steer the world toward net-zero by 2050.

23. Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), United States

The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) is a worker-led human rights organization transforming U.S. agriculture through organizing, enforcement, and consumer power. Since 1993, CIW has exposed and helped prosecute major forced-labor rings, liberated over 1,200 workers, and pioneered the Fair Food Program—a worker-driven model that raises wages, prevents abuse, and sets enforceable standards across farms in multiple states and crops.

24. Conflict Cuisine Project, International 

The Conflict Cuisine Project explores the deep links between food and war, using culinary traditions as a lens to understand conflict, diaspora, and peacebuilding. Through gastrodiplomacy, education programs, and collaborations with chefs and policymakers, the project shows how recipes, foodways, and shared meals can foster dialogue, integration, and a more nuanced understanding of global insecurity.

25. Community Kitchen, United States

Community Kitchen is a pilot sliding-scale restaurant at the Lower Eastside Girls Club, where chef Mavis-Jay Sanders serves multi-course, locally sourced, plant-forward dinners priced at US$15, US$45, or US$125 based on income and wealth—no questions asked. Co-founded with Mark Bittman, the project aims to prove that dignified, high-quality dining can be accessible, community-centered, and a model for policy change.

26. Crop Trust, International

The Crop Trust safeguards the world’s crop diversity by funding and strengthening genebanks and backing global seed reserves like the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Its Food Forever strategy aims to permanently secure key collections and make them more accessible to researchers and farmers. Through long-term partnerships, technical support, and capacity building, the organization helps ensure agriculture can adapt to climate, conflict, and biodiversity loss.

27. Culinary Institute of America, United States

The Culinary Institute of America prepares future food leaders through its longstanding commitment to excellence, research, and innovation. CIA co-founded and leads the  Menus of Change University Research Collaborative, a worldwide partnership of universities leveraging campus dining to study behavior change and bring plant-forward, climate-smart menu innovation into practice. 

28. Cultivemos Network, United States

Cultivemos—meaning “we cultivate”—links Northeast farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers to mental-health resources, culturally relevant support, and community-driven education. Through partnerships with Farm Aid and others, the network provides bilingual materials, resilience trainings, and a growing service-provider community designed to reduce stress, strengthen well-being, and ensure agricultural families can access the care they need.

29. Dion’s Chicago Dream, United States

Dion’s Chicago Dream advances health equity by redesigning food access through last-mile logistics. Founded in Englewood, the nonprofit delivers fresh, pre-measured produce directly to households through Dream Deliveries, community Dream Fridges, and networked Dream Vaults—collectively providing millions of pounds of healthy food. By pairing nutritional philanthropy with workforce development and neighborhood partnerships, the Dream builds community, stability, and hope across Chicago.

30. Edible Schoolyard Project, United States

The Edible Schoolyard Project, founded by Alice Waters in 1995, transforms public education by integrating organic gardens, kitchens, and cafeterias into academic learning. Its Berkeley demonstration site anchors a national movement where students cook, garden, and study food systems as part of their core curriculum. Through free classroom resources and the Alice Waters Institute, the organization advances edible education, climate action, and community well-being.

31. EAT, International

EAT works at the intersection of science, policy, business, and civil society to accelerate the shift toward healthy, fair, and sustainable food systems. Through science-based initiatives like the EAT–Lancet Commission report, global convenings such as the Stockholm Food Forum, and city-level efforts advancing the Planetary Health Diet, EAT works to transform evidence into collective action and partnerships that support people and the planet.

32. EiT Food, Europe 

EIT Food brings together innovators across Europe to accelerate the shift toward a healthier, more sustainable, and consumer-centered food system. Backed by the EU, it invests in research, education, entrepreneurship, and public engagement to advance three core missions—healthier diets, resilient and transparent supply chains, and a net-zero food system—linking startups, industry, and communities to drive system-wide change.

33. European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (EARA), Europe

The European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (EARA) is a farmer-led coalition advancing ecological, economic, and social regeneration across Europe’s agrifood system. Rooted in diverse farming contexts, EARA elevates farmer expertise in EU policy and builds broad alliances through its Regenerating Europe Tour—a series of strategic dialogues, farm visits, and workshops across Member States designed to accelerate a soil-centered, regenerative agricultural transition.

34. FAIRR Initiative, International

FAIRR is an investor network mobilizing more than US$90 trillion in assets to address the financial and systemic risks tied to intensive animal agriculture. Through rigorous research, company benchmarking, and coordinated investor engagement, FAIRR equips members to navigate climate, biodiversity, labor, and antimicrobial resistance risks while identifying opportunities across the protein value chain to accelerate a more sustainable and resilient global food system.

35. Farm Labor Organizing Committee, AFL-CIO (FLOC), United States

The Farm Labor Organizing Committee, AFL-CIO (FLOC) is a union and social movement advancing farmworkers’ rights across the Midwest and South. Founded in the 1960s by Baldemar Velásquez, FLOC pioneered tri-party bargaining—bringing corporations, growers, and workers to the same table—to secure fair wages, safer housing, and grievance protections, while mobilizing broad public support to shift power toward those who labor in the fields.

36. Feeding Change, United States

The Milken Institute’s Feeding Change program works to build a more nutritious, sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system by activating the necessary social and financial capital needed to drive this transformation. Some of their recent policy briefs and reports have called for employer-led nutrition strategies, expanded access to pharmacy-based care, and natural capital solutions. 

37. First Nations Development Institute, United States

First Nations Development Institute strengthens the economic, cultural, and ecological well-being of Native communities by supporting Tribal sovereignty and investing in Native-led solutions. Since 1980, its national grantmaking program has directed thousands of awards to projects advancing land stewardship, food systems, economic justice, and Native arts—reinforcing community assets, uplifting Indigenous knowledge, and sustaining self-determined futures across Tribal nations.

38. Food is Medicine Institute, United States

The Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts advances the integration of nutritious food into healthcare by generating evidence, training clinicians, and supporting patient care models such as medically tailored meals, groceries, and produce prescriptions. Through interdisciplinary research, policy analysis, and community partnerships, the Institute works to embed FIM into clinical systems, reduce health disparities, and strengthen a more equitable, prevention-focused healthcare system.

39. Food Recovery Network (FRN), United States

Food Recovery Network mobilizes thousands of student leaders, food businesses, and farms to keep surplus food out of landfills and redirect it to community organizations fighting hunger. Launched in 2011 at the University of Maryland, FRN now operates nearly 200 campus and community programs, recovering millions of pounds of fresh food and expanding local food access while reducing waste and emissions nationwide.

40. Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), United States

The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) advances policies that ensure every person in the U.S. can access nutritious food. Through research, advocacy, and support for a nationwide network of anti-hunger partners, FRAC strengthens federal nutrition programs, expands benefits, addresses racial inequities, and tackles the root causes of poverty-related hunger to build a healthier, more food-secure nation.

41. Food Security Leadership Council, International

The Food Security Leadership Council unites leaders from science, agriculture, industry, and global development to reimagine U.S. engagement in global food security. Guided by evidence and nonpartisan analysis, the Council elevates the impacts of U.S. policy, advances a strategic blueprint for international action, and convenes emerging leaders to address rising hunger driven by climate change, land degradation, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.

42. Food Systems for the Future (FSF), International

Food Systems for the Future advances market-based, nutrition-focused solutions to build equitable and sustainable food systems. Led by Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, the organization works across the U.S. and Africa to expand access to affordable, diverse, and nourishing foods through policy engagement, research, coalition-building, and partnerships that strengthen local capacity and drive systemwide change toward a malnutrition-free world.

43. FreshRx Oklahoma, United States

FreshRx Oklahoma partners with local growers and clinicians to help North Tulsa residents manage Type II diabetes with nutrient-dense, regeneratively grown produce and yearlong support. Launched in 2021 after evidence showed food access was undermining diabetes care, the USDA-funded program provides biweekly produce, cooking and nutrition classes, and regular health screenings—advancing health equity through a Food is Medicine model rooted in community.

44. Friends of the Earth, International

Friends of the Earth mobilizes a nationwide network to advance bold, justice-centered environmental action. Since 1969, the organization has pushed for transformative policies that confront the climate and biodiversity crises head-on—rejecting half-measures, challenging corporate power, and championing systemic solutions. Through advocacy, coalition-building, and movement organizing, they work to protect people and the planet while building durable political power for long-term change.

45. Full Plates Full Potential, United States

Full Plates Full Potential works to end childhood food insecurity in Maine by strengthening and expanding the child nutrition programs that reach students every day. The organization helped lead the passage of School Meals for All and continues partnering with schools and communities to ensure every child has reliable access to nutritious meals that support learning, equity, and long-term well-being.

46. Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), International

GAIN works to improve access to nutritious, safe, and affordable food by transforming food systems alongside governments, businesses, and civil society. They focus on availability, affordability, desirability, and sustainability of healthy diets—especially for women, children, and other vulnerable groups—through programs that strengthen markets, advance fortification, shape policy, and expand nutrition-focused innovation worldwide.

47. Global Alliance for Latinos in Agriculture (GALA), International

GALA strengthens Latino farmers and ranchers worldwide through regenerative agriculture, conscious capitalism, and alignment with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. The organization advances youth leadership, digital and carbon-literacy training, and cross-cultural knowledge exchange to revitalize rural communities, foster family-farm prosperity, and build resilient, sustainability-driven agricultural livelihoods across generations.

48. Global Alliance for the Future of Food, International

The Global Alliance for the Future of Food is a coalition of philanthropic foundations working with partners worldwide to accelerate the transition to equitable, climate-resilient food systems. The Alliance advances systems-level solutions by convening diverse actors, generating evidence, and driving collaborative action toward food systems that uphold health, sustainability, and human rights for present and future generations.

49. Global Food Institute (GFI) at GW, United States

The Global Food Institute at George Washington University advances evidence-based solutions across policy, innovation, and community well-being to transform food systems. Through interdisciplinary research, teaching, and convenings, GFI links science to real-world action, shaping how food is grown, distributed, and experienced to improve human and planetary health.

50. Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, United States

Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming advances a resilient regional food system by training the next generation of farmers, promoting regenerative practices, and strengthening fair, community-based markets. Working from the Hudson Valley and sharing lessons nationally, Glynwood aligns ecological stewardship with thriving local economies and equitable access to nutritious food. 

51. Gönül Mutfağı, Turkey

Launched by chefs Türev Uludağ and Ebru Baybara Demir, Gönül Mutfağı served over 17 million meals to earthquake survivors in 2023 through the work of 4,000 volunteers. The initiative strengthens long-term recovery by employing local residents through the From Soil to Plate cooperative and supplying 10,000 breakfasts each day to Hatay students.

52. GrowNYC, United States

Since 1970, GrowNYC has helped New Yorkers access fresh food, vibrant green spaces, and environmental education. Through producer-only Greenmarkets, community garden support, and education programs, the organization uplifts regional farmers and empowers residents—particularly frontline communities—to shape a healthier, more resilient city.

53. Guyra Paraguay, Paraguay

Focused on protecting Paraguay’s natural wealth, Guyra Paraguay brings together civil society, Indigenous communities, farmers, and scientists to conserve species, restore forests, and promote sustainable livelihoods. Through projects in the Atlantic Forest, agroforestry initiatives, and innovative monitoring and climate-finance programs—such as their shade-grown yerba mate program—the organization works to build a resilient landscape for people and wildlife. 

54. Green Bronx Machine, United States

Green Bronx Machine transforms classrooms and communities through a K–12+ model that weaves urban agriculture into core academics. Students grow and distribute thousands of pounds of fresh produce while improving attendance, engagement, and achievement. Through food education, workforce development, and community partnerships, the organization builds healthier schools and stronger, more resilient Bronx neighborhoods—proving that healthy students help grow healthy communities.

55. Good Food Fund, China

Good Food Fund drives China’s transition toward healthier, more sustainable, and more humane food systems. Through chef training, youth programs, policy-aligned partnerships, and the Good Food Summit, GFF advances plant-based innovation and elevates animal welfare. Its Good Food Academy and incubator programs build knowledge and support emerging leaders working to shift production, consumption, and public awareness toward a better food future.

56. Harlem Grown, United States

Harlem Grown cultivates healthy kids and resilient communities by engaging Harlem youth in hands-on urban farming, nutrition, and sustainability education. Since 2011, the organization has expanded access to fresh food and learning opportunities by operating 14 urban agriculture sites, from soil-based farms to hydroponic greenhouses, while mentoring elementary-aged students to become advocates for their health, community, and environment.

57. Helen’s Daughters, Caribbean

Helen’s Daughters strengthens rural women across the Caribbean by using agriculture as a pathway to broader economic and social opportunity. Working at the grassroots level, the organization provides training, mentorship, micro-investment, and market access while advancing gender equity through public advocacy. Their programs—from an all-female agri-apprenticeship to FarmHers Markets—position women farmers as leaders of sustainable development across the region.

58. High Atlas Foundation, Morocco

The High Atlas Foundation advances community-led development across Morocco by helping rural families build sustainable livelihoods rooted in fruit-tree agriculture, clean water access, and women’s empowerment. Through 15 nurseries producing millions of saplings, carbon-offset programs, and post-earthquake recovery, HAF supports communities to restore land, preserve cultural heritage, and create long-term, locally driven pathways to economic resilience.

59. IndigeHub, United States

IndigeHub strengthens Indigenous self-determination by creating shared resource hubs that fuel entrepreneurship, food sovereignty, and community resilience. Through coworking spaces, commercial kitchens, and emerging food hubs, the organization expands access to tools, training, and local markets. Their culturally grounded model reduces barriers on tribal lands, supports small businesses, and equips communities to build sustainable, long-term prosperity.

60. Instituto Regenera, Brazil

Instituto Regenera works to advance regenerative food systems by co-creating applied knowledge that drives transparent, fair, inclusive, and sustainable practices. Rooted in the idea that food is climate, biodiversity, and culture, the organization partners across sectors to strengthen emerging models that restore ecosystems, uplift communities, and embed regeneration at every stage of the food system. During COP30, the organization helped secure a commitment from the Brazilian government to source at least one third of food served at the conference from local family farmers.

61. Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Americas

IICA is the Inter-American System’s specialized agency for agriculture, working with 34 Member States to strengthen rural well-being and agricultural development. Through technical cooperation spanning innovation, family farming, trade, digitalization, and agricultural health, IICA supports countries in building competitive, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems resilient to climate shocks and aligned with long-term regional development goals.

62. International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Africa

icipe advances insect science for sustainable development across Africa, pioneering environmentally safe tools to manage pests and disease vectors while conserving biodiversity. Through its 4Hs approach—Human Health, Animal Health, Plant Health and Environmental Health—the Centre strengthens food security, rural livelihoods, and ecosystem resilience. As the continent’s only international arthropod research institution, it also builds scientific capacity through extensive training and partnerships.

63. International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), International

IFAD works to end rural poverty by investing in small-scale farmers and strengthening food systems. A U.N. agency and international financial institution, it provides grants and low-interest loans that expand market access, boost production, and build climate resilience. IFAD’s people-centered approach ensures women, youth, and Indigenous communities shape and benefit from rural transformation.

64. International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food), International

IPES-Food unites 25 leading researchers and practitioners to accelerate food system transformation. From analyzing power dynamics to proposing concrete policy reforms, the panel produces influential reports and builds alliances that center equity, sustainability, and health. Rooted in science and informed by frontline realities, IPES-Food provides a clear roadmap for fixing failing food and agriculture systems.

65. International Potato Center, International

Headquartered in Lima, Peru, the International Potato Center (CIP) supports science-based solutions to improve root and tuber agri-food systems. They do this to ultimately enhance nutrition security, support sustainable business, and improve communities’ livelihoods. CIP leads the project Lima 2035, which aims to make the city of Lima’s food and agriculture systems regenerative and human-centered.

66. James Beard Foundation (JBF), United States

The James Beard Foundation strengthens the independent restaurant sector by recognizing excellence and equipping chefs and culinary leaders to drive a more equitable, sustainable food system. Through its awards, training programs, and national initiatives, JBF champions Good Food for Good—supporting an industry that enriches American culture and empowers the people who shape our food future.

67. John Hopkins University Center for Health Security and Center for a Livable Future, United States

At Johns Hopkins University, the Centers for Health Security and a Livable Future are working to reshape our systems in support of human and planetary health. The Center for Health Security works to protect communities from epidemics, biological threats, and public health emergencies while the Center for a Livable Future (CLF) advances alternatives to industrial food systems. CLF also recently launched a program to support the next generation of food and agriculture journalists. 

68. Kiss the Ground, United States

Kiss the Ground advances the regenerative movement by elevating healthy soil as a solution for human and planetary well-being. Through films, digital storytelling, education, and direct farmer support, the organization has inspired millions and helped transition more than two million acres toward regenerative agriculture—mobilizing public awareness toward a tipping point for systems-scale change.

69. La Via Campesina, International

Formed in 1993, La Via Campesina brings together 200 million small-scale food producers in 81 countries to defend land, water, seeds, and territory. The movement centers food sovereignty—healthy, culturally rooted food produced sustainably—and trains members in agroecology and peasant feminism. Its sustained mobilization shaped major global governance spaces, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants.

70. Local2030 Islands Network (L2030IN), International

This global network amplifies the leadership of island communities working toward the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. Members share knowledge, strengthen public-private partnerships, and implement initiatives in support of a circular economy to create solutions that are locally driven and culturally informed.

71. McKnight Foundation, United States

The McKnight Foundation is working toward a more just and creative future through investments that celebrate culture bearers, strengthen farmer-centered agroecological research, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and more. Taking a silo-breaking approach, they also blend their program areas to bring food and the arts together. 

72. Milan Urban Food Policy Pact, International

Launched in 2015, the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact unites over 250 cities in a mayor-led commitment to build sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban food systems. As the leading global framework for municipal food policy, the Pact drives action through a shared 37-point agenda, peer learning, capacity building, and annual Milan Pact Awards showcasing innovative city solutions.

73. Naandi Foundation, India

The Naandi Foundation works across 438 districts in 21 states of India to create a better future for farmers and girls. In support of farmers, the organization encourages knowledge-sharing and the use of sustainable agricultural inputs, finding innovative ways to bring a regenerative and profitable agriculture system. Their goal in the coming years is to support 10 million girls with schooling and employment and 100 million farmers by planting 1 billion trees.

74. National Farm to School Network, United States

The National Farm to School Network builds equitable farm to school systems that support children, farmers, and communities. Through policy leadership, hands-on training, and a nationwide coalition spanning all 50 states, NFSN helps schools serve local food, integrate gardens and food education, and strengthen regional economies—advancing a vision of a racially just and community-driven food system.

75. National Farm Worker Ministry, United States

The National Farm Worker Ministry brings together denominations, congregations, and advocates to back campaigns led by farm workers seeking fair pay, safe conditions, and basic rights. Grounded in faith and racial justice, NFWM organizes actions, educates supporters, and builds solidarity networks that help transform the systems shaping life and labor in U.S. agriculture.

76. National Farmers Union, United States

The National Farmers Union (NFU) represents more than 220,000 family farmers and ranchers, advancing policies rooted in grassroots decision-making. NFU works to strengthen rural economies through farmer-driven advocacy, cooperative solutions, and education, promoting fair markets, resilient communities, and a future where family agriculture can thrive. In response to the increase in political and economic uncertainty farmers are facing in the last year, NFU has continued fighting to put growers first. 

77. National Young Farmers Coalition, United States

The National Young Farmers Coalition is a farmer-led network shifting power and transforming federal policy to equitably resource a new generation of growers. The Coalition centers BIPOC leadership and organizes young farmers nationwide to secure land access, climate resilience, and structural change so farming can remain viable, just, and community-rooted.

78. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), International

Since 1970, NRDC has paired legal action, scientific expertise, and grassroots advocacy to safeguard people and the planet. With offices across the U.S. and in Beijing, its attorneys, scientists, and policy experts tackle climate pollution, toxic exposures, biodiversity loss, and environmental inequity while advancing durable protections for communities and ecosystems.

79. New York Botanical Garden, United States

Each year the New York Botanical Garden reaches tens of thousands of families through exhibitions, botanical experiences, art, music, and events. Their scientists work around the world to find actionable, nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity loss crises, striving to create a green future for all. 

80. Niman Ranch Next Generation Foundation, United States

Rooted in Niman Ranch’s commitment to smaller-scale, humane farming, the Next Generation Foundation supports young producers through scholarships and targeted grants. With over US$2 million distributed since 2006, the Foundation helps new farmers pursue education, adopt regenerative methods, expand their operations, and build resilient rural livelihoods.

81. North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NĀTIFS), North America

Founded by Chef Sean Sherman, North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS) is rebuilding a regional Indigenous food system through education, enterprise, and access. From its Minneapolis-based Indigenous Food Lab—combining a professional kitchen, market, and training center—NATIFS supports tribal communities in restoring Native foodways, expanding Indigenous culinary businesses, and advancing Indigenous food sovereignty across North America.

82. NOW Partners Foundation, International

For over three decades, NOW Partners Foundation has collaborated with businesses, investors, and institutions to advance regenerative land use, equitable leadership, and new industry logics. Their global partnership guides companies through transitions that integrate profitability with positive impact, demonstrating how Regenerative Value Creation can scale solutions that restore ecosystems, strengthen communities, and build resilient economies.

83. ONE Campaign, International

The ONE Campaign unites activists, data experts, and trusted messengers to influence global decision-makers and secure investments that strengthen opportunity and health across Africa. Strictly nonpartisan and independently funded, ONE pairs hard evidence with public pressure to drive lasting policy change—amplifying millions of voices for a world where dignity and equity are shared by all.

84. One Fair Wage, United States

One Fair Wage unites service workers, employers, and allies to confront the legacy of subminimum pay and win lasting wage justice. By driving research, mobilizing voters, and advancing bold state and local reforms, the organization works to guarantee every worker—tipped, gig, youth, disabled, or incarcerated—a full, fair minimum wage with tips as a true supplement.

85. OzHarvest, Australia

Australia’s largest food-rescue network, OzHarvest saves quality surplus food from thousands of donors and delivers it free to charities nationwide—over 300 million meals so far. Alongside rescue, they run national education programs, innovate with projects like OzHarvest Market and Refettorio, and push for systemic change to halve food waste and strengthen food security.

86. Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM), East, Central, and Southern Africa

PELUM unites civil society organizations from 12 African countries to scale ecological land-use management with smallholder farmers. Founded in 1995, the network drives agroecology training, collaborative learning, and farmer-centered advocacy, expanding sustainable practices and strengthening food sovereignty. Its regional chapters support programs that improve livelihoods while regenerating ecosystems and boosting community resilience.

87. Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN), International

PAN is a global medical nonprofit working to reduce diet-related deaths by making nutrition central to clinical practice. Through medical education, hospital partnerships, and national branches across four continents, PAN equips health professionals to champion healthy, sustainable diets and drive food-system changes that address chronic disease, climate impacts, and pandemic risk.

88. Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI), United States

PFI is a farmer-led network advancing resilient agriculture in Iowa. Members—conventional and organic, large and small—share knowledge through field days, research trials, and peer learning to strengthen stewardship, profitability, and community well-being. United by a land ethic and a commitment to welcoming all, PFI helps farmers build operations grounded in sustainability and shared experience.

89. Project Dandelion, International

Project Dandelion is a women-led global campaign uniting movements, leaders, and communities to demand a climate-safe world. Rooted in climate justice, it mobilizes millions to act, elevates women’s leadership, and advances seven core demands—from ending fossil fuel subsidies to scaling fair, renewable energy—building a powerful, shared symbol for urgent, collective action.

90. Project Drawdown, United States

Project Drawdown is an independent nonprofit advancing bold, science-based climate solutions. Through cutting-edge research, strategic engagement with policymakers, investors, and industry leaders, and powerful storytelling, it shifts resources and public narratives toward effective action. Its work guides climate strategies worldwide, elevating solutions that cut emissions, protect ecosystems, and expand human well-being.

91. ProVeg International, International

ProVeg International accelerates food-system transformation by replacing animal products with plant-based and cultivated alternatives. Active across five continents and holding consultative and observer status with key UN agencies, ProVeg works with companies, investors, and communities to tackle climate, health, and hunger challenges through diet change—aiming to halve global animal-product consumption by 2040.

92. Rainforest Alliance, International

Working across over 60 countries, the Rainforest Alliance mobilizes market power and community leadership to protect forests, restore biodiversity, and improve rural livelihoods. Its global alliance advances regenerative production, responsible sourcing, and climate action, ensuring that farmers, companies, and consumers all contribute to—and benefit from—a future where people and nature thrive in balance.

93. ReFED, United States

ReFED uses data, research, and cross-sector partnerships to drive measurable impact on food loss and waste. In collaboration with the Menus of Change University Research Collaborative (MCURC), they are working with foodservice operators to repurpose surplus food and reduce food waste across college campuses. Their recent toolkit is now helping more chefs implement solutions in their own dining halls. 

94. Regen Places Network, Australia

Across Australia, the Regen Places Network brings communities together to combat people’s disconnection from the environment and one another by developing climate-smart, place-based food and land use strategies. By 2030, they aim to develop 2,030 leaders committed to restoring ecosystems and building resilient food systems, who will make up a far-reaching network of conveners and communities.

95. Regen10, International

Designed as a global multi-stakeholder platform, Regen10 is working to mobilize farmers, companies, researchers, and governments to scale regenerative agriculture. The initiative works to transform how food is produced by improving soil health, strengthening livelihoods, and advancing climate-resilient systems. 

96. Resilient Cities Network, International

Resilient Cities Network works with nearly 100 cities in over 40 countries around the world to future-proof urban centers. Their work is organized around three pillars—climate resilience, circularity, and equity—as they bring together global knowledge, practice, partnerships, and funding to support member cities.

97. Rodale Institute, United States

For decades, the Rodale Institute has pioneered research in organic agriculture research, education, and farmer training. Their long-term field trials provide some of the world’s most influential data on soil health and climate impacts. The organization continues to expand knowledge and support farmers transitioning to regenerative organic methods.

98. Rooted East, United States

Rooted East, a Black-led food collective is fighting food apartheid and working to advance food justice in East Knoxville, Tennessee. Their recent documentary “Roots of Resilience” tells the story of the organization and how they’re using garden education and land partnerships to create a self-sustaining food system.

99. Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), India

In the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, Ryss is working alongside farmers to scale the adoption of chemical-free, climate-resilient farming practices. After demonstrating success in India, Ryss collaborated with NOW Partners to bring the model to communities in Zambia. Projects are also underway in Sri Lanka, and Brazil, with nine additional countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America have been identified for future implementation as funding is secured.

100. Salesian Sisters’ Valponasca Learning Farm, Zambia

The Salesian Sisters’ Valponasca Learning Farm provides hands-on agricultural education to promote regenerative practices while empowering women and youth. Together with Rythu Sadhikara Samstha and NOW Partners, they are working to facilitate a pilot project that adapts the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming model to the local environment.

101. Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, International

Active in more than 60 countries, the SUN Movement works with governments to prioritize nutrition in national policies and investments. It unites civil society, donors, and the private sector to strengthen systems that support maternal and child health. The movement accelerates coordinated action to end malnutrition in all its forms.

102. SDG2 Advocacy Hub, International

The SDG2 Advocacy Hub drives coordinated global action to achieve SDG2—ending hunger, advancing food security and nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture by 2030. Bringing together NGOs, civil society, UN agencies, and private-sector partners, the Hub strengthens campaigns, supports country-level efforts, and equips advocates with shared tools to maximize collective influence across the Global Goals.

103. Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), India

Founded by Elaben Bhatt in 1972, SEWA represents 3.2 million self-employed women across India’s informal economy. As the country’s largest women-led trade union, SEWA advances full employment and self-reliance by organizing workers, strengthening cooperatives, expanding social protections, and building women-owned enterprises that enhance economic security and collective bargaining power.

104. Senegalese Association for the Promotion of Development at the Base (Asprodeb), Africa

Established in 1995, Asprodeb advances sustainable rural development in Senegal by equipping farmer organizations with technical support, professional training, and financial management tools. Born from collaboration between government and peasant movements, it helps family farms strengthen their services, implement development programs, and build productive partnerships across the agricultural sector.

105. Sicangu Food Sovereignty Initiative, United States

Based on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation, this initiative works to restore traditional food systems and strengthen community health. Programs include seed saving, gardening, and educational workshops that reconnect youth and families to cultural food practices. Their work centers Indigenous knowledge as a foundation for food sovereignty and resilience.

106. Slow Food International, International and Slow Food USA, United States

Slow Food promotes local, sustainable, and culturally meaningful food systems around the globe. From grassroots chapters in the U.S. to international networks, the organization supports farmers, chefs, and communities in preserving biodiversity and culinary traditions in an effort to champion good, clean, and fair food for all.

107. Solid’Africa, Rwanda

Solid’Africa aims to empower smallholder farmers in Rwanda to access markets, improve yields, and adopt more sustainable practices. The organization offers free medically tailored meals to patients in public hospitals and delivers affordable, nutritious meals to students in public schools. Their approach prioritizes local sourcing from smallholder farmers, and they operate clean cooking kitchens to create a healthier food ecosystem. 

108. Soul Fire Farm, United States

Located in Upstate New York, Soul Fire Farm is an Afro-Indigenous centered community farm and training center working to end racism and advance food sovereignty. Their programs include farm tours, multi-day immersive programs for growers of Black, Indigenous, and Latine heritage, and youth-focused workshops. 

109. Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, United States

The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation works with young eaters to encourage healthy habits that will stay with them throughout their lifetimes. By partnering and investing in nutrition education and hands-on gardening programming, they support efforts that teach children how to grow and prepare nutritious food while making connections between what they eat and the natural environment. 

110. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, United States

Stone Barns Center is a nonprofit farm and educational hub dedicated to regenerative agriculture and local food systems. Visitors and participants learn sustainable farming practices, nutrition, and culinary skills through hands-on experiences. The center serves as a model for farming that nourishes people and the planet.

111. Sustainable Food Trust, United Kingdom

Sustainable Food Trust works to accelerate the transition to sustainable food and farming systems for the benefit of climate, nature and health. Their focus areas include sustainable livestock, a food secure Britain, measuring sustainability, true cost accounting, supporting local abattoirs. 

112. Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems at Arizona State University, United States

The Swette Center takes a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to facilitate research, education, public engagement, community-strengthening and policy reform in support of sustainable food systems. Their strategic priorities include cultivating the next generation of leaders, advancing organic research and policy, enabling true cost accounting of food, empowering Indigenous foodways, and engaging the private sector.  

113. Terepeza Development Association, Ethiopia

Working across rural Ethiopia, Terepeza Development Association supports smallholder farmers through programs in climate-smart agriculture, livelihoods, and community development. Their initiatives help families build resilience to drought and food insecurity while improving soil and water management. The organization also invests in youth and women’s empowerment to strengthen long-term sustainability.

114. The Common Market, United States

By connecting regional farmers with institutions like schools and hospitals, The Common Market strengthens local economies and expands access to nutritious, sustainably grown food. By advancing forward purchasing commitments for small and mid-scale farms, the organization hopes to rebuild regional food systems in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Texas, and Great Lakes region of the U.S.

115. The Land Institute, International

The Land Institute is reimagining how grains can be grown in harmony with ecosystems. Their work on crops like Kernza aims to reduce soil erosion, improve biodiversity, and cut carbon emissions. Through science, partnerships, and global advocacy, they hope to advance a regenerative future for agriculture systems.

116. The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, International

Focused on the intersection of data, technology, and social impact, the Patrick J. McGovern foundation supports initiatives that strengthen climate resilience, food security, and community well-being. Their investments help organizations scale digital tools that improve agricultural forecasting, resource management, and humanitarian response. 

117. The Rockefeller Foundation, United States

For more than a century, The Rockefeller Foundation has worked to advance global health and food and nutrition security. Through investments in regenerative school meals, they are working to scale regenerative agriculture, connect students to healthy food, and improve educational outcomes. And with their Food is Medicine work, they are supporting programs and research to better understand the potential of produce prescriptions, medically tailored meals, or healthy grocery programs.

118. UJAMAA Cooperative Farming Alliance (UCFA), United States

UCFA works to bring greater diversity and equity to the seed supply by supporting BIPOC growers and connecting them with buyers seeking culturally significant crops. The Alliance strengthens markets for heritage varieties while investing in farmer training and cooperative development. Their efforts help preserve biodiversity and uplift historically marginalized growers.

119. United Nations System, International

The U.N. System includes principal bodies, specialized agencies, funds, and programs working to improve food and agriculture systems, protect the environment, better health outcomes, and promote gender equity. These institutions include U.N. Development Programme, U.N. Environment Programme, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization and FAO North America, U.N. Global Compact, UN Women, the U.N. World Food Programme and World Food Program USA, and the World Health Organization.

120. Urban Growers Collective, United States

Urban Growers Collective operates sustainable urban farms across Chicago, using food production as a vehicle for community empowerment. Centering racial equity, they provide job training, youth leadership programs, and food access initiatives that center. Their work helps strengthen local food systems while supporting health and economic opportunity.

121. Wellness in the Schools, United States

Wellness in the Schools partners works to improve students’ health. By partnering with public schools, chefs, and coaches, they aim to shift the culture of schools to prioritize well-being. Over the last year, the organization has gathered leaders in the food and agriculture policy sphere to develop recommendations to guide the Trump-Vance administration’s overhaul of school meals.  

122. Wholesome Wave, United States

Wholesome Wave works to make fruits and vegetables more affordable for families experiencing food insecurity. Through nutrition incentive programs and produce prescriptions, they help households access healthier food while supporting local farmers. 

123. Women Advancing Nutrition Dietetics and Agriculture (WANDA), United States

Through training, education, and advocacy, WANDA is cultivating a thriving community of Black women leaders across food and agriculture systems. They hope to see more women and girls gain the skills they need to improve their lives and transform their communities from farm to health.

124. World Central Kitchen (WCK), International

In moments of disaster and crisis, WCK, founded by Chef José Andrés, delivers fresh, culturally relevant meals to those who need them most. In the last year, WCK has provided food to communities affected by war and natural disaster, including in Palestine, Ukraine, Haiti, and the Philippines.

125. World Resources Institute (WRI), International

The World Resources Institute works to advance sustainable development through rigorous research and partnerships across government, business, and civil society. They serve as the Secretariat, founding member, and core partner of the Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU), which works to rewire food systems to solve the climate crisis. 

126. World Wildlife Fund (WWF), International

WWF is dedicated to conserving biodiversity, addressing the climate crisis, and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources. Recognizing the impact that industrialized food and agriculture systems have on the environment, they work to create more regenerative and efficient production systems while encouraging dietary shifts among eaters. 

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

Photo courtesy of Kerensa Pickett, Unsplash

The post 126 Food and Agriculture Organizations to Watch in 2026 appeared first on Food Tank.

The kind of systemic transformation we need to see is made possible by meaningful relationships between people, where we make decisions with other people’s well-being in mind. It’s made possible by broad societal collaboration between individuals, where we can break down silos and share knowledge.

This is certainly true here at Food Tank! As an organization powered by grassroots support from members around the globe, everything we do is made possible by you.

THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, to the community of members who have helped us uplift food system solutions all year long. If you’re not yet a member, I hope you’ll consider joining us by going to foodtank.com/join. Here’s a taste of what we’ve been able to do over the past year thanks to our global family of members:

In 2025, Food Tank has celebrated the intersection of food and the arts in major ways. During Summits at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT, and SXSW in Austin, TX, creative folks like chefs, filmmakers, farmers, advocates, and more convened to shine a spotlight on the power of environmental storytelling.

And at Climate Week NYC, each of our unprecedented 15 packed-house Summits began with a performance from Broadway stars—which injected much-needed beauty and hope into urgent discussions of climate action! We also staged a workshop reading of “Catalyst Coffee,” an original musical about labor organizing in the food service industry.

We were honored to bring success stories both to food-focused events—including Stop Food Waste Day, the annual National Food is Medicine Summit, and by hosting the official North America World Food Day celebration—and to discussions across disciplines. At symposiums around the world focusing on wellness, social justice, legal studies, and more, we showcased how food systems can connect the dots between unexpected and complex topics.

We also continued bringing food policy conversations directly to the places they matter most. In May, we headed to Washington, D.C., for a Capitol Hill luncheon event on how Food is Medicine can transform healthcare, convened the inaugural Food and Agriculture Policy Summit in October, and returned just yesterday ago for a luncheon exploring ultra-processed foods.

On the global scale, Food Tank brought nuanced discussions of food systems and policy to the U.K. for London Climate Action Week, to Ethiopia for the UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake, and to Brazil for COP30, the landmark UN Climate Change Conference. There, we organized a robust lineup of programming to engage agricultural ministers, negotiators, farmers, climate journalists, civil society and business leaders, funders, and more to ensure that these decision-makers recognize the importance of food and agriculture action.

In addition, we have also continued to publish daily articles, deliver this newsletter straight to your inbox, and release weekly episodes of our podcast “Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg.”

There is no food system without the individual farmers, ranchers, farmworkers, food processors, factory workers, packagers, truck drivers, seed savers, chefs, business owners, food justice advocates, and countless other hardworking, passionate folks up and down the food chain. It’s also no exaggeration to say that Food Tank wouldn’t be Food Tank without each and every Food Tanker like you!

Food Tank members receive exclusive access to Food Tank Summits, even when they are sold out to the public; invitations to special virtual members-only discussions with food system luminaries; and other tokens of our appreciation throughout the year. Your support also means that we can continue to make most of our programming completely free to attend and livestream these events for our global audience. I hope you’ll take a moment to check out our accessible membership options HERE to launch or boost your support.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Kemper, Unsplash

The post Food Systems Transformation in 2026 Will Be Powered by People appeared first on Food Tank.

1. A Magician’s Flower by Marika Maijala

Two friends, Willow and Aspen, find an unknown seedling in their greenhouse and embark on a quest to help it grow. With the seedling securely fixed in their bicycle basket, they head for the seashore in hopes that it will thrive in the salt air. Through this adventurous tale, young readers see the joy of exploration and embracing nature.

2. A Plate of Hope: the Inspiring Story of Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen by Erin Frankel, illustrated by Paola Escobar

A Plate of Hope tells the story of how world-renowned chef and humanitarian José Andrés turned a love of food and cooking into a mission to help feed the world. Driven by the belief that no one should ever go hungry, José Andrés founded World Central Kitchen, which provides critical meals in crises around the world. This moving story helps readers connect with the food system while fostering an appreciation for the storytelling power of food.

3. Activity Book – Livestock and Climate Change by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization

The latest Activity Book from the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization shows readers how animal farming works and the impact it can have on the planet. Free to download online, it explains how livestock can both contribute to and be affected by climate change, and outlines how readers can become agents for change.

4. A Spoonful of the Sea by Hyewon Yum

In this picture book, author Hyewon Yum shares a heartwarming story of a relationship between mother and daughter, as the young girl is served a bowl of miyeokguk (seaweed soup) on her birthday. Inspired by this Korean tradition that has spanned generations, A Spoonful of the Sea celebrates cultural heritage, motherhood, and the deep bond between women and nature.

5. Emeka, Eat Egusi! by Candice Iloh, illustrated by Bea Jackson

In Nigerian American author Candice Iloh’s debut picture book, readers meet Emeka, a young boy who loves jollof rice and doesn’t want to eat anything else. When his mom asks him to help her cook egusi, a popular Nigerian soup, he discovers the joy of trying new flavors. This heartwarming story both celebrates Nigerian cooking traditions and encourages readers to try new foods.

6. Garden Sleeping, Garden Growing: In and Around All Year Long by Diana Magnuson

Set on Michigan’s shores of Lake Superior, Garden Sleeping, Garden Growing tells the story of Aunt Noriko and her niece Dehlia as they tend to their garden throughout the year. Through colorful illustrations and engaging scientific facts, Diana Magnuson invites readers to appreciate the seasons and cycles of nature that keep gardens alive, while giving thanks for all that gardens provide us.

7. Growing Green: A First Book of Gardening by Daniela Sosa

This gardening book offers 15 projects that young readers can implement at home to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It has ideas adapted to a variety of spaces, from windowsills to backyards, and activities using recycled and repurposed materials. With simple, step-by-step instructions and colorful illustrations, this book is a practical guide for young readers to cultivate a love for gardening.

8. I LOVE Blueberries by Shannon Anderson, art by Jaclyn Sinquett

I LOVE Blueberries tells the story of two friends, Jolie and Margot, as they work towards their goal of setting up a blueberry growing station in their classroom using hydroponics. By following the duo’s comical journal entries and colorful sketches, readers uncover lessons on growing blueberries and bringing community members together to support a classroom project.

9. Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault by Megan Clendenan, illustrated by Brittany Cicchese

Just in Case introduces young readers to the priceless treasures hidden in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Readers will learn about why the vault was built, how it protects the seeds inside, and why seed saving matters for eaters today and generations to come.

10. Lucas and Emily’s Food Bank Adventure by Dave Grunenwald, illustrated by Bonnie Lemaire

Lucas’ grandpa brings Lucas and his friends Emily and Jack to their local food bank, where they meet volunteers and help pack lunches for people experiencing homelessness. The story engages with important themes of food insecurity while centering around community and the value of volunteering. Readers will come away feeling inspired to make giving back to their community a family tradition.

11. Magic in a Drop of Water: How Ruth Patrick Taught the World about Water Pollution by Julie Winterbottom, illustrated by Susan Reagan

Ecologist Ruth Patrick was a champion of environmental protection and a leader in making the world aware of water pollution. Starting with her interest in science as a young child, this story chronicles the empowering tale of a female scientist who made an everlasting imprint on the world.

12. My Pollinator Garden: How I Plant for Bees, Butterflies, Beetles, and More by Jordan Zwetchkenbaum, illustrated by Kate Cosgrove

My Pollinator Garden explains the diverse plants and pollinating animals native to North America, and how they rely on each other to survive. Packed with examples and vivid illustrations, this book helps readers understand the relationship between pollinators and flowers. Its simple narrative invites young readers to help pollinators thrive by planting their own pollinator gardens.

13. Skippy Farm Dog of the Year by Laura Adams and Anna-Maria Crum, illustrated by Anna-Maria Crum

Inspired by the story of Skippy, a Georgia farm dog named the 2024 American Farm Bureau Dog of the Year, this narrative honors the role that dogs play on family farms. Told from the perspective of Skippy, who was trained to help farmers with disabilities, readers learn how she helps herd cattle and adjusts to life with her new farm family.

14. The Soil in Jackie’s Garden by Peggy Thomas, art by Neely Dagget

Jackie and her friends discover the joys of planting their own garden, while uncovering fascinating facts about soil and composting. In this engaging read, colorful illustrations complement information about pollinators, plants, and soil to inspire readers to get their hands dirty in their own gardens. The book can be paired with an educator’s guide from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, which includes six lessons on these topics for K through 2 learners.

15. Welcome to Our Table: A Celebration of What Children Eat Everywhere by Laura Mucha and Ed Smith, illustrated by Harriet Lynas

Authors Laura Mucha and Ed Smith take readers on a journey around the world to learn what children eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in different countries. This book combines vibrant imagery with stories and traditions behind certain dishes. The diverse foods highlighted in this book encourage young readers to explore cultures different from their own and to be curious about where their food comes from.

16. When Fall Comes: Connecting with Nature as the Days Grow Shorter by Aimée M. Bissonette, illustrated by Erin Hourigan

The latest in author Aimée M. Bissonette’s When Seasons Come series, this poetic book welcomes the arrival of fall. Readers follow the story of a family who hikes along a nature trail in autumn and watches the wildlife around them preparing for winter. Packed with imagery of animals busily readying for the change of seasons, this book helps readers connect to the natural world while uncovering parallels between humans and wildlife.

17. When Tree Became a Tree by Rob Hodgson

Tree, this story’s endearing protagonist, guides readers through her life as an apple tree. Through her witty narration, readers learn the stages and seasons of an apple tree’s life. Its simple storyline and colorful illustrations make it an entertaining read for young readers while teaching them about the life cycle of trees.

18. World Kitchen – Celebrations: Recipes from Around the World by Abigail Wheatley, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

This richly illustrated cookbook includes recipes for celebratory dishes from around the world. Each recipe offers a short story from a family that prepares the dish for their special occasion, followed by easy-to-follow instructions and ingredient lists. This book gives readers a fascinating look at food traditions in different countries, while encouraging them to try those recipes at home.

19. You Are a Honey Bee! by Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Jay Fleck

The Meet Your World series invites children to learn about the animals in the world around them. In You Are a Honey Bee, a part of this collection, author Laurie Ann Thompson describes the activities that keep bees busy with interactive movements for readers to act out. By illustrating how bees take care of their hives and families, the book shows young readers that the habits of bees are not so different from our own.

20. Your Farm by Jon Klassen

In this bedtime story, author Jon Klassen offers a gentle illustration of farm objects, ending with bedtime as the sun sets. With a rhythmic tone and poetic prose, this story invites readers to use their imaginations to envision a peaceful farm as they prepare for sleep.

21. When the Rain Comes by Alma Fullerton, illustrated by Kim La Fave

Set in a Sri Lankan community during the rice planting season, When the Rain Comes tells the story of Malini, a young girl who is getting ready to help plant for the first time. When monsoon rains suddenly sweep into her community, Malini is determined to save the rice seedlings and the oxcart carrying them. Narrated in emotive free verse, this tale portrays the courage of a young girl while depicting the intensity of the monsoon season in Sri Lanka.

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Borba, Unsplash

The post 21 Inspiring Books That Teach Kids About Food, Farming, and the Environment appeared first on Food Tank.

1. All Consuming: Why We Eat The Way We Eat Now by Ruby Tandoh

All Consuming is a cultural history of food, from the first television cooking show to the first TikTok food critic. Ruby Tandoh, author of Cook As You Are, explores the sociopolitical factors, such as social media and Michelin stars, that have reshaped our society’s culinary literacy. All Consuming takes a critical and curious look at the tastemakers that influence our consumption patterns and our relationship to food.

2. Agroecology in Practice by Jeffrey W. Bentley and Paul van Mele

Agroecology in Practice is a field guide for farmers, agriculture professionals, policymakers, and environmentalists. Researchers and agricultural scientists Jeffrey W. Bentley and Paul van Mele share tips, tools, and innovative examples from across the globe for implementing agroecological practices and regenerating farmland.

3. Barn Gothic: Three Generations and the Death of the Family Dairy Farm by Ryan Dennis

In Barn Gothic, third generation dairy farmer Ryan Dennis shares about growing up milking calves and watching his father and grandfather struggle to keep their dairy farm alive in a changing world. As corporate corruption rendered 40,000 dairy farms obsolete between 2003 and 2020, Dennis draws on personal narrative and poignant business insights in this story about fighting to preserve agricultural life.

4. Care and Feeding: A Memoir by Laurie Woolever

Care and Feeding is a behind the scenes look at the male-dominated field of restaurant work and food publications, told by Laurie Woolever’s wry candor. Woolever recounts the adventures and misadventures of being a woman in the food industry and in the world at large, reckoning with her own purpose-givers of care and feeding.

5. Dirtbag Billionaire: How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave it All Away by David Gelles 

New York Times reporter and bestselling author David Gelles tells the story of a “dirtbag” in the truest sense: a legendary rock climber who founded the global brand Patagonia, became a billionaire, and committed all profits back to environmental and climate resiliency efforts. Gelles recounts Patagonia Founder Yvon Chouinard’s story of building and managing the brand, diving into the contradictions of creating a mission-driven business in a capitalist society. 

6. Dirty Kitchen: A Memoir of Food and Family by Jill Damatac

Jill Damatac writes a love letter to food as the ultimate comfort in her memoir Dirty Kitchen, a story about her life as an undocumented Filipino immigrant in America for twenty-two years. Damatac recalls cooking her way through her native Philippines, her time studying in the U.K., and her return to the United States with a new perspective and sense of self. Dirty Kitchen shows how food can be the answer to questions of identity, tradition, and belonging in spite of colonial trauma.

7. Food Fight: From Plunder and Profit to People and Planet by Stuart Gillespie

 In Food Fight, Stuart Gillespie explains how the global food system has become the cause of severe public health and planetary crises. With careful analysis, Gillespie shows that colonialism and capitalism affect how and what we eat–and offers a hopeful look at the future of food justice and consumption.

8. Foreign Fruit: A Personal History of the Orange by Katie Goh

In Foreign Fruit, Katie Goh traces the history of the orange alongside her own heritage from east to west to east. In pursuit of investigating the orange, Goh describes growing up queer in a Chinese-Malaysian-Irish household and a homecoming to Malaysia, where she begins to unpeel the layers of her own identity and personhood as well.

9. Formulating Development: How Nestlé Shaped the Aid Industry by Lola Wilhelm

In Formulating Development, author Lola Wilhelm examines how large food corporations have shaped the global food aid industry. Drawing from Nestlé’s historical archives and the records of humanitarian aid agencies, Wilhelm considers the complicated relationships between the food industry’s biggest companies, human health, and agricultural advancement.

10. From Scratch: Adventures in Harvesting, Hunting, Fishing, and Foraging on a Fragile Planet by David Moscow and Jon Moscow

Creator and star of the show From Scratch, David Moscow, takes readers along for a culinary travelogue in his new book. Moscow explores the inside of food ecosystems in over 20 countries, as he talks to hunters, fishers, foragers and many more people along the food supply chain to investigate – sometimes literally – how the sausage is made. From Scratch will show just how interconnected the environment, culture, and community is through food.

11. Gathered: On Foraging, Feasting, and the Seasonal Life by Gabrielle Cerberville

In the upcoming illustrated field guide Gathered, Gabrielle Cerberville, known for her viral presence online as “The Chaotic Forager,” takes readers along on a foraging adventure that will teach them how to find, identify, harvest, and prepare wild food. Structured by seasonality, Gathered is a case for re-wilding our diets and learning to eat in accordance with the natural world.

12. Ginseng Roots: A Memoir by Craig Thompson

Craig Thompson follows up his 2003 autobiography Blankets with a new graphic memoir about growing up as a child laborer in the Wisconsin ginseng farming industry. In Ginseng Roots, Thompson chronicles the 300-year-old global ginseng trade and the individuals who make it up, from ancient Chinese ginseng hunters to migrant farmers in the American Midwest. Ginseng Roots is a reflection on a lost childhood, class divide, industrial agriculture, and finding a sense of home. 

13. Mushroom Day: A Story of 24 Hours and 24 Fungal Lives by Alison Pouliot

In Mushroom Day, ecologist Alison Pouliot brings readers along for an hour in the life of 24 different fungi species. At dusk, the bioluminescent ghost fungus whispers the secrets of the dark forest, while at dawn the porcino mushrooms prepare for the Italian foragers’ arrival. Pouliot takes readers underground into the unique fungal world and their fascinating relationship to plants, lands, and people through vivid prose and evocative illustrations from artist Stuart Patience.

14. My (Half) Latinx Kitchen: An Unforgettable Multicultural Culinary Journey, Spice up Your Cooking Game by Kiera Wright-Ruiz

Part cookbook, part journey of self-discovery, My (Half) Latinx Kitchen is Kiera Wright-Ruiz’s celebration of the flavors that make up her identity. From South America to Asia to the United States, the recipes and heartfelt essays in this book represent the integration of traditions from a first generation voice.

15. Reaping What She Sows: How Women are Rebuilding a Broken Food System by Nancy Matsumoto

In Reaping What She Sows, James Beard Award winner Nancy Matsumoto poses the ultimate question “how should we eat?” in a time when grocery prices are high and supermarkets are short on products. The answer: relying on our own communities. Matsumoto highlights the women trailblazers who are saving and rebuilding local and regional food systems, from a Black women-led rice cooperative to indigenous kelp hatchery owners.

16. Recipes from the American South by Michael Twitty

From critically acclaimed chef, author, and cultural historian Michael Twitty comes the new cookbook, Recipes from the American South. Recipes will take readers from Louisiana to the Chesapeake Bay, highlighting more than 260 of the region’s most iconic dishes. Twitty lends his well-researched and lyrical storytelling to complementary essays that explore the cultural influences that impact Southern cuisine.

17. Saturdays at Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood by Tony Hillery, illustrated by Jessie Hartland

Tony Hillery, founder and director of the nonprofit Harlem Grown, adds a new book to his nonfiction picture book series about the real-life urban garden in Harlem teaching children how to grow their own food. Saturdays at Harlem Grown tells the story of a teacher, a student, and the community they grew from their garden seeds. 

18. Sea Change: Unlikely Allies and a Success Story of Oceanic Proportions by Amanda Leland and James Workman

Sea Change is a hopeful vote of confidence for revolutionizing the fishing industry. Amanda  Leland and James Workman share the stories of the individuals fighting against overfishing and the quick band-aid fixes to the boom and bust fishing economy. And throughout the pages, they demonstrate that leaning on unlikely partnerships can lead to surprising and sustainable solutions.

19. Strong Roots: A Memoir of Food, Family, and Ukraine by Olia Hercules

From chef and and co-founder of the #CookforUkraine movement Oli Hercules comes a sweeping memoir of life, family, and food in Ukraine from Soviet rule to Russian invasion. Making it her mission to preserve family recipes and stories that connect her family to the land, Hercules’ memoir is a documentation and declaration of Ukrainian identity and resilience.

20. The Accidental Seed Heroes: Growing a Delicious Food Future for All of Us by Adam Alexander

 The Accidental Seed Heroes celebrates the tiny seeds at the center of our worldwide food system, combining lessons on traditional seed varieties with new sustainable plant science. Building on his past book, The Seed Detective, Alexander argues that protecting traditional seeds goes hand in hand with creating innovative new produce that can feed humanity and protect the planet.

21. The Last Supper: How to Overcome the Coming Food Crisis by Sam Kass

Senior food policy advisor to the Obama administration Sam Kass shares what he has learned about investing in accessible and effective food policy in his new book The Last Supper. Kass breaks down how to maximize nutrition while minimizing environmental damage and protecting against climate change through updates in culture, legislation, business, and technology.

22. The Light Between Apple Trees: Rediscovering the Wild Through a Beloved American Fruit by Priyanka Kumar

The Light Between Apples gives a glimpse into the rich history of the 16,000 apple varieties that once existed in America – only one fifth of those now remain. Kumar traces the story of the apple from its roots in Kazakhstan to its home in Spanish orchards in the Southwest, and blends childhood memories with science to paint a vivid picture of how at its core, an apple can rewild our relationship with nature.

23. Turtle Island: Foods and Traditions of the Indigenous Peoples of North America by Sean Sherman (forthcoming November 2025)

Sean Sherman, also known as the Sioux-Chef, is a three-time James Beard Award winner and a leading figure in the Indigenous food movement. In his new book Turtle Island, Sherman curates more than 100 ancestral and modern recipes from Indigenous peoples across North America, as well as deep narrative histories of how Native food pathways can teach us to connect with our natural world.

24. What if Soil Microbes Mattered?: Our Health Depends on Them by Leo Horrigan

 On behalf of the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, Leo Horrigan examines the potential for alternatives to conventional chemical farming. What if Soil Microbes Mattered? looks at how these organisms can restore the biodiversity of soil that has been damaged by chemical applications. Through this exploration, the book — available as a PDF — presents regenerative farming methods that pose the potential for rebuilding healthy soil to better nourish our land and ourselves.

25. What to Eat Now: The Indispensable Guide to Good Food, How to Find It, and Why It Matters by Marion Nestle (forthcoming November 2025)

Twenty years after her trailblazing What to Eat, Marion Nestle is asking the same question in a radically changed food environment in her new book. With over 30,000 products in a typical American supermarket and a rapidly changing news cycle, choosing what to eat can often be a daunting task. In What to Eat Now, Nestle cuts through the noise and establishes clear pathways for eating simply, sustainably, and ethically. 

26. Will Work for Food: Labor across the Food Chain by Laura-Anne Minkoff-Zern and Teresa M. Mares

Will Work For Food is an argument for centering fair labor practices in popular discourse about sustainable food and agriculture systems. Authors Laura-Anne Minkoff-Zern and Teresa M. Mares combine thorough labor justice research and anecdotes from laborers across the food chain to outline action steps that can help us build systems that are better for workers and eaters alike.

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

The post Food Tank’s Fall Reads for Food, Farming, and Our Future appeared first on Food Tank.

“Our job is huge. We need to change the way we grow food, eat food, talk about food, and love food. We really need new food habits—and that requires a lot of change,” says Dorothy Shaver, Global Food Sustainability Lead at Unilever.

Watch the full livestreamed event on Food Tank’s YouTube channel.

Panel discussions highlighted bold ideas and tangible actions from across the food industry, media, policy, and culinary worlds to build a more resilient, joyful, and regenerative food future. To kick off the afternoon, Rasmus Munk, Founder and Head Chef at Alchemist and Spora, spoke about the power that chefs hold to drive change. 

“Chefs have a big voice out there, a lot of spotlight on us as well. We’re getting a lot of time to speak,” says Munk. “Restaurants are a big communicator and platform to try new things. With our craft, we can actually do things.”

Munk’s food research center, Spora, is part of an international consortium that converts carbon dioxide into protein-rich foods, a project backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. This technology has moved from a conceptual stage to developing consumer-ready food prototypes—including chocolate truffles made without using cocoa products, which were passed out to Summit attendees.

Among Munk’s other food innovations are ingredients that push boundaries, he says, and inspire conversations at the dinner table, such as butterflies. 

“When you serve a butterfly that is farmed, people freak out,” says Munk. But “it contains about 3.5-times more protein than farmed chicken.”

Munk’s work shows that conversations about food innovations don’t necessarily have to be about technology. And when thinking about innovation in the food space, Chitra Agrawal, Co-Founder and CEO of Brooklyn Delhi and Author of Vibrant India, reminds attendees to look ahead by looking to the past.

“There’s so much ancient wisdom that is baked into the products that we are selling” at Brooklyn Delhi, says Agrawal.

Meanwhile, several organizations and brands attested to consumer preference for plant-forward menus—and often, these dishes are the most healthy, simple, and sustainable options.

“People want global flavors, they do want plant-rich foods, and often they want whole, plant-rich foods like beans,” says Eve Turow-Paul, Author, Founder and Executive Director at Food for Climate League. “When you say sustainable products, people think it’s expensive…rice and beans are sustainable, this doesn’t have to be something that’s inaccessible.”

Food can also be a powerful opportunity for self-care and connection, says Rachel Krupa, Founder and CEO of The Goods Mart. As many look to consume less amid rising economic uncertainty and environmental concern, “food is an affordable luxury that we can all connect with and relate to,” says Krupa.

But ultimately, “if you want food that is accessible, that has to be a nonprofit,” according to Mark Bittman, a New York Times bestselling author, former New York Times food writer, and chef. The Summit’s audience heard about Bittman’s new public restaurant model, Community Kitchen, which combines locally sourced, high-quality, and nutritious food with equitable access for all through a sliding-scale payment model.

“Good food is a universal right, we’re trying to demonstrate it’s possible,” says Bittman.

U.S. Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan emphasizes that the event itself—and the conversations on stage—is reason to maintain hope for a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food future.

“The fact that we’re all in this room shows that we haven’t given up yet. Focus on where you can use your voice, where you can use your power, and together we will come through this,” says Rep. McClellan.

David Gelles, award-winning New York Times climate reporter, echoed the importance of hope: “We are in an intense moment for a lot of people, a lot of people are scared…Without stories of hope, we sacrifice the possibility of positive change in the world.”

The afternoon concluded with Gelles sharing the story behind his forthcoming book, Dirtbag Billionaire: How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave It All Away. While Patagonia is a “unicorn,” Gelles says there are lessons all businesses can learn from Chouinard’s story. 

“I’m all for tasty food. But…real, durable systems change is going to come from the companies and entrepreneurs that have really bold visions—and sometimes unpopular ones—about how things fundamentally need to change, and then find the ways they can do that,” says Gelles.

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

Photo by Ryan Rose for Food Tank.

The post From Beans to Butterflies: Rethinking Food for People and Planet appeared first on Food Tank.

The Food Tank team is here for London Climate Action Week. Yesterday, we brought together 180+ chief sustainability officers and high-level leaders to discuss how we can replace commitments with real, scalable, implementable action plans for the future of the food system. And today, in a dynamic and creative workshop, we’re exploring what “regenerative” truly means in our lives.

Look, our food systems face serious challenges, and it’s vital that we step up and take action. But here’s a truth we cannot forget: Meaningless action—empty gestures, commitments for decades in the future—are no better than nothing at all.

We can’t just take action for action’s sake. We need to embrace solutions that are specific, urgent, and create long-lasting change—which means ones that are rooted in deep understanding.

This is a guiding principle for the 20 books on Food Tank’s summer reading list. Storytelling, cultural foodways, practical guidebooks, perspectives on sustainability, and other food books do more than just pique our interest: They strengthen the impact we can have as citizen eaters.

Here are the books we’re reading this summer that are changing how we stand up for plates, people, and the planet. (These titles are listed in alphabetical order.)

1. Braided Heritage: Recipes and Stories on the Origin of American Cuisine by Jessica B. Harris

2. Change the Recipe: Because You Can’t Build a Better World Without Breaking Some Eggs by José Andrés with Richard Wolffe

3. Every Purchase Matters: How Fair Trade Farmers, Companies, and Consumers Are Changing the World by Paul Rice

4. Gleanings from the Field by Dan Trudeau, William Moseley, and Paul Schadewald

5. Green Gold: The Avocado’s Remarkable Journey from Humble Superfood to Toast of a Nation by Sarah Allaback and Monique F. Parsons

6. Green with Milk and Sugar: When Japan Filled America’s Tea Cups by Robert Hellyer

7. Little Red Barns: Hiding the Truth from Farm to Fable by Will Potter (Forthcoming July 2025)

8. Nettles and Petals: Grow Food, Eat Weeds, Save Seeds by Jamie Walton

9. Regenerating Earth: Farmers Working with Nature to Feed Our Future by Kelsey Timmerman

10. Serving the Public: The Good Food Revolution in Schools, Hospitals, and Prisons by Kevin Morgan

11. Tanoreen: Palestinian Home Cooking in Diaspora by Rawia Bishara

12. The Editor: How Publishing Legend Judith Jones Shaped Culture in America by Sara B. Franklin

13. The Fish Counter by Marion Nestle

14. The Food Forward Garden: A Complete Guide to Designing and Growing Edible Landscapes by Christian Douglas

15. The Last Sweet Bite: Stories and Recipes of Culinary Heritage Lost and Found by Michael Shaikh

16. The Nightcrawlers: A Story of Worms, Cows, and Cash in the Underground Bait Industry by Joshua Steckley

17. The Omnivore’s Deception: What We Get Wrong about Meat, Animals, and Ourselves by John Sanbonmatsu

18. We Are Eating the Earth: The Race to Fix Our Food System and Save Our Climate by Michael Grunwald (Forthcoming July 2025)

19. What is Queer Food? How We Served a Revolution by John Birdsall

20. What We Eat: A Global History of Food edited by Pierre Singaravélou and Sylvain Venayre, translated by Stephen W. Sawyer (Forthcoming August 2025)

You can learn more details about these books by CLICKING HERE.

I truly believe that education is a form of action, and I hope the books on this list empower you to step up however you can! Be in touch, too: Share the books, movies, podcast episodes, articles, and more that have helped you become a stronger advocate for food systems and the well-being of our communities. As always, I’m at danielle@foodtank.com, and I look forward to hearing from you—and cracking open my next book!

Onward.

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia

The post Dispatch from London Climate Action Week 2025 appeared first on Food Tank.

Whether you want to learn from top humanitarian leaders, discover bold new culinary voices, or rethink the sustainability of global food and agriculture systems, Food Tank’s summer 2025 reading list delivers fresh, powerful insights for every reader.

1. Braided Heritage: Recipes and Stories on the Origin of American Cuisine by Jessica B. Harris

In Braided Heritage, culinary historian Dr. Jessica B. Harris details how Indigenous, European, and African cuisines came together to form the food landscape of America. Harris’ book uses traditional and modern recipes, in-depth historical research, and storytelling to connect readers with the real people and history of the United States. Harris highlights the crucial contributions of region, migration, and innovation to America’s distinctive and delectable food traditions.

2. Change the Recipe: Because You Can’t Build a Better World Without Breaking Some Eggs by José Andrés with Richard Wolffe

Chef and founder of World Central Kitchen José Andrés has spent decades cooking for people around the world, from Michelin-starred kitchens to areas hit by natural disasters and war. In Change the Recipe, Andrés reflects on the lessons he’s learned about building community, ensuring human dignity, and improving the world through food.

3. Every Purchase Matters: How Fair Trade Farmers, Companies, and Consumers Are Changing the World by Paul Rice

Every Purchase Matters proves that individuals and businesses have more power than they think to protect the environment, advocate for farmers’ rights, and call for sustainable supply chains. Author Paul Rice shines light on the grassroots leaders, business visionaries, success stories, and teachable moments shaping the future of people- and planet-forward business.

4. Gleanings from the Field by Dan Trudeau, William Moseley, and Paul Schadewald

This collection of essays prepares readers to understand food security issues as challenges without simple solutions. Building on recent events–including the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and the effects of the climate crisis–Gleaning from the Field shows the importance of looking at food security crises holistically in order to create effective and impactful solutions.

5. Green Gold: The Avocado’s Remarkable Journey from Humble Superfood to Toast of a Nation by Sarah Allaback and Monique F. Parsons

In Green Gold, Sarah Allaback and Monique F. Parsons piece together the timeline and cultural impact of the avocado industry. Together, the authors examine the history, botanical science, and marketing of the avocado over the past century, considering what inspired avocado pioneers to push through world wars, revolutions, droughts, and disease to make the Latin American fruit a supermarket staple.

6. Green with Milk and Sugar: When Japan Filled America’s Tea Cups by Robert Hellyer

Written by a professor of Japanese history, Green with Milk and Sugar explores how shifting Japanese-American relations in the 18th and 19th centuries influenced tea traditions in both countries. Robert Hellyer examines the social factors, economic trends, and racial biases that contributed to green tea’s rise and fall in the 20th century American diet, revealing the complex international forces shaping food history.

7. Little Red Barns: Hiding the Truth from Farm to Fable by Will Potter (Forthcoming July 2025)

Investigative journalist Will Potter details the shocking links between animal agriculture, factory farmed meat, and the rise of far-right militias. Little Red Barns reveals how the livestock industry is fueling climate collapse, exposing how fascism develops to protect industrial agriculture’s profits and existing power structures.

8. Nettles and Petals: Grow Food, Eat Weeds, Save Seeds by Jamie Walton

For experienced and beginning gardeners alike, Nettles and Petals is an informative and engaging guide to maintaining a biodiverse garden. Focusing on sustainability and soil health, Walton explains the value of planting weeds and flowers alongside traditional produce. This guide comes with practical advice on saving seeds and preserving produce to prepare readers for simple and effective circular gardening.9.

9. Regenerating Earth: Farmers Working with Nature to Feed Our Future by Kelsey Timmerman

After seeing how modern industrial agriculture was harming the environment near his home in rural Indiana, Kelsey Timmerman set out on a five-year journey to understand the regenerative agriculture movement. Timmerman recounts his travels across the U.S., Patagonia, the Amazon, Kenya, Brazil, and more, highlighting indigenous farmers’ millennia-old regenerative agriculture practices–and how these methods could help turn agriculture from a climate crisis to a cure.

The post 20 Must-Read Books on Food, Culture, and Climate for Summer Reading appeared first on Food Tank.

• January 20, 2025: President Donald Trump signs an Executive Order to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, effective January 2026.
• January 20, 2025: Trump signs an Executive Order to withdraw from the World Health Organization, effective January 2026.
• January 20, 2025: Trump signs an Executive Order pausing all foreign assistance programs for 90 days pending review. 
• January 20, 2025: Trump signs an Executive Order to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
• January 20, 2025: Trump signs several Executive Orders including this one, this one, and this one related to immigration — targeting undocumented immigrants as well as restricting legal immigration.
• January 27, 2025: The Office of Management and Budget issues a memorandum, directing all federal agencies to temporarily pause the obligation or disbursement of federal financial assistance.
• January 29, 2025: The Office of Management and Budget rescinds its memo from January 27, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says this does not affect the funding freezes in Trump’s executive orders.
• January 30, 2025: USDA instructs its staff to “identify and archive or unpublish any landing pages focused on climate change” by close of business on January 31, 2025, leading to the removal of web pages containing resources on climate information and programs including climate-smart agriculture, forest conservation, and clean energy projects.

February

• February 4, 2025: Trump’s 10 percent tariff on all Chinese imports go into effect. 
• February 7, 2025: U. S.Department of Agriculture (USDA) has frozen funding for farmers, ranging from cash assistance for farmers to support for cover crops.
• February 13, 2025: The U.S. Senate confirms Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.
• February 13, 2025: The U.S. Senate confirms Brooke Rollins as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
• February 13, 2025: Trump signs an Executive Order to establish a Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by Kennedy. The stated initial mission of the Commission will be to help the President address childhood chronic disease.
• February 17, 2025: Jim Jones, head of the Food Division at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), resigns. 
• February 20, 2025: Rollins announces “USDA will release the first tranche of funding that was paused due to the review of funding in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).”
• February 25, 2025: Layoffs hit the National Plant Germplasm System, which gathers and maintains agricultural plant species. 
• February 25, 2025: After suspending the 1890 Scholars Program—aimed at bolstering educational and career opportunities for students from rural or underserved communities around the country—the week prior, USDA announces it is accepting applications for another 2.5 weeks. 

March

• March 7, 2025: USDA eliminates two committees that advise it on food safety: the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods and the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection.
• March 10, 2025: China’s retaliatory 15 percent tariffs on American farm products including chicken, pork, soybeans, and beef take effect. 
• March 10, 2025: Kennedy directs FDA to explore rulemaking and eliminate the pathway for companies to self-affirm that food ingredients are safe.
• March 12, 2025: The EU takes retaliatory trade action, promising new duties on U.S. industrial and farm products.
• March 13, 2025: USDA cancels US$1 billion in funding for schools and food banks to buy food from local suppliers. One example of the impact this will have: the Houston Food Bank estimates the US$11 million loss in funding they’re experiencing will impact 15 percent of their current budget and output.
• March 14, 2024: After hundreds of layoffs in late February, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is told to cut roughly 10 percent of its workforce—amounting to a total reduction of 20 percent. 
• March 17, 2025: National Institutes of Health (NIH) cancels funding for the Diabetes Prevention Program, a 30-year nationwide study tracking patients with prediabetes and diabetes.
• March 17, 2025: USDA plans to allow meat processors to permanently run faster line speeds.
• March 18, 2025: USDA announces it is expediting US$10 billion in direct economic assistance to commodity farmers. 
• March 22, 2025: USDA cancels the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program halting US$500 million in deliveries to food banks.
• March 24, 2025: USDA cancels US$10 million in Patrick Leahy Farm to School grants. 
• March 25, 2025: Alfredo Jaurez Zeferino, a local farm worker activist in Washington State, is arrested and detained by ICE.
• March 25, 2025: The U.S. Senate confirms Marty Makary as the Commissioner of FDA.
• March 25, 2025: U.S. Senate confirms Jay Bhattacharya as the Director of NIH.
• March 26, 2025: FDA announces that it will delay the deadline to comply with new food safety rules, known as the Food Traceability Rule (FSMA), by 30 months, originally set to go into effect in 2026.
• March 27, 2025: HHS announces a restructuring that will cut 20,000 jobs, including 3,500 full-time employees at FDA. The cuts reportedly included the entire FDA communications team.
• March 28, 2025: The Trump-Vance Administration told Congress on Friday it plans to cut nearly all remaining jobs at U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and close the agency.

April

• April 1, 2025: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shuts down its Maternal and Child Health Branch—which works with other countries to ensure that mothers and children at risk of or infected by HIV receive treatment—and laid off all staff.
• April 2, 2025: Rollins sends a letter to Maine Governor Janet Mills claiming the state is “violating federal law against discrimination in education” by allowing transgender athletes to compete in public school sports, and announcing that USDA will withhold some federal funds from the state Department of Education. 
• April 3, 2025: FDA suspends a program to improve its bird flu testing of milk, cheese, and pet food that was set to launch later this month, due to staff cuts. 
• April 3, 2025: Interviews with current and former FDA staff members reveal that layoffs at the agency include lab scientists who tested food and drugs for contaminants or bacteria.
• April 4, 2025: After HHS announces that it will cut their workforce by 10,000 people in late March, they estimate that around 20 percent will be reinstated.
• April 5, 2025: Trump’s announced 10 percent baseline tariffs on imports from all countries go into effect, with higher retaliatory tariffs on some of the U.S.’s most important agricultural trade partners. 
• April 7, 2025: Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey says in a statement that the Child Nutrition Program of the Maine Department of Education has been unable to access funds necessary for feeding vulnerable children and adults. 
• April 7, 2025: According to several officials, USDA plans to cut the agency to 2019 staffing levels, slash its footprint in D.C., and relocate to “hubs” around the country in to-be-determined locations. 
• April 8, 2025: After announcing further cuts in emergency food aid to several countries, the Trump-Vance Administration reverse course. Funding cuts remain in place in Afghanistan and Yemen. 
• April 9, 2025: Trump raises import taxes on China, bringing the total to 145 percent.
• April 14, 2025: Rollins announces the latest slate of presidential appointments, naming Jaye Hamby director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and appointing new policy advisers, chiefs of staff for four USDA mission areas, and senior personnel for communications and external relations. 
• April 14, 2025: USDA cancels climate slush fund, the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC), that supports the adoption of agricultural practices that promote on-farm conservation and resilience. The agency says it will review existing projects based on new criteria and continue to fund those that qualify under a new name, the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) initiative. The PCSC is the fifth program to see its funding ended to date. Other canceled programs include the Working Lands Conservation Corps, Local Food for Schools and Child Care Cooperative Agreement (LFSCC), Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement program (LFPA). A comprehensive list of the two-dozen-plus programs with payments still reportedly paused can be found here.
• April 14, 2025: Around 12,000 USDA employees—more than 10 percent of the agency’s total staff—say that they are taking a second buyout option and voluntarily leaving their positions.
• April 15, 2025: A federal judge orders the Trump-Vance Administration to release billions of dollars meant to finance climate and infrastructure projects across the country.
• April 16, 2025: The Office of Management and Budget proposes fiscal 2026 funding levels would disrupt research and conservation efforts. White House documents direct the USDA to develop plans to consolidate local, county-based offices into state committees to service the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Rural Development.
• April 17, 2025: Kevin Hall, a top nutrition researcher at NIH, steps down.
• April 17, 2025: FDA is suspending a quality control program for its food testing laboratories as a result of staff cuts at HHS. The program is designed to ensure consistency and accuracy across the agency’s network of about 170 labs that test food for pathogens and contaminants to prevent food-borne illness.
• April 17, 2025: USDA issues a memorandum to all state agencies administering SNAP making it clear states must ensure benefits are provided with an expectation that those who can work, do.
• April 17, 2025: Trump issues an Executive Order to deregulate commercial fishing, opening up waters for fishing in previously protected areas. 
• April 17, 2025: An internal email from the State Department suggests the review of USAID programs has been extended for another 30 days. The original review, set to end on April 20, was meant to last 90 days. 
• April 21, 2025: Armed agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrest eight dairy farm workers in Richford, Vermont—one of the largest actions of its kind in recent Vermont history. They are detained and transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. 
• April 22, 2025: FDA announces they are phasing out the use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes by the end of 2026. An official agreement between FDA and the food industry doesn’t yet exist. 
• April 22, 2025: JBS receives approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange.
• April 24, 2025: U.S. Secretary of State Rubio announces the State Department is eliminating the Office of Global Change, which oversees international climate change negotiations for the U.S.
• April 24, 2025: Rollins directs state agencies to enhance identity and immigration verification processes to determine SNAP eligibility in an attempt to ensure benefits aren’t claimed by anyone who is undocumented. Undocumented people are already ineligible for SNAP benefits.
• April 24, 2025: Four U.S. states—Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas and Indiana—have asked USDA for waivers to let them ban soda, energy drinks, and other food items from SNAP, something the Trump-Vance Administration has said it will support. Rollins and Kennedy previously wrote: “We will encourage taxpayer dollars to go toward wholesome foods, such as whole milk, fruits, vegetables and meats.”
• April 25, 2025: The World Food Programme (WFP) announces they will cut up to 30 percent of staff by next year due to a decline in funding, including cuts to USAID. 
• April 25, 2025: USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service withdraws its proposed rule, “Salmonella Framework for Raw Poultry Products.” The rule intended to expand efforts to reduce Salmonella contamination in poultry products.
• April 26, 2025: Rollins demands Mexico eliminate restrictions on USDA aircraft and waive customs duties on eradication equipment to help respond to the spread of the New World Screwworm—a deadly parasitic fly that infests warm-blooded animals. If the demands aren’t met by April 30, USDA will restrict the import of animal commodities from Mexico.
• April 28, 2025: Multiple FDA officials report that their layoffs are expected to be reversed following a team-wide meeting the week prior. The reversals include staff at food safety labs in Chicago and San Francisco.
• April 29, 2025: Rollins announces a second round of payments is coming for specialty crop producers through the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program. It will provide up to US$1.3 billion in additional program assistance.

Is there an update you want to see included that isn’t on the list? Email Danielle at danielle@foodtank.com.

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

Photo courtesy of Amy Reed, Unsplash

The post The First 100 Days: How Trump and Vance Have Changed Food, Agriculture, Health, and Climate appeared first on Food Tank.

1. Banana Capital: Stories, Science, and Poison at the Equator by Ben Brisbois

The city of Machala, Ecuador describes itself as the “banana capital of the world.” Ben Brisbois reveals the less-palatable side of the banana industry, from devastating health impacts of pesticides to imperialism and ecological destruction. Banana Capital draws attention to the global exploitation of agro-economies in Latin America, and to what we can do to stop it.

2. Carbon: The Book of Life by Paul Hawken

New York Times bestselling author and the Founder of Project Drawdown Paul Hawken examines the world through one of the primary building blocks of life: carbon. His latest book takes a deep dive into the realms of plants, animals, insects, fungi, food, and farms to demonstrate how intertwined carbon is with the human experience. And Hawken reveals what possibilities the element may open up in the future.

3. Dodge County, Incorporated: Big Ag and the Undoing of Rural America by Sonja Trom Eayrs

Attorney and “farmer’s daughter” Eayrs chronicles the long history of havoc wreaked by corporate farms on rural communities. Following a first-hand account of her parents’ legal battle to keep a corporate farm out of Dodge County, Minnesota, she documents how Big Ag came to control today’s food system—and why we need to fight it.

4. Eat Pacific: The Pacific Island Food Revolution Cookbook by Robert Oliver

Based on the TV show Pacific Island Food Revolution, host and award-winning chef Robert Oliver shares 139 delicious recipes from across the Pacific. More than just recipes, this cookbook contains a powerful message about the importance of local food cultures to human health and sustainability.

5. Gardens of Hope: Cultivating Food and the Future in a Post-Disaster City by Yuki Kato (Forthcoming May 2025)

Drawing from conversations with New Orleans residents, Yuki Kato examines the surge of urban gardening in the city during the decade after Hurricane Katrina. She documents the efforts of individuals and communities who can imagine alternative futures—food secure futures, climate-resilient futures—and why grit is not always enough.

6. Gluten Free for Life: Celiac Disease, Medical Recognition, and the Food Industry by Emily K. Abel

Approximately one in 100 Americans are affected by Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition that requires lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet. Abel highlights Celiac in a way few have before, highlighting the historical, socioeconomic, and cultural challenges of the disease and the gluten-free industry. She frames Celiac as an often-invisible disability, and disability itself as a social and political issue that cannot be addressed through science alone.

7. How the World Eats: A Global Food Philosophy by Julian Baggini

Philosopher and best-selling author Julian Baggini of How the World Eats tackles another big question facing humankind: how do we eat? And how should we eat? Baggini explores the ethics of various food systems and technologies, past and present, and ultimately calls for a global philosophy of food.

8. How to Feed the World: The History and Future of Food by Vaclav Smil

In an increasingly complicated global food system, Vaclav Smil offers a data-driven, scientific approach to understanding the massive issues facing food and agriculture today. He explores questions of growing populations, inequitable distribution, and environmental harm, suggesting ways to bring us closer to feeding the planet without destroying it.

9. In the Global Vanguard: Agrarian Development and the Making of Modern Taiwan by James Lin

James Lin details the late-20th-century transformation of Taiwan from an agricultural colony into a global economic power. In particular, he describes how the Taiwanese government exported agricultural technology and expertise across Africa and Southeast Asia. Lin argues that these development missions were used to bolster Taiwan’s position as a powerful and technologically-modern nation during its years of martial law.

10. Kwéyòl / Creole: Recipes, Stories, and Tings from a St. Lucian Chef’s Journey: A Cookbook by Nina Compton (Forthcoming April 2025)

In a celebration of Afro-Caribbean cuisine, award-winning chef Nina Compton shares 100 flavorful recipes based in her trans-continental and intercultural heritage. Interspersed with photographs and narrative, Compton brings cultural history to the cutting edge with delicious and relevant recipes.

11. México Between Feast and Famine: Food, Corporate Power, and Inequality by Enrique C. Ochoa (Forthcoming April 2025)

Mexico is known for its culinary richness, but inequality and globalization are impacting its food and agriculture systems. Enrique Ochoa brings such contradictions to light by analyzing the historical roots of Mexico’s food system, including some of its biggest food production companies and public health issues. Still, Ochoa offers hope for a future that prioritizes justice and well-being for Mexicans.

12. On Gold Hill: A Personal History of Wheat, Farming, and Family, from Punjab to California by Jaclyn Moyer

An enmeshment of personal and societal histories, Jaclyn Moyer tells her story as an organic farmer against a backdrop of capitalism and colonialism. She grows Sonora wheat, a nearly-forgotten heirloom variety with roots traceable to Punjab—the Indian state from which Moyer’s parents immigrated. On Gold Hill is a story of reclamation, resilience, and the complex diasporic experience as it relates to the planet and its people.

13. Regenerative Farming and Sustainable Diets: Human, Animal and Planetary Health edited by Joyce D’Silva and Carol McKenna

An argument for urgent, radical change in farming practices, this book makes clear the importance of regenerative farming to people, animals, and the Earth. It discusses a broad range of issues related to current farming practices—climate change, animal mistreatment, predatory markets—and offers transformative solutions for policymakers and practitioners.

14. Setting a Place for Us: Recipes and Stories of Displacement, Resilience, and Community from Eight Countries Impacted by War by Hawa Hassan

Somali refugee and James Beard Award-winning author Hawa Hassan highlights the culinary resilience and ingenuity of eight countries who have faced, or are facing, major geopolitical conflict. With recipes contextualized by informative essays on culture and history, Hassan challenges genre as well as the oft-reductive dominant narrative surrounding humans in conflict.

15. Silvohorticulture: A Grower’s Guide to Integrating Trees into Crops by Ben Raskin and Andy Dibben

Agroforestry can provide a range of benefits to a farm or garden, including improved soil, pest and nutrient management, biodiversity, and optimized yields. Raskin and Dibben lend decades of experience and the latest scientific research to this practical guide to successfully incorporating forestry into your growing space.

16. Sweet and Deadly: How Coca-Cola Spreads Disinformation and Makes Us Sick by Murray Carpenter

Sugar-sweetened beverages are one of the greatest contributors to diet related illnesses including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In Sweet and Deadly, Carpenter looks at the Coca-Cola corporation’s efforts to hide the health risks of these products from eaters, drawing comparisons to strategies used to promote products from tobacco to opioids and highlighting the consequences this has had on public health.

17. The Apple: A Delicious History by Sally Coulthard

Apples have been documented for over 10,000 years, with more than 7,500 varieties in the world today—yet, only a few species are available in modern supermarkets. Speckled with recipes and stories, Sally Coulthard’s book traces the history of the apple in culture, cuisine, agriculture, mythology, and religion.

18. The Fishwife Cookbook: Delightful Tinned Fish Recipes for Every Occasion by Becca Millstein and Vilda Gonzalez

Tinned fish is undeniably having its moment, as an affordable indulgence in this time of soaring grocery prices. The Fishwife Cookbook, from the Fishwife tinned seafood company, compiles 80 simple-yet-flavorful recipes to up your fish game from trout tacos to mackerel udon and more.

19. The Kidney and the Cane: Planetary Health and Plantation Labor in Nicaragua by Alex M. Nading (Forthcoming May 2025)

With immense growth in Nicaragua’s sugarcane industry came immense sickness: high temperatures, water scarcity, and overuse of agrochemicals has led to death and disease of thousands of plantation workers. With an understanding of chronic kidney disease as a consequence of climate change, Alex M. Nading shines necessary light on the relationships between people and profit, climate and illness, and labor in the face of climate change.

20. The Quinoa Bust: The Making and Unmaking of an Andean Miracle Crop by Emma McDonell

Hailed as a sustainable development miracle by some, quinoa quickly made its way into the global pantry in recent decades—but not without unintended consequences. The Quinoa Bust explores the work that went into popularizing the ancient Andean grain and the new disasters that came with its popularity. As other “forgotten” or ancient foods are suggested as development opportunities, McDonell advises caution.

21. White Light: The Elemental Role of Phosphorous—in Our Cells, in Our Food, and in Our World by Jack Lohmann

Phosphorus, particularly in the form of phosphate, plays an enormous role in agriculture as fertilizer. In this interdisciplinary exploration of the element, Jack Lohmann guides the reader through the history of the phosphorous fertilizer industry and its externalities. From mining to mummies, White Light details the human relationship with phosphorus and what that might mean for a sustainable farming future.

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

The post 21 New Books to Inspire the Movement for Sustainable Food Systems appeared first on Food Tank.

Agrobiodiversity can boost food security, make farming systems more stable and sustainable, and improve productivity the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports. But of the thousands of known edible plant species, only three—rice, wheat, and maize—contribute to 60 percent of calories and proteins humans obtain from plants. The African Vegetable Biodiversity Rescue Plan aims to diversify eaters’ diets by unlocking the potential of African vegetable biodiversity.

The 10-year Plan, set to run from 2025-2035, aims to address hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and the climate crisis by rescuing, conserving, and using African vegetable biodiversity while addressing supply, demand, and policy challenges. According to the World Vegetable Center, which is leading the Plan, the crop diversity will be actively used by farmers, breeders, and researchers from African countries to increase the supply of nutrient-dense food.

“Effects of climate change, like droughts, floods, and urbanization pose the most danger to Indigenous African vegetable varieties. This rescue plan is an opportunity to bring other stakeholders in this response to save our vegetable species,” says Gabriel Rugalema, Associate Director General for Africa at the World Vegetable Center.

These crops have long been essential for healthy, resilient food systems—and they always will be. While there are many to dive into, Food Tank is rounding up just a handful of crops that represent great opportunity, so that we can begin to get to know some of the varieties that can fuel the future.

African Nightshade (genus Solanum): Crops in this genus—particularly Solanum scabrum—have been used for centuries across Sub-Saharan Africa for nutritious and pharmacological purposes. The vegetable is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, carbohydrates, carotenoids, minerals, and proteins, and it’s often served fried, dried, or fermented.

Amaranth (multiple species): Amaranth is already one of the most commonly consumed indigenous vegetables in Kenya and Tanzania, and it can be used in multiple beneficial ways. The amaranth grain, which can be consumed on its own or used to fortify other grains and flours, is rich in protein, lysine, and calcium. And the leaves, which are commonly boiled or fried, are rich in vitamin C, iron, and zinc.

Celosia (Celosia argentea): Celosia has distinctive flower spikes reminiscent of colorful wheat and is used for both food and ornamentation. It has a soft texture and mild taste, and it’s particularly tolerant to a variety of harsh growing conditions. Leaves are often used in soups and stews across Nigeria, Benin, and Congo, and they’re high in calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins, and protein.

Drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera): Other names for drumstick trees include “the Miracle Tree” and “the Tree of Life”—clues as to why the protein- and antioxidant-rich tree has been used for centuries for both nutrition and healing. The tree’s flowers are used to make tea; young leaves, stalks, and pods can be eaten as vegetables; and mature seeds can be roasted like peanuts or ground into powder as an antibacterial water purifier.

Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius): This leafy green vegetable, also used as a fiber crop, is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and is highly adaptable to stressful agricultural conditions. The leaves, which are commonly cooked as a vegetable or dried to thicken soups, are rich in vitamins A, B6 and C, potassium, iron, folate, dietary fiber, and other antioxidants.

Kei Apple (Dovyalis affra): Kei apples, originating in South Africa, are highly nutritious fruits that are used to make jams, jellies, juices, and wine. And the trees they grow on are able to remain productive in adverse conditions like drought, frost, and high saline levels, and they help build biodiversity by attracting birds, baboons, antelope, and monkeys.

Kersting’s groundnut (Macrotyloma geocarpum): This legume is high in minerals and crude fiber and low in fat, and it’s grown by smallholder farmers across West Africa for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and boost soil fertility. Culinarily, it’s used as a grain legume in a variety of local dishes, and the plant itself is also fairly resistant to climatic stresses.

Loufa gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca): The Loufa gourd is grown widely in Nigeria and found across tropical and subtropical Africa. Young gourds are edible both raw and cooked and contain a variety of compounds that support metabolic health and offer anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Tougher mature gourds are particularly useful as sponges, packing materials, air filters, and shoe soles.

Malabar spinach (Basella alba): This leafy green vegetable thrives in hot weather and grows very quickly. Although it’s not actually closely related to common spinach, Malabar spinach can also be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves can also be used as a thickener, and both the leaves and stems are good sources of Vitamins A and C, calcium and iron.

Spider plant (Cleome gynandra): Despite its similar English name, this particularly drought-tolerant leafy green herb is not related to a common houseplant. This spider plant, also occasionally called spiderwisp or African cabbage, grows highly nutritious leaves that researchers say can contribute to food security, and its seeds contain oils that naturally repel insects.

Yambean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa): A highly versatile member of the legume family, the yambean is commonly eaten for its seeds in West Africa and as a tuber vegetable in East and Central Africa. Because it’s abundant in vitamins and minerals, yambeans can be used to fortify other foods and alleviate malnutrition.

Read more about the importance of diversifying our crops and diets in a new piece on Forbes by clicking HERE.

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

Photo courtesy of Joydeep, Wikimedia Commons

The post These Crops Can Help Us Diversify the World’s Diet appeared first on Food Tank.

1. A History of Bread: Consumers, Bakers and Public Authorities since the 18th Century by Peter Scholliers

In 18th century Europe, one third of household expenditure was spent on bread. Today, that number is less than 1 percent. Author Peter Scholliers looks at everything from policies and trends that shaped consumer preferences to technological advancements. As he traces this history, Schollier covers the most defining moments for bread and the people behind it.

2. Chile, Clove, and Cardamom: A Gastronomic Journey Into the Fragrances and Flavors of Desert Cuisines by Beth Dooley and Gary Paul Nabhan

Chile, Clove, Cardamom celebrates the flavors of dry climate and arid-adapted foodways from Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and the deserts between the United States and Mexico. Beth Dooley and Gary Paul Nabhan’s book brings together more than 90 recipes from these regions including Squash Blossom Fritters, Watermelon and Cactus Fruit Gazpacho, and Blue Corn Bread. 

3. Chop Chop: Cooking the Food of Nigeria by Ozoz Sokoh (Forthcoming March 2025)

Food writer, educator, and culinary anthropologist Ozoz Sokoh offers an introduction to Nigerian cooking in Chop Chop. The recipes, which come from the country’s six regions, include Akara (fried bean fritters), Imoyo Eleja (fish escabeche with salsa), and Kazan Ridi (sesame chicken). Alongside recipes, Sokoh also provides cultural and historical context for the dishes alongside photos from Nigeria’s landscapes, food markets, and people.   

4. Countering Dispossession, Reclaiming Land: A Social Movement Ethnography by David E. Gilbert (Forthcoming March 2024)

Countering Dispossession, Reclaiming the Land tells the story of a group of Indonesian agricultural workers who started a movement when they began occupying an agribusiness plantation near their homes. Author David E. Gilbert’s work shows how this community regained collective control of the land and established biodiverse agroforests that repaired the harm done to the soil 

5. Decolonizing African Agriculture: Food Security, Agroecology and the Need for Radical Transformation by William G. Moseley

In Decolonizing African Agriculture, William G. Moseley sets out to answer why so many approaches to farming and food policy in sub-Saharan Africa have failed. Drawing from decades of field research, he argues that the answer is in strategies that are based in colonial agricultural science. But he believes that there is a new way forward, advocating for a transformation that supports agroecology, rural communities, and networks of smaller cities. 

6. Eating and Being: A History of Ideas about Our Food and Ourselves by Steven Shapin

Eating and Being explores the evolution of eaters’ perception of food, as priorities shifting from what is good to what is good for them. Historian Steven Shapin traces the development of traditional dietetics and its growth into the nutrition science of today, arguing that this change has fundamentally altered the way we think about food, bodies, and the mind. 

7. Food Activism Today: Sustainability, Climate Change, and Social Justice by Donald M. Nonini and Dorothy C. Holland

As the climate and public health crises persist, food activists are taking new approaches to tackle industrialized food and agriculture systems and push for healthy, sustainable solutions. Drawing on ethnographic research, Food Activism Today examines these emerging strategies to understand the moral vision of advocates, the economic and racial dynamics that shape movements, and the ways that food activism is tied to the climate crisis. 

8. Insatiable City: Food and Race in New Orleans by Theresa McCulla

Theresa McCulla’s Insatiable City covers 200 years of New Orleans history to show linkages between production and reception of race, power, social status, and labor in a city famous for its food culture. The book draws on menus, cookbooks, newspapers, postcards, photography, and other media to show how the production and reception of food shapes, and is shaped by these social forces.

9. Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space by Paula J. Johnson

On display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. is the home kitchen of chef, author, and television personality Julia Child, complete with the appliances, cabinets, tools and utensils that Child herself used. In Julia Child’s Kitchen, the museum’s curator and public historian Paula J. Johnson takes a close look at this historic space. The book brings together interviews, color photographs, and commentary on Child’s kitchen gadgets to reveal how the chef continues to influence food and cooking today. 

10. Modern Chinese Foodways edited by Jia-Chen Fu, Michelle T. King and Jakob A. Klein

This collection analyzes Chinese foodways from the mid-19th to the 21st century to argue that, despite an emphasis on its early beginnings, the country’s cuisine is truly modern. Editors Jia-Chen Fu, Michelle T. King, and Jakob A. Klein focus on four major areas of change: the commodification of food production, new food technologies, new culinary identities, and migration. Through these lenses, the book’s essays examine the past of Chinese food studies and lay the groundwork for its future. 

11. Planning Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems: From Soil to Soil by Julia Freedgood

Author Julia Feedgood highlights how to build resilience, improve the environmental outcomes of farming, and address economic disparities. In Part One, Feedgood, a Senior Fellow and Senior Program Advisor at American Farmland Trust, outlines a public framework and presents principles and practices for food systems planning. And in Part Two, she shows  readers the policies and programs that support farming systems, sustain agriculture, and bolster community food security. 

12. Raw Deal: Hidden Corruption, Corporate Greed, and the Fight for the Future of Meat by Chloe Sorvino

Raw Deal exposes the corporate greed and corruption in the meat industry, how climate change threatens food production, and the limitations of local food movements challenging the status-quo. The new paperback edition comes with an afterword that tackles important changes, ranging from the rollback of commitments on antibiotics to evolution of the plant-based foods market, that have taken place since the book’s original release. 

13. Reversing Deforestation: How Market Forces and Local Ownership Are Saving Forests in Latin America by Brent Sohngen and Douglas Southgate

Forests are the one of the planet’s largest storehouses of carbon, are home to over 80 percent of terrestrial biodiversity, and provide food or fuel for over 1.6 billion people worldwide. But deforestation threatens these many benefits. In their new book, Brent Sohngen and Douglas Southgate examine trends how demographic change can slow deforestation. And they argue that a focus on local land rights recognizing the value of biodiversity will help to prevent further loss of these valuable ecosystems. 

14. Seeding Empire: American Philanthrocapital and the Roots of the Green Revolution in Africa by Aaron Eddens

Seeding Empire connects the dots between some of the earliest Green Revolution projects in Mexico in the 1940s and 1950s to those taking place across the African continent today. Readers will learn about the programs supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, field trials of hybrid Maize in Kenya, and the world’s largest biotechnology companies. Ultimately, author Aaron Eddens argues that the Green Revolution has failed to end hunger and address global inequalities. 

15. Slow Noodles: A Cambodian Memoir of Love, Loss, and Family Recipes by Chantha Nguon with Kim Green

In her coming-of-age memoir Chantha Ngon recounts how she lost her home, family, and country when she is displaced by two civil wars—first in Cambodia, then in Vietnam—before she flees to a refugee camp in Thailand. But she retains memories of her mother’s kitchen. As Nguon grows up, she finds that the re-creation of dishes from her child offers an act of resistance and a way to honor the memory of her family. 

16. The Crop Cycle: Stories with Deep Roots by Shane Mitchell

Shane Mitchell spent nine years tracking down the history of fruits, vegetables, and grains in the American South to understand the region’s relationship to food. Essays explore both the personal and cultural significance of foods including grits, rice, onions, and tomatoes, touching on their broader connections to race, labor relations, civil rights, and agricultural production. 

17. The Nature of Nature: The Metabolic Disorder of Climate Change by Vandana Shiva

“Climate change is an issue of justice, and of life and death,” writes author and environmental advocate Vandana Shiva in The Nature of Nature. Industry leaders in the worlds of agriculture and technology are developing new innovations to combat the interconnected food, climate, and health crises, but Shiva sees these as false promises. Instead, she argues that the future of the food system and the climate depends on a natural regeneration that works with the biosphere. 

18. The Proof Is in the Dough: Rural Southern Women, Extension, and Money Making by Kathryn L. Beasley

The Proof Is in the Dough looks at the ways rural white and African American women in Alabama and Florida used the Cooperative Extension Service’s home demonstration programming to earn extra income in the early 1900s. Comparing the women’s approaches in each state, Kathryn Beasley details the unique ways these southern women applied their skills and the resources available to them to help their families and gain greater economic independence. 

19. Titans of Industrial Agriculture: How a Few Giant Corporations Came to Dominate the Farm Sector and Why It Matters by Jennifer Clapp (Forthcoming February 2025)

Titans of Industrial Agriculture traces the history of consolidation in the agri-food system, explaining how a handful of transnational corporations came to dominate the agricultural inputs sector. Jennifer Clapp examines the power these companies hold and the business moves that made them bigger and more dominant, while also analyzing recent attempts to address corporate power. 

20. The Painful Truth about Hunger in America: Why We Must Unlearn Everything We Think We Know—and Start Again by Mariana Chilton

More than 47 million people in the United States live in food insecure households. Mariana Chilton makes the case in her book that it doesn’t have to be this way, but there are structural forces at play that allow hunger to persist. The Painful Truth about Hunger in America argues that to change this, there must be a radical transformation grounded in compassion, love, and connection. 

21. The Regenerative Agriculture Solution: A Revolutionary Approach to Building Soil, Creating Climate Resilience, and Supporting Human and Planetary Health by Ronnie Cummins and André Leu

Before his passing in 2023, Ronnie Cummins was at work on a new book to spotlight farmers, educators, and advocates pushing for an alternative way of farming that can nourish communities and heal the Earth. While he wasn’t able to see this work through to completion, his longtime collaborator André Leu stepped in to finish the project. Now ready for the public, The Regenerative Agriculture Solution demonstrates how a regenerative approach to farming offers solutions to the interlocking crises the world faces today. 

22. The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer

In her latest book Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of the award-winning Braiding Sweetgrass, asks how we can learn from Indigenous wisdom and the plant world to reimagine what we value most. Kimmerer looks to the serviceberry trees she harvests from, bringing readers’ attention to the way they distribute their berries to meet the needs of the natural community. These plants, she argues, offer a model of reciprocity, interconnectedness, and gratitude that the world can benefit from. 

23. The Youth Climate Uprising: From the School Strike Movement to an Ecophilosophy of Democracy by David Fopp, Isabelle Axelsson, and Loukina Tille

2024 was the hottest year on record, according to the World Meteorological Organization and extreme weather events continue to increase in intensity as the climate crisis accelerates. But as The Youth Climate Uprising shows, young people are unwilling to sit idly by. Scientist David Fopp, with youth climate activists Isabelle Axelsson and Loukina Tille, offer guidance to push for a more just and sustainable planet while arguing that everyone has a place in this movement in an uncertain time. 

24. Waters of the United States: POTUS, SCOTUS, WOTUS, and the Politics of a National Resource by Royal C. Gardner

In Waters of the United States, Royal C. Gardner digs into nuances of water policy and the regulations that do—or don’t—protect the rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands in the United States. Through its compelling narrative and detailed analysis, this book offers an important resource for lawyers and environmental advocates as well as readers looking to understand the forces that will shape the future of water systems in the U.S. 

25. What a Farmer Wants You to Know about Food by Dennis Bulani

Written by fourth-generation family farmer Dennis Bulani, What a Farmer Wants You to Know attempts to answer questions that eaters have about the food on their plates. Bulani’s book covers topics ranging from food safety and farming inputs to food labeling and modern agricultural practices. 

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

The post 25 Books Guiding Us Toward More Regenerative Food Systems appeared first on Food Tank.

The momentum to transform food and agriculture systems has never been more urgent—or more inspiring.

Around the world, organizations are driving change through initiatives designed and led by farmers to build climate resilience. They are creating bold partnerships that bring together visionaries and amplify new perspectives. These organizations are advocating for people- and farmer-centered policies that will make healthy, delicious, and regeneratively grown food more affordable and accessible and more economically sustainable for producers. These leaders are addressing the crises of today. And they are building the systems that communities need for tomorrow—those that nourish, sustain, and unite us all.

As we enter a new quarter century, here are 125 organizations to follow and support in 2025.

1. 40 Acres & A Mule Project, United States

40 Acres & A Mule seeks to acquire Black-owned farmland to be used to celebrate and preserve the history, food, and stories of Black culture in food and farming. Founded to address the legacy of land loss and the unrealized promise of reparations, 40 Acres aims to create a sanctuary for teaching farming, and archive Black foodways and the importance of Black farms.

2. Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ANAPRI), Africa

ANAPRI is a network of agricultural policy research institutions located in 15 countries in Central, East, West, and southern Africa. ANAPRI’s mission is to provide data-driven, objective, and innovative research and policy advice to national, regional, and continental stakeholders to ensure long-term food security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth across Africa.

3. Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), Africa

AFSA is a coalition of civil society organizations advocating for food sovereignty and agroecology across the continent. They represent smallholder farmers, indigenous communities, and environmentalists, promoting sustainable practices and empowerment through their network of 30 active member communities.

4. American Farmland Trust (AFT), United States

AFT is dedicated to protecting and preserving farmland and ranchland in the U.S., promoting environmentally sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on their land. “Land, practices, people: It all comes together, with each building off of one another,” says John Piotti, President and CEO of AFT. AFT works to save the land that sustains us and empower the farmers and ranchers who steward that land.

5. Arrell Food Institute, Canada

The Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph is dedicated to advancing sustainable and resilient global food systems through cutting-edge research, innovation, and collaboration. It connects expertise across disciplines to enhance food security, improve distribution, and position Canada as a leader in agricultural innovation.

6. Asian Farmers Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA), Asia

AFA empowers small-scale farmers, fishers, Indigenous peoples, and rural communities across Asia through advocacy, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. AFA promotes secure land rights, sustainable farming practices, and the growth of cooperatives to enhance livelihoods and resilience. Its initiatives aim to combat hunger, reduce poverty, and inspire youth to engage in sustainable agriculture. “When we unleash the potential” of small scale farmers, the world will see “a dramatic increase” in the availability of healthy foods and communities lifted out of poverty, argues Esther Penunia, AFA’s Secretary General.

7. Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK), Bangladesh

BARCIK has been dedicated to promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation since 1997. By integrating indigenous knowledge and practices, it empowers local communities while advancing cultural and natural diversity. Through research, education, and dialogue, BARCIK fosters innovation rooted in traditional wisdom to build harmony between people and the environment.

8. Better Soils, Better Lives, Africa

Better Soils, Better Lives works to address worsening droughts caused by deteriorating soil quality, a major driver of the global hunger crisis. The initiative aims to triple the productivity of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa in 20 years by promoting green manure and cover crops that restore soil health, combat drought, and enhance farm resilience. By tackling soil degradation, the organization provides sustainable solutions to end food dependency and create thriving agricultural communities.

9. Black Urban Growers (BUGs), United States

BUGs is committed to fostering a strong, supportive community for cultivators in both urban and rural settings, while empowering Black leadership in agriculture. Founded in 2010, the organization hosts the annual Black Farmers & Urban Gardeners National Conference, which advocates for food sovereignty and reimagines Black futures through collective Black agrarian leadership. BUGs is dedicated to nurturing land-based stewardship and advancing food justice while celebrating the resilience and contributions of Black growers.

10. Bread for the World, United States

A faith-based Christian advocacy organization, Bread for the World is working toward a world without hunger by through education and policy advocacy. For more than 50 years, they have helped strengthen national nutrition programs and called on policymakers to strengthen and improve U.S. international assistance. Their policies and programs have impacted 320 million Americans and more than 7 billion people worldwide.

11. Botswana Farmers Association, Botswana

The Botswana Farmers Association works to elevate smallholder farmers in Botswana and reduce poverty through capacity building and advocacy. Made up of more than 7,700 members, the organization advocates for better policies, promotes climate-smart agriculture, and supports market access for their members. They also foster unity among farmers and collaborate with partners to enhance production and marketing opportunities.

12. Chennai Urban Farming Initiative, India

The Chennai Urban Farming Initiative (CUFI) aims to transform urban spaces, including rooftops and vacant lots, into vegetable gardens in Chennai, India. Focused on climate resilience, the initiative promotes green spaces that help to cool the city, improve food access, and create economic opportunities, particularly for marginalized communities. CUFI’s efforts include training residents in urban farming, providing mobile garden kits, and supporting women’s empowerment through agricultural entrepreneurship.

13. CDC Foundation, United States

The CDC Foundation helps the nation’s public health system do more, faster by forging partnerships with corporations, foundations, organizations, and individuals. Through these collaborations, the Foundation strengthens efforts to protect public safety. Since the Biden-Harris Administration launched the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health, the CDC Foundation has helped the White House secure and track commitments from organizations in support of the Strategy’s goal to end hunger and reduce diet related diseases. “We have data systems that are being unlocked, partnerships that have never been thought of before,” says Judith Monroe, the CDC’s Foundation’s President and CEO.

14. Chef Ann Foundation, United States

The Chef Ann Foundation is dedicated to improving school food by partnering with schools to serve healthier, scratch-cooked meals made from whole ingredients. The Foundation helps to provide school food professionals with the resources, training, and support they need to offer nutritious, delicious meals that promote children’s health and well-being. The Chef Ann Foundation has reached millions of students across the U.S., helping to create healthier school food environments nationwide.

15. CGIAR, International

CGIAR is a global research partnership dedicated to advancing sustainable and resilient food, land, and water systems. CGIAR conducts its research through 14 centers: the Africa Rice Center, CIFOR, CIMMYT, ICARDA—which has been continuing its work in countries like Syria even in the face of conflict—ICRISAT, IFPRI, IITA, ILRI, CIP, IRRI, IWMI, The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, ICRAF, and WorldFish. They also collaborate with partners, including national research institutes, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Through the One CGIAR transition, they are striving toward greater institutional integration that enables their centers to better support one another in support of their shared goals.

16. Climate Policy Initiative (CPI), International

CPI is an analysis and advisory organization specializing in finance and policy, focused on helping governments, businesses, and financial institutions drive economic growth while addressing climate change. “The food system can’t change overnight, but the flow of finance can,” says Dharshan Wignarajah, CPI’s UK Director. With expertise in sustainable finance, CPI works to accelerate investment, support energy access, and provide actionable insights that enable partners to reduce costs and unlock funding for climate solutions.

17. Congressional Hunger Center, United States

The Congressional Hunger Center develops and connects leaders to advocate for policies that address hunger and its root causes. Through programs like the Bill Emerson and Mickey Leland Fellowships, it empowers emerging leaders, particularly those with lived experience of hunger, to bridge policy and practice. The Center fosters a strong network of alumni and partners to drive equitable, community-based solutions for food security.

18. West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF), West and Central Africa

CORAF is the largest sub-regional agricultural research organization in Africa, working across 23 countries to improve food and nutrition security. The organization champions localized, farmer-led solutions to address the region’s unique challenges while empowering farmers, supporting gender equity, and fostering youth involvement in agriculture “From the beginning, we identify the issues together [with farmers], then we design the approach to solving together,” Dr. Abdou Tenkouano, former Executive Director of CORAF, tells Food Tank.

19. Crop Trust, International

Crop Trust is dedicated to preserving plant genetic diversity to secure agricultural, food, and nutrition sustainability. Through its Seeds for Resilience project, Crop Trust aims to strengthen national gene banks across sub-Saharan Africa, helping local farmers access diverse, climate-resilient crops. “Every seed is important. Each one is unique and potentially holding traits to transform our food systems to face global threats,” says Stefan Schmitz, Executive Director of the Crop Trust.

20. EARTH University, Costa Rica

EARTH University is dedicated to developing ethical leaders who can address global challenges in food systems and sustainable development. They offer a rigorous Agricultural Sciences undergraduate program that emphasizes entrepreneurship, environmental responsibility, and social commitment. The University’s mission is to prepare students to drive positive social and environmental change, fostering a future of shared prosperity.

21. EAT, International

EAT seeks to transform global food systems by integrating science, innovation, and collaboration across sectors. With a focus on the interconnected challenges of food security, health, and environmental sustainability, EAT works to develop evidence-based, sustainable solutions that promote healthy diets, reduce waste, and address climate change. Their mission is to create a fair and sustainable food system that benefits both people and the planet, leaving no one behind.

22. EcoAgriculture Partners, International

EcoAgriculture Partners is dedicated to advancing sustainable land use by fostering collaboration across communities, governments, and businesses. With over 20 years of experience, they design innovative solutions that integrate conservation, climate health, and economic development through holistic landscape management. Their work empowers local leaders to access resources, influence policies, and build partnerships that support resilient ecosystems and improve livelihoods for communities worldwide.

23. Edible Schoolyard Project, International

The Edible Schoolyard Project, founded by Chef Alice Waters, is on a mission to transform public education through experiential learning in organic school gardens, kitchens, and cafeterias. With thousands of gardens around the world, the initiative empowers students with practical skills in cooking and gardening, fosters critical thinking about the food system, and inspires them to take action for positive change in their communities. “There’s nothing more meaningful than planting a seed and watching it grow,” says Waters. She also launched the Alice Waters Institute for Edible Education and Regenerative Agriculture to connect education institutions with local producers and further advance school supported agriculture.

24. EiT Food, Europe

EiT Food, co-funded by the European Union, accelerates innovation to build a sustainable and healthy food system for all. The organization invests in projects, startups, and individuals, focusing on improving food security, health, and environmental outcomes. Through collaboration across industry, research, and education, EiT Food aims to deliver healthier food options, enhance food supply chains, and support the transition to a net-zero food system.

25. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), United States

EDF leverages science, economics, and advocacy to tackle global environmental challenges, including those in food and agriculture. EDF’s work on sustainable farming aims to reduce climate pollutants, enhance food security, and increase the resilience of agricultural communities facing climate change. They also manage initiatives to advance sustainable fisheries and improve water management practices for a healthier, more equitable future that supports people and the planet.

26. Environmental Working Group, United States

For more than 30 years, Environmental Working Group has provided eaters with the information they need to make smart, healthy choices that contribute to the wellbeing of people and the planet. Their team of scientists, policy experts, lawyers, and communications and data experts work to reform the country’s agricultural and chemical safety laws, targeting issues including food and water, farming and agriculture, and forever chemicals. They also launched The New Lede, a news initiative specializing in coverage of environmental issues.

27. FAIRR Initiative, International

The FAIRR Initiative is a global network of investors advancing sustainability in the food sector by addressing critical environmental, social, and governance challenges. By providing cutting-edge research, policy coordination, and tools like the Protein Producer Index, FAIRR empowers its members to promote sustainable practices and mitigate risks within food systems.

28. Fairtrade International, International and Fairtrade America, United States

Fairtrade International is a global organization working to empower producers and combat poverty while supporting environmental sustainability. They do this through standards, their FAIRTRADE Mark, producer support, programs, and advocacy. Their U.S. branch, Fairtrade America, supports and challenges businesses in the country to improve the terms of trade and put money back in the hands of farmers and workers.

29. Farm Labor Organizing Committee, AFL-CIO (FLOC), United States

FLOC is a social movement and labor union representing farmworkers through the Midwest and South of the U.S. They have set international precedents in labor history, including being the first union to negotiate multi-party collective bargaining agreements, and the first to represent H-2A workers under a labor agreement. Today, FLOC continues to champion the rights of agricultural workers through campaigns, grievance resolution, and grassroots community organizing.

30. Fed by Blue, United States

Fed by Blue is a science-driven initiative dedicated to transforming blue food systems by promoting transparency, sustainability, and education. It works to highlight the essential role of responsibly sourced blue foods in advancing nutrition equity, protecting waterways, and boosting biodiversity. By broadening access to responsible practices, educating future generations, and supporting innovative policies, Fed by Blue aims to build a resilient and equitable food future.

31. First Nations Development Institute, United States

The First Nations Development Institute is dedicated to strengthening Native American economies and supporting the economic well-being of Native communities. By providing grants, technical assistance, and advocacy, the institute focuses on areas like financial empowerment, Native land stewardship, and youth investment. “Do we know who’s growing our food? Do we know the history of that commodity in that package? Do we know where the waste is going?” A-dae Romero-Briones, Vice President of Research and Policy, Native Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative at the Institute asks. “We should all be self-examining what we know about our food system, how we interact with it.”

32. Flowering Tree Permaculture Institute, United States

Flowering Tree Permaculture Institute is a Native-American women-run organization focused on teaching sustainable Indigenous practices in Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico. The Institute offers classes on gardening, animal husbandry, and traditional crafts, while also preserving vital knowledge like seed saving and cultural traditions.

33. Food Is Medicine Institute, United States

The Food Is Medicine Institute is a university-wide collaborative at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University working to integrate food-based nutritional interventions into healthcare to prevent and manage diseases while promoting health equity. They also focus on policy advocacy, training healthcare professionals, and advancing research to expand nutrition’s role in healthcare. “Billions of dollars a year right now are going through healthcare, into healthy food. It’s an exciting movement,” says Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and the Director of the Food is Medicine Institute.

34. Food Recovery Network (FRN), United States

FRN is a student-led movement dedicated to combating hunger and food waste across the U.S. By recovering surplus food from campuses, businesses, and events, FRN donates it to local nonprofits, providing meals to those in need. “We all deserve access to nutritious food—food is a right,” Regina Harmon, Executive Director of FRN, tells Food Tank. With 8,000 students and local partners, FRN operates on 187 campuses.

35. Food Systems for the Future (FSF), International

FSF supports innovative, market-driven businesses that improve nutrition outcomes in the United States, across Africa, and around the world. By building partnerships, FSF helps scale solutions to malnutrition while advocating for policy changes and fostering collaborations across the food system. Their mission is to ensure equitable access to nutritious food for all, driving sustainable food system transformation for both human and planetary health.

36. FoodCorps, United States

FoodCorps is dedicated to nourishing every child in every school. Serving schools across 18 states and D.C., the organization fosters a sense of belonging through hands-on food education that empowers kids to understand the joy and power of food. With a goal to ensure that by 2030 every child has access to food education and nourishing food, FoodCorps is building a movement that transforms the way kids experience food and supports their health and education.

37. Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), United States

FFAR was founded to address the most pressing food and agriculture challenges with bold, collaborative science. By building public-private partnerships, FFAR funds pioneering research in key areas such as sustainable production systems, agroecosystems, healthy food systems, and strengthening the scientific workforce. Their work is grounded in a commitment to driving systemic change and improving access to affordable, nutritious food while promoting environmental sustainability.

38. Future Food Institute, International

The Italian-based Future Food Institute trains the next generation of changemakers to empower communities, engage government and the private sector, and catalyze progress toward achieving the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. They do this through three action areas focused on knowledge and education, research and development and innovation, and community and incubation.

39. Garda Pangan, Indonesia

Garda Pangan is a community organization dedicated to addressing food waste and hunger relief in Indonesia. By rescuing surplus food from the hospitality sector, such as hotels, restaurants, and bakeries, the organization redistributes edible food to those in need while diverting expired food to farms for animal feed and composting. Since its inception, Garda Pangan has rescued more than 8 tons of food, benefiting tens of thousands of people.

40. Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), International

GAIN is committed to advancing healthier diets for all by improving access to safe, nutrition, and affordable food. They operate a diverse range of programs, from fortifying staple foods to supporting small businesses. As part of an initiative in Bihar, India, for example, GAIN has empowered women through micro-enterprises producing fortified foods, benefiting over 45,000 people while promoting sustainable livelihoods. They also involved in the International Advisory Group for the 2025 Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit, taking place in Paris, France.

41. Global Alliance for Latinos in Agriculture (GALA), International

GALA empowers Latino farmers and ranchers globally through family-focused initiatives that prioritize sustainability, prosperity, and innovation. Guided by conscious capitalism, a vision of a thriving Latino agricultural community, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, GALA fosters regenerative farming, digital education, and cultural exchange to revitalize rural areas and build enduring resilience. “There is no life limit on healthy soil,” says farmer Gerardo Martinez, CEO of GALA. “You can continue to build it and build it, and it will just become more and more productive.”

42. Global Alliance for the Future of Food, International

The Global Alliance for the Future of Food unites philanthropic foundations to transform food systems to be more sustainable, equitable, and resilient. The Alliance develops tools, fosters innovation, and drives action to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, food security, and agricultural justice. Through partnerships and strategic initiatives, they empower diverse stakeholders to build a healthier and more sustainable future for food.

43. Global FoodBanking Network (GFN), International

GFN works in over 50 countries to alleviate hunger by creating, supporting, and strengthening food banks. By recovering surplus food, organizations in GFN including Red de Bancos de Alimentos de México in Mexico, Red de Alimentos in Chile, and the Korea Foodbank in South Korea nourish people in need, reduce food waste, and help build resilience. Through their community-led approach, GFN aims to create innovative solutions to hunger and advance sustainable food systems worldwide.

44. Global Food Institute (GFI) at George Washington University, United States

Food is “a unique and powerful way to gain traction for needed solutions,” says GFI’s Executive Director, Stacy Dean. The Institute is dedicated to transforming food systems to address hunger, the climate crisis, and threats to public health. By combining interdisciplinary research, policy innovation, and collaboration, GFI aims to reimagine how food is grown, distributed, and consumed for a healthier planet and better lives.

45. GRAIN, International

GRAIN partners with small-scale farmers and social movements across Asia, Africa, and Latin America to promote community-driven, biodiversity-focused food systems. By addressing corporate control, land rights, and seed sovereignty, GRAIN empowers local communities and advocates for food sovereignty as a critical solution to the climate crisis. Through research, collaboration, and capacity building, the organization strives to reshape global food systems toward equity and sustainability.

46. GRACE Communications Foundation, United States

GRACE Communications Foundation advances sustainable solutions in food advocacy, philanthropy, and health promotion to address critical global challenges. Through initiatives like FoodPrint, GRACE raises awareness of food system impacts and empowers consumer action. The foundation promotes healthier communities by fostering collaboration, education, and innovative approaches to well-being.

47. GrowNYC, United States

GrowNYC is an environmental nonprofit that provides New Yorkers with access to fresh food, green spaces, and tools for sustainable living. Its programs include Greenmarket farmers markets, urban gardens, and environmental education initiatives that serve millions annually. GrowNYC envisions a city where all residents have the resources to build healthier communities and care for the environment

48. Green Bronx Machine, United States

Green Bronx Machine uses urban agriculture to build healthy, equitable communities by addressing food insecurity and supporting workforce development. Through school-based programs, students grow vegetables while improving academic performance and promoting healthy living. The organization envisions thriving neighborhoods where education and local food systems empower all to succeed.

49. Heifer International, International

Heifer International works to end hunger and poverty sustainably by supporting and investing alongside local farmers and their communities. Their program involves a seek investment of livestock or agriculture, followed by a formal mentorship, helping families build resilient businesses and training the next generation of leaders. Focusing on women’s empowerment and sustainable agriculture, Heifer aims to foster lasting change from the ground up.

50. Harlem Grown, United States

Harlem Grown inspires youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition. By transforming abandoned lots into thriving urban farms, the organization increases access to healthy food while fostering mentorship and community engagement. Harlem Grown’s programs empower elementary-aged students and promote food justice to create lasting, sustainable change in the Harlem community.

51. IndigeHub, United States

IndigeHub empowers Indigenous communities by fostering economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability through shared resource hubs and entrepreneurial support. By providing access to co-working spaces, business infrastructure, and training, IndigeHub helps Indigenous entrepreneurs overcome unique challenges and build self-sufficient, thriving economies. The initiative champions community-driven solutions rooted in Indigenous values to create lasting change.

52. Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Americas

IICA supports its 34 Member States in achieving agricultural development and rural well-being. Through technical cooperation, it advances sustainable agriculture, fosters economic growth, and strengthens food systems across the Americas. IICA’s initiatives address critical areas like rural development, climate resilience, agricultural trade, and innovation to improve livelihoods and promote inclusive, sustainable progress.

53. International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Africa

Based in Nairobi, Kenya, icipe uses insect science to tackle food security, health, and environmental challenges in Africa. Through eco-friendly pest control, biodiversity conservation, and its 4Hs approach—human, animal, plant, and environmental health—icipe empowers communities with sustainable solutions and capacity-building initiatives.

54. International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), International

Operating in more than 90 countries, IFAD is the only United Nations agency exclusively dedicated to transforming agriculture, rural economies, and food systems. They invest in rural communities to help small-scale producers increase yields and improve their livelihoods, develop resilience to climate and economic shocks and conflict, access new technologies, and manage natural resources responsibly.

55. International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food), International

IPES-Food is a global think tank advancing sustainable and equitable food systems. Since 2015, its expert panel has provided research and policy recommendations on issues like food insecurity, climate change, and food system reform. Through evidence-based reports—including recent publications on the importance of territorial markets and land grabbing—and advocacy, IPES-Food aims to guide transformative action toward resilient and inclusive food systems.

56. James Beard Foundation (JBF), United States

JBF celebrates and supports the individuals shaping America’s food culture while advocating for equity, sustainability, and excellence across the culinary and hospitality industries. Committed to a future where good food is rooted in talent, equity, and sustainability, JBF recognizes excellence in the culinary and hospitality industries and fosters initiatives to build a more inclusive and resilient food system.

57. Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, United States

The Center for a Livable Future is an interdisciplinary academic center based at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, dedicated to transforming food systems to improve public health and environmental sustainability. The Center addresses critical issues like food equity, animal agriculture, food waste, and the intersection of diets and climate resilience. Through research, education, and outreach, the center aims to build healthier, more equitable, and sustainable food systems globally.

58. Just Food, United States

Just Food is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the New York regional food system by addressing inequities and uplifting historically marginalized communities. They champion food justice and sustainable agriculture, working to expand access to healthy, affordable food and empower communities through education and advocacy. With equity as its guiding principle, Just Food develops community-driven solutions that build health, wealth, and power for those most affected by systemic food disparities.

59. Justice for Migrant Women, United States

Justice for Migrant Women works to uphold the human and civil rights of migrant women, ensuring they can live, work, and move with dignity and safety. Through education, public awareness, and collaborative advocacy, the organization addresses issues like workplace harassment, economic inequity, and civic exclusion while amplifying migrant women’s voices and leadership.

60. Kids in Nutrition (KIN), United States

KIN empowers at-risk youth to lead healthy, sustainable lives through food literacy and improved food access. By combining nutrition education, family engagement, and hands-on resources, KIN instills lifelong habits that promote health equity, prevent chronic diseases, and support environmental sustainability. With student-led chapters nationwide, KIN creates grassroots change, inspiring future generations to make informed dietary choices.

61. La Via Campesina, International

La Via Campesina is a global movement of over 180 organizations across 80 countries, advocating for food sovereignty, environmental justice, and peasants’ rights. Rooted in the principle that control over food systems empowers communities, the movement promotes agroecology, defends peasant rights, and champions sustainable farming practices. The movement continues to grow, and recently added a new chapter to expand into the Arab and North Africa region.

62. Landesa, International

Landesa partners with governments and civil society organizations to develop laws, policies, and programs that strengthen land rights for people experiencing extreme poverty. As part of their work, they operate the Center for Women’s Land Rights, which focuses on women and girls who are more significantly impacted by poverty. Landesa operates in more than 66 countries to alleviate poverty, reduce hunger, and ease conflict for more than 720 million people.

63. Milken Institute, United States

The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank committed to tackling global challenges in health, finance, and philanthropy. By conducting rigorous research and convening experts from diverse fields, it develops actionable solutions that drive measurable progress. Through their Feeding Change program, the Institute focuses on creating tangible impact at the intersection of food, health, and finance.

64. Modern Farmer, United States

Modern Farmer is a nonprofit that uses storytelling, community building, and partnerships to raise awareness of issues and catalyze action at the intersection of food, agriculture, and society. Their work focuses on the producers and innovators shaping the food system, food equity, and conscious consumption.

65. Movimento de Pescadores e Pescadoras Artesanais (MPP), Brazil

MPP is a national movement uniting artisanal fisherfolk across Brazil to protect their territories, preserve ancestral practices, and advocate for sustainable small-scale fishing.  The organization champions food sovereignty, human rights, and environmental conservation, defending fishing communities from exploitation and industrial threats.

66. National Association of Smallholder Farmers (NASFAM), Malawi

NASFAM empowers over 130,000 smallholder farmers to improve crop yields, adapt to climate challenges, and access better markets. Central to its mission is promoting gender equity, with women comprising more than half its membership and taking on increasing leadership roles. By fostering education and training, NASFAM helps farmers break cycles of poverty and build sustainable livelihoods for future generations.

67. National Young Farmers Coalition, United States

The National Young Farmers Coalition is dedicated to empowering a new generation of farmers through equitable policy change and advocacy. Addressing critical issues like land access, climate resilience, and racial justice, the Coalition envisions a just agricultural future rooted in community well-being and environmental stewardship. They call for transformative investments to secure farmland for the next generation, ensuring farming remains a public service that benefits all.

68. Native Farm Bill Coalition, United States

The Native Farm Bill Coalition is a nationwide initiative amplifying the voices of Native American producers and Tribal governments to shape U.S. agricultural policy. Focused on food sovereignty, rural development, and Tribal self-determination, the NFBC secured 63 provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill benefiting Native communities and continues to advocate for Tribal priorities in upcoming legislation.

69. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), International

NRDC works to protect the planet’s ecosystems, wildlife, and communities through science, advocacy, and legal action. The organization has helped to shape key environmental laws and continues to advocate for issues like climate change, pollution reduction, and conservation. Their food systems work focuses on issues including food waste, soil health, the role of pollinators, and climate resilience. “How can we use food to reach the public and reimagine a food system that is truly compatible with human health, protecting nature, and tackling climate?” asks Manish Bapna, NRDC’s President.

70. New African Society (NAS), Sierra Leone

NAS is a youth-led organization focusing on self-sufficient communities and addressing poverty through agricultural development. With a mission to combat food insecurity and create socio-economic mobility, NAS works on initiatives such as seed banking to promote food sovereignty and agro-biodiversity. The organization empowers local farmers, particularly women, by providing education and resources to preserve indigenous seed varieties and improve farming practices.

71. Niman Ranch Next Generation Foundation, United States

The Niman Ranch Next Generation Foundation awards scholarships and grants to future sustainable farmers and agriculture leaders. Since its inception in 2006, the Foundation has worked to combat the burden of student loan debt, helping young people pursue careers in agriculture and sustainability and empowering rural communities.

72. North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NĀTIFS), North America

Founded by Chef Sean Sherman, NĀTIFS is committed to revitalizing Native foodways to address the economic and health challenges facing Indigenous communities. Through initiatives like the Indigenous Food Lab, a professional kitchen and training center, NĀTIFS educates on food service, Indigenous food practices, and business development. The organization envisions a sustainable food system that empowers Native communities, fosters economic growth, and improves health by reclaiming ancestral food knowledge and traditions.

73. Noosa Environmental Education Hub (EEHub), Australia

The Noosa EEHub offers immersive, hands-on programs to engage students with local ecosystems. In collaboration with environmental groups and Aboriginal educators, the Hub offers curriculum-aligned education and Citizen Science projects, empowering students to track environmental changes and take action in their communities. Their most recent youth-led Summit creates space for students of all ages to share ideas and celebrate the climate action they have led in their own schools and communities.

74. NOW Partners Foundation, International

NOW Partners Foundation collaborates with leaders across sectors to create innovations in regenerative land-use and sustainable business practices that benefit communities and nature. As part of their work, they serve as the Secretariat for the Future Economy Forum, a platform offering visions, solutions, and action initiatives to drive impact. During key convenings for climate action, NOW Partners and the Future Economy Forum organize dinner series, where leading food systems stakeholders can engage in open dialogue and identify opportunities for collaboration.

75. One Fair Wage, United States

“There’s really only one future for [the restaurant] industry, and it has to be providing life-sustaining wages,” One Fair Wage’s President Saru Jayaraman tells Food Tank. That’s why the national organization is dedicated to eliminating subminimum wages in the U.S. and improving working conditions for service sector workers. Through its 25 by 250 Campaign, the organization advocates for legislation in 25 states to raise wages for millions of workers by 2026.

76. Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM), East, Central, and Southern Africa

PELUM Association is a network of civil society organizations working across 12 countries in eastern, central, and southern Africa to support smallholder farmers. They focus on improving livelihoods through the promotion of ecological land-use management practices and empowering farming communities. PELUM works to amplify the voices of small-scale farmers, foster innovation and best practices, and advocate for policies that benefit sustainable agriculture in the region.

77. Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI), United States

PFI works to build resilient farms and communities by supporting farmers with research, education, and personalized assistance. The organization fosters collaboration among farmers from diverse backgrounds, focusing on sustainable practices that benefit both the land and future generations. Through farmer-led initiatives, PFI promotes a more resilient and diversified agricultural system in Iowa, emphasizing stewardship and community-driven solutions.

78. Project Drawdown, United States

Project Drawdown is a leading resource for climate solutions, aiming to stop and reverse climate change quickly, safely, and equitably. The organization focuses on advancing science-based solutions, fostering bold leadership, and shifting the narrative towards opportunity. Through research, stakeholder engagement, and storytelling, Project Drawdown drives global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

79. ProVeg International, International

ProVeg International is a global food awareness organization focused on reducing the consumption of animal products by 50 percent by 2040. Through campaigns and partnerships, the organization advocates for plant-based and cultured food alternatives to address issues such as climate change, health, and animal welfare. With a presence in 14 countries, ProVeg engages a range of stakeholders to help transform the global food system.

80. Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI-USA), United States

RAFI-USA combines on-the-ground services with policy advocacy to tackle injustice in food and agriculture systems and ensure that farmers have access to the tools they need. They run a financial crisis hotline for producers, help farmers connect to U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, and oversee grantmaking programs to help farming businesses thrive. They also publish the Grocery Map Atlas, which highlights inequitable food access and corporate concentration of grocery markets in the U.S.

81. Rainforest Alliance, International

The Rainforest Alliance is an international organization focused on creating a sustainable future by promoting responsible business practices in agriculture, forestry, and supply chains. By working with companies and communities, they aim to improve livelihoods, protect biodiversity, and combat climate change. Their Rainforest Alliance Certified seal ensures that products meet environmental, social, and economic criteria, supporting both people and the planet.

82. re•generation, Canada

re•generation is a Canadian youth-led nonprofit focused on empowering young people to drive the transition to a regenerative economy that prioritizes both human and ecological well-being. They provide career development tools and advocacy initiatives to help students and young professionals engage in sustainability and systems change.

83. ReFED, United States

ReFED is a U.S.-based nonprofit focused on reducing food loss and waste through data-driven solutions. The organization provides insights, cultivates collaborations, and accelerates innovation to drive systems-level change in the food industry. A recent study co-led by ReFED with the Pacific Coast Food Waste Commitment, highlights how grocery stores in the U.S. and Canada that effectively cut unsold food by 25 percent.

84. Regen10, International

Regen10 is a global initiative dedicated to advancing equitable and regenerative food systems. By prioritizing the voices of farmers and land stewards, the organization builds evidence-based frameworks to support the transition to regenerative practices, focusing on positive outcomes for people, nature, and climate. They aim to guide the scaling of regenerative approaches and foster a more sustainable, inclusive global food system.

85. Rescatemos El Valle, Mexico

Rescatemos El Valle is a campaign aimed at preserving Mexico’s El Valle de Guadalupe, a key wine-producing region under threat from urbanization and economic development. The initiative, led by local winemakers, chefs, and community members, seeks to protect the valley’s agricultural heritage by advocating for stricter land-use regulations and the designation of the area as a “zone of natural and cultural beauty.”

86. Rodale Institute, United States

Rodale Institute advocates for regenerative organic agriculture, conducting pioneering research on soil health and sustainable farming practices. The organization works to advance organic farming through education, farmer training, and consumer awareness, aiming to improve both environmental and human health. And through initiatives like the Regenerative Organic Certification, Rodale promotes practices that enhance soil vitality, animal welfare, and worker wellbeing.

87. Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), India

RySS, established by the Government of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, works to promote natural farming and empower farmers across the state. Through its Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming program, RySS supports climate-resilient, chemical-free agriculture and provides smallholder farmers with sustainable livelihoods. The organization’s efforts aim to improve agricultural practices, conserve the environment, and address the challenges posed by climate change.

88. Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, International

The SUN Movement, launched in 2010, brings together 65 countries and stakeholders including governments, businesses, and UN agencies, to combat malnutrition in all its forms by 2030. By fostering multi-sectoral collaboration and promoting evidence-based interventions, they support national nutrition plans that focus on improving food systems, health, and livelihoods. SUN Coordinator Afshan Khan is the Co-chair of the International Advisory Group for the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit.

89. SDG2 Advocacy Hub, International

The SDG2 Advocacy Hub coordinates global efforts to achieve SDG 2, aiming to end hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. It brings together NGOs, civil society, U.N. agencies, and the private sector to collaborate on advocacy campaigns and share expertise. The Hub also provides strategic guidance and resources to support both global and grassroots initiatives focused on SDG2 priorities. Their project, Beans is How, is a campaign that highlights beans as a valuable crop in the global effort to achieve multiple Sustainable Development Goals, and aims to double their global consumption by 2028.

90. SEKEM, Egypt

Founded in 1977, SEKEM is a pioneering initiative in Egypt focused on sustainable development. Through biodynamic agriculture, it transformed desert land into a thriving community that includes businesses, educational institutions, and a medical center. SEKEM promotes ethical business, human dignity, gender equality, and environmental stewardship, aiming to create a holistic and peaceful society.

91. Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), India

SEWA is a trade union that unites over 2.9 million self-employed women workers from India’s informal economy. The organization advocates for full employment, economic security, and social protection for its members, while promoting self-reliance through cooperatives and collective action. SEWA empowers women across various trades to improve their livelihoods and decision-making capabilities.

92. Senegalese Association for the Promotion of Development at the Base (Asprodeb), Africa

Asprodeb, established in 1995, is a Senegalese association that supports rural families and farmers through technical, organizational, and financial assistance. It strengthens farmer organizations and connects them with agricultural innovations to promote sustainable development in West and Central Africa. The organization fosters partnerships across value chains to enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of smallholder farmers.

93. Sicangu Food Sovereignty Initiative (SFSI), United States

SFSI is a community-driven effort to restore and indigenize the food system of the Sicangu people. Through projects such as a community garden, farmers market, local food subscription program, and youth internships, SFSI supports food security and the preservation of traditional Lakota food practices. The organization emphasizes regenerative agriculture, community health, and the revitalization of Lakota foodways to promote self-sufficiency and well-being for current and future generations.

94. Slow Food International, International and Slow Food USA, United States

Slow Food International is a global movement advocating for access to good, clean, and fair food for everyone. They promote the preservation of biological and cultural diversity, educate and inspire communities, and influence policies to support sustainable food systems. Slow Food USA, the U.S. branch, works to dismantle oppressive food systems, supporting local food initiatives, advancing food justice, and fostering solidarity to ensure a just and sustainable food future. “This work of building up a more robust and locally focused food system doesn’t have to be so grim,” Bilal Sarwari, interim Executive Director of Slow Food USA, tells Food Tank. “We can be really excited to join around food.”

95. Soul Fire Farm, United States

Soul Fire Farm is an Afro-Indigenous-centered community farm focused on dismantling racism and promoting food sovereignty. Through regenerative agriculture and educational programs, the farm cultivates leadership among BIPOC farmers, distributes fresh produce to combat food apartheid, and advocates for land and food justice. With a commitment to restoring ancestral knowledge, Soul Fire Farm fosters healing, community empowerment, and ecological sustainability.

96. Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, United States

The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation focuses on supporting nutrition education, access to healthy foods, and wellness programs. Through partnerships with over 100 nonprofits, the Foundation promotes hands-on gardening and nutrition lessons, especially in schools, to teach children the importance of healthy eating. Their initiatives aim to empower children with the tools to develop lasting healthy habits while also fostering social, emotional, and physical well-being.

97. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, United States

Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture is dedicated to fostering an ecological food culture through sustainable farming and education. Located in the Hudson Valley, it serves as a hub for innovative agricultural practices that promote human health, community resilience, and environmental sustainability. The Center’s programs bring together farmers, chefs, and educators to explore the intersection of food, farming, and ecology, while engaging in hands-on research and education to inspire a more sustainable food system.

98. SUGi Project, Brazil

SUGi Project focuses on creating biodiverse, climate-resilient urban environments through the planting of ultra-dense forests using the Miyawaki Method. The organization has established over 200 Pocket Forests across 53 cities, engaging communities and youth in ecosystem restoration while improving urban wellbeing. SUGi’s work addresses challenges such as heatwaves, flooding, and pollution, fostering connections between people and nature in urban spaces.

99. Sustainable Food Trust, United Kingdom

Sustainable Food Trust works to accelerate the transition to sustainable food and farming systems that benefit climate, nature, and human health. “We have to make it super easy and transparent” for consumers to make informed, holistic decisions, says Adele Jones, Executive Director of the Sustainable Food Trust. By promoting regenerative practices, developing frameworks for measuring sustainability, and fostering informed public engagement, the organization addresses key challenges in food production and consumption.

100. Sustainable Harvest International, Central America

Sustainable Harvest International partners with rural farmers in Central America to promote regenerative farming practices that protect tropical forests, restore ecosystems, and improve livelihoods. Through long-term, hands-on training, the organization helps farming families adopt sustainable methods to enhance food security, establish agribusinesses, and preserve biodiversity. Their approach has supported over 3,000 families and planted millions of trees, fostering a balance between environmental health and community well-being.

101. Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems at Arizona State University, United States

The Swette Center works to transform food systems by promoting social progress, economic productivity, and ecosystem resilience. The Center addresses critical challenges, including sustainable agriculture, water use, and farmer livelihoods, while fostering innovation and educating future food systems leaders. Their holistic approach emphasizes collaboration and sustainability to create equitable and thriving communities.

102. Sylvia Center, United States

The Sylvia Center, based in New York, empowers young people and families to improve their health through hands-on culinary education. By partnering with schools and community organizations, the Center offers nutrition-focused programs that teach cooking skills, food safety, and the importance of healthy eating. Through these programs, participants learn to prepare nutritious meals and gain life skills such as teamwork and public speaking.

103. The Farmlink Project, United States

The Farmlink Project is a college and university student-led nonprofit that connects surplus produce from farms to food banks, helping reduce food waste and alleviate hunger across the U.S. Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has delivered millions of pounds of fresh food while working to create a more sustainable food system. The organization aims to address systemic food supply chain issues and ultimately eliminate the need for their work.

104. The Nature Conservancy (TNC), International

TNC is a global nonprofit dedicated to conserving lands and waters for the benefit of nature and people. Operating in 81 countries, TNC works on solutions to environmental challenges, including promoting regenerative food systems that enhance soil health, support sustainable aquaculture, and protect water resources, while addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.

105. The Rockefeller Foundation, United States

The Rockefeller Foundation works to support the well-being of humanity by addressing pressing global challenges through innovative and data-driven solutions. Their initiatives include fostering equitable and regenerative food systems, advancing health and economic resilience, and combating climate change. They also launched the Periodic Table of Food Initiative to better understand the molecular makeup of food to improve human health, restore biodiversity, and support the development of climate resilient communities. “Making innovation, science, and progress available to everybody can change the face of humanity and bend the curve towards justice, towards equity, towards opportunity for all,” says Rajiv Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation.

106. The World Food Policy Center at Duke University, United States

The World Food Policy Center, based at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, is dedicated to researching and shaping policies that ensure all people have access to nutritious and affordable food. The Center strives to bridge gaps in food-related policy by addressing food security, inequality, and resilience in the food system, while promoting sustainable strategies to combat food waste and climate change.

107. The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg), International

WorldVeg is an international research and development institute dedicated to improving global nutrition and livelihoods through vegetable production and consumption. They work to advance vegetable diversity, breeding, and sustainable agricultural practices while managing the world’s largest public collection of vegetable germplasm. Through their new African Vegetable Biodiversity Rescue Plan, they aim to bring more resources and attention to native crops in Africa and revitalize agrobiodiversity.

108. Turning Tables, United States

Turning Tables is a New Orleans-based initiative addressing racial inequities in the hospitality industry by creating pathways for Black and Brown professionals. The program combines culturally responsive training, mentorship, and externships in top establishments to foster leadership and career growth. With a focus on inclusivity and equity, Turning Tables empowers participants to advance within and beyond bartending.

109. UJAMAA Cooperative Farming Alliance (UCFA), United States

UCFA is a collective of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) growers committed to preserving and cultivating heirloom seeds and culturally significant crops. By fostering connections between growers and the seed industry, UCFA works to address disparities in agriculture and create opportunities for historically marginalized communities. The alliance also promotes environmental sustainability and cultural heritage through education and community-based agricultural practices.

110. Union of Concerned Scientists, United States

Bringing together 250 scientists, analysts, policy experts, organizers, and communicators, the Union of Concerned Scientists is working toward a healthy, safe, and just future. Their team researches the world’s most pressing issues; fights misinformation; communicates with the media, the public, and decisionmakers; and mobilizes their supporters to advocate for change. The organization’s food and farms work seeks to build an equitable system that produces nutritious, sustainably grown food for all.

111. United Farm Workers (UFW), United States

The UFW fights for safer and fairer working conditions for farm workers. UFW contract agreements protect thousands of vegetable, berry, winery, tomato, and dairy workers in California, Oregon, and Washington along with more than 75 percent of workers in California’s fresh mushroom industry. Through some of their key campaigns they have advocated for better heat regulations, overtime pay, protection from pesticides, and immigration rights.

112. United Nations Foundation, International

The U.N. Foundation is an independent organization established to collaborate with the United Nations, address global challenges, and advance sustainable development. They foster partnerships, mobilize resources, and support initiatives aligned with the UN’s goals, focusing on issues such as climate change, health, gender equality, and peacebuilding. Within the agrifood space, the Foundation works to promote sustainable solutions that protect the planet and enhance food security as part of their broader commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

113. United Nations System, International

The U.N. System is made up of the U.N.’s six principal bodies as well as specialized agencies, funds and programs, as well as other bodies and entities. Many of these agencies, funds, and bodies work to support more resilient and regenerative regional food systems with communities that are free of food and nutrition insecurity and poverty. Among these institutions are the U.N. Development Programme, U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP),the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and FAO North America, U.N. Global Compact, UN Women, the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) and World Food Program USA (WFP USA), and the World Health Organization.

114. U.S. Hunger, United States

U.S. Hunger works to tackle food insecurity through programs including Full Cart, a virtual food bank delivering meals directly to those in need, and Hunger Projects, which mobilize volunteers to package meals. Beyond providing meals, the organization focuses on addressing the social determinants of health driving hunger, such as economic instability and healthcare access. U.S. Hunger has distributed millions of meals across the country and internationally.

115. Ustawi, Kenya

Ustawi Afrika works to empower rural communities in semi-arid regions of Eastern Africa by promoting sustainable agriculture, mindset transformation, and women’s empowerment. The organization trains women in regenerative farming techniques, rainwater harvesting, and agribusiness while leveraging technology to optimize crop yields and conserve resources. By addressing root causes of hunger and poverty, Ustawi Afrika fosters resilience and long-term self-sufficiency in marginalized communities.

116. Vision for Climate Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS), Africa

VACS is a collaborative initiative launched by the U.S. Office of Global Food Security, U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, and the African Union. By fostering innovation and strengthening value chains, VACS aims to build resilient food systems through diverse, nutritious, and climate-adapted crops—called “opportunity crops” by Cary Fowler, Special Envoy for Global Food Security—grown in healthy soils. “We’ve got to get the fundamentals right,” Fowler tells Food Tank. “And the fundamentals are always going to be soils and crops.”

117. Wellness in the Schools (WITS), United States

WITS works to instill healthy habits in public school students by improving access to nutritious meals, promoting physical activity, and teaching environmental sustainability. Programs like Cook for Kids focus on transforming cafeteria offerings with scratch-cooked meals, while Coach for Kids encourages movement and fitness. WITS also integrates gardening and sustainability lessons to help students build connections between their food, health, and the environment.

118. Centre d’Etude Régional pour l’Amélioration de l’Adaptation à la Sécheresse (CERAAS), Senegal

CERAAS focuses on improving agricultural resilience to drought across West and Central Africa. It develops technologies and innovations tailored to arid and semi-arid regions, promoting sustainable farming practices and enhancing crop productivity. CERAAS also prioritizes empowering women researchers and farmers, fostering inclusive and sustainable solutions to regional food security challenges.

119. Wholesome Wave, United States

Wholesome Wave works to address food and nutrition insecurity by making fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible and affordable. Through initiatives like doubling SNAP benefits and produce prescription programs, the organization empowers individuals to improve diet-related health outcomes while supporting local farmers. Wholesome Wave’s efforts bridge healthcare, policy, and community partnerships to create sustainable solutions for healthier food systems.

120. Women Advancing Nutrition Dietetics and Agriculture (WANDA), United States

WANDA empowers Black women and girls to lead transformative changes in food, agriculture, and nutrition systems. Through education, advocacy, and initiatives like the Black Food Census and WANDA Academy, the organization uplifts ancestral foodways and addresses systemic inequities in access to healthy food. By supporting the development of and uplifting “food sheroes,” WANDA works to create equitable and culturally relevant solutions for nutrition equity and community well-being.

121. World Central Kitchen (WCK), International

World Central Kitchen, founded by chef and advocate Jose Andres, provides fresh meals to communities impacted by humanitarian, climate, and community crises. Guided by values of empathy and adaptability, they work alongside local partners to deliver nourishing food with dignity and urgency. From supporting hurricane survivors to aiding refugees in conflict zones, the organization’s mission is rooted in the belief that food is a universal human right.

122. World Resources Institute (WRI), International

WRI aims to address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and inequality through research and strategic partnerships. Their agrifood initiatives seek to tackle critical issues like food loss, waste reduction, and climate-friendly diets, advancing resilience and sustainability worldwide. They also serve as the secretariat and core partner of the Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU) a global network of over 60 organizations promoting evidence-based solutions and empowering diverse stakeholders to drive sustainable, equitable food systems and land use practices.

123. World Rural Forum (WRF), International

WRF is a global network dedicated to advancing family farming and sustainable rural development. Through advocacy, capacity-building, and collaboration with organizations across five continents, WRF aims to empower farmers, promote gender equity, and support youth leadership in agriculture. The organization also plays a key role in global initiatives, such as the U.N. Decade of Family Farming, fostering policies and actions to enhance rural livelihoods and protect biodiversity.

124. World Wildlife Fund (WWF), International

WWF is dedicated to conserving biodiversity, addressing climate change, and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources. Active in nearly 100 countries, WWF collaborates with communities, governments, and organizations to develop science-based solutions to environmental challenges. Its food systems initiatives aim to reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture while ensuring equitable access to nutritious food.

125. Zero Foodprint, United States

Zero Foodprint seeks to combat climate change by transforming food systems through regenerative agriculture. The organization connects the food and beverage industry with efforts to fund farm projects that restore soil health and sequester carbon. By promoting practices like composting, cover cropping, and reduced tillage, Zero Foodprint works toward better food, thriving farms, and a restored climate.

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

Photo courtesy of Mick Haupt, Unsplash

The post 125 Food and Agriculture Organizations to Watch in 2025 appeared first on Food Tank.

1. Activity Book—Right to Foods by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization

The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization’s latest activity book instills in young learners the idea that everyone should have access to nutritious food to live a happy, active life. Free to access online and download, the book uncovers some of the barriers in global food and agriculture systems, dives into what it looks like to eat well, and lays out how young advocates can take action to ensure that nobody is left behind.

2. Every Peach Is a Story by David “Mas” Masumoto and Nikiko Masumoto, illustrated by Lauren Tamaki

This debut picture book from authors, farmers, and father-daughter pair David “Mas” Masumoto and Nikiko Masumoto tells the story of Midori and her grandfather, Jiichan. What begins with a simple question about the ripeness of their family’s peaches blooms into a conversation about Midori’s Japanese American heritage and her family’s connection to the land. Nikiko calls the book “a treasure that I get to pass both backwards and forwards, honoring my grandparents and my daughter and her future.”

3. Farmer Eva’s Green Garden Life by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrated by Christy Hale with an afterword by Eva Sommaripa

This picture book from Readers to Eaters centers the work of farmer Eva Sommaripa, who founded the organic farm Eva’s Garden in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts in 1972. Farmer Eva’s Green Garden Life inspires children to think about the creatures, microbes, and tangles of roots thriving in the soils under everyone’s feet. And it celebrates the beauty of caring for the land.

4. Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

Food for the Future takes kids on a tour of eco-friendly farms that span the globe. Highlighting urban gardens, aquaculture oyster farms, food forests, and more, this book shows the varied ways that farmers can sustainably feed their communities. At the end of the book, readers will also find detailed information about each farming practice.

5. How Does Our Food Grow? by Brooke Jorden, illustrated by Kay Widdowson, with Kitchen Connection

Based on The Cookbook in Support of the United Nations: For People and Planet, this children’s book takes young eaters on a journey to discover the origins of their favorite fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. Along the way, readers learn about the impact that the food on their plates has on the environment and their health.

6. How to Cook Everything Kids by Mark Bittman

Author Mark Bittman’s first cookbook for children, aims to inspire young eaters to become more adventurous in the kitchen. Recipes, written for every skill level, span categories including breakfast foods, sandwiches, grains and beans, and pasta and noodles. And an opening chapter introduces readers to the equipment and ingredients they will need to get started.

7. My Grandpa, My Tree, and Me by Roxanne Troup, illustrated by Kendra Binney

On Grandpa’s orchard, one tree stands out among the rest: the pecan tree that he planted the day his granddaughter was born. As the young girl grows up, she learns how to care for this tree through the seasons with her grandfather, and cultivates a bond with him like no other.

8. Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm by Lindsay H. Metcalf, illustrated by Xin Li

This picture book shows readers that there is more than one way to grow fresh produce—and it doesn’t all take place outdoors. Along with Xin Li’s illustrations, Lindsay Metcalf introduces young readers to the machinery and technology that helps farmers do their jobs and the innovative practices they employ.

9. Priya’s Kitchen Adventures: A Cookbook for Kids by Priya Krishna

Priya’s Kitchen Adventures takes kid-tested recipes and pairs them with colorful illustrations and step-by-step how-to photos to help young cooks whip up something delicious at home. Dishes from Priya Krishna, author of Indian-ish and Cooking at Home, include Spanakopita, Miso Ramen, Vegetable Tagine, and Crepes.

10. Sankofa: A Culinary Story of Resilience and Belonging by Eric Adjepong, illustrated by Lala Watkins

In Sankofa, Chef Eric Adjepong explores the question: What if home was a place you’ve never been? When Kofi, a young Ghanaian American boy who has never been to Ghana, is asked to bring a dish that represents his family’s culture for a school potluck, he struggles. But with the help of his Nanabarima (grandfather), he discovers the ways that food can tie you to another place and to home.

11. Saturdays at Harlem Grown by Tony Hillery, illustrated by Jessie Hartland

Written by the Founder of the nonprofit Harlem Grown, this picture book tells the story of Mr. Tony and a student named Nevaeh who plant a farm, and, by enlisting the help of family and neighbors, build community. Saturdays at Harlem Grown also includes a recipe for vegetable soup and tips to help readers recycle, compost, and tend to gardens of their own.

12. Secret Gardeners: Growing a Community and Healing the Earth by Lina Laurent and Maija Hurme

Journalist and beekeeper Lina Laurent teams up with author and illustrator Maija Hurme to tell the story of Luna, Bianca, and Billy, who turn an overgrown city yard into an urban gardening project. With the help of a neighbor, the three children mix manure, spread, mulch, and sow seeds while uniting neighbors and demonstrating the power of community.

13. Seoul Food by Erin Danielle Russell, illustrated by Tamisha Anthony

In Seoul Food, young Hana celebrates both her Black and Korean cultures when both sets of grandparents come over for dinner. Uncertain what to cook for dinner at first, she thinks about the dishes that she has enjoyed with each of them — gumbo in the American South and a sweet and spicy stew in South Korea. Ultimately, she finds a way to combine the best flavors of the two cuisines in a new way that everyone can enjoy.

14. Seven Samosas: Counting at the Market by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal, illustrated by Jing Jing Tsong

Seven Samosas celebrates Indian and South Asian dishes as Dada and Sona head out to collect ingredients for dinner that night. Readers will follow along and count backwards from 20 as the pair weave their way through the market and discover the sheeras, samosas, and more that the vendors have to offer.

15. Tasty Tales: Facts and Fables About Our Favorite Foods by Anna Lena Feunekes

Tasty Tales takes readers on an adventure to introduce them to the stories behind delicious dishes from around the globe. Bridging fantasy and nonfiction, this book offers facts about each food that are fascinating, surprising, and always delicious.

16. The No-Dig Children’s Gardening Book by Charles Dowding, illustrated by Kristyna Litten

Author Charles Dowding doesn’t want an aversion to digging and weeding to get in the way of gardening. That’s why his No-Dig Children’s Gardening Book introduces readers and their families to easy, accessible projects for young gardeners. In addition to step-by-step instructions. Dowding inserts fun facts about plants, wildlife, and tips about what to look out for when enjoying time outdoors.

17. The Pie that Molly Grew by Sue Heavenrich, illustrated by Chamisa Kellogg

The Pie that Molly Grew begins with the planting of a single seed. But readers will discover that this small act yields a pumpkin that is lovely to behold and ready to be turned into a delicious pie that can be shared with friends. Author Sue Heavenrich also includes facts about pumpkins, the pollinators they depend on, and a recipe for pumpkin pie.

18. Umami written and illustrated by Jacob Grant

When Umami decides that she is tired of eating cold fish for every meal, she takes off on an adventure to find new foods that her penguin community will enjoy. Jacob Grant’s latest picture book, filled with charming illustrations, follows Umami across seas as she discovers exciting and inspiring flavors and spices to bring home.

19. Viva Abejas by Richard Sandoval, illustrated by Andres Nunez Byeck

In Viva Abejas, the first children’s book from Chef Richard Sandoval, a young Ricardo meets a queen bee, who teaches him about the importance of pollinators. Together with Ricardo, readers will learn about sustainability and environmental stewardship. They will also find a glossary, discussion questions, and a recipe for Sandoval’s guacamole to make at home.

20. What Did My Ancestors Eat? by Quinn Miller Murphy, illustrated by Jillian Thalman

In What Did My Ancestors Eat? a young child uncovers the stories behind the foods that generations before her ate and enjoyed. Quinn Miller Murphy illuminates the connection between food and culture, showing that delicious meals can bring eaters closer to their roots.

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

Photo courtesy of Johnny McClung, Unsplash

The post 20 Children’s Books Celebrating Our Food and Farming Systems appeared first on Food Tank.

The post 23 Fall Food and Agriculture Books to Discover Now appeared first on Food Tank.

Time to brush teeth. “But why?!”

Socks don’t go on our hands. “But why?!”

Let’s eat a colorful plate of vegetables. “But why?!” 

Kids are curious and want to understand the world around them—the world they’ll inherit from us. And food is central: Well-nourished children, of course, perform better in school, and building food literacy from a young age is transformative for kids’ understanding of empathy, sustainability, and health.

When we give kids nutritious food to eat, we also have to make sure we answer their number one question: Why? Why are these particular foods good for our bodies and the planet? Why is it important to participate in growing food ourselves? Why does what we eat matter?

Luckily, around the globe, inspiring organizations are working tirelessly to connect children with both healthy meals and the nutrition education to truly understand what they’re eating—and why.

“Let’s give kids positive, memorable, community-building experiences with real food as a way to build preferences for that food, build confidence in utilizing and eating that food, and build skills in kitchens and gardens,” says Jenn Mampara, Director of Education for FRESHFARM, whose FoodPrints program integrates these skills directly into local schools’ curricula.

It’s inspiring to see how these organizations are encouraging students to try foods they may not otherwise. The Chennai Urban Farming Initiative’s Chief Resilience Officer Krishna Mohan tells Food Tank that many of the kids he works with typically hate spinach. But when they’re a part of the growing process, “the children seem to love the taste of the spinach they grow,” he says.

But nutrition education can’t replace building meaningful access to affordable, nourishing foods for people of all ages; rather it must work alongside it. As we’ve said before, a true root cause of hunger is poverty: People experiencing food insecurity don’t need to be lectured—they need the financial resources to put their food knowledge into action.

When supplemental food relief and a strong social safety net are able to work in tandem with food programming that’s responsive to community needs and cultural backgrounds, the whole food system is better off.

“Over time, with enough programming for youth and families across a community, demand for access to fresh produce and cooking skills will grow,” Carolyn Federman, the Founder of the Charlie Cart Project, tells Food Tank.

Here are some more of the many organizations working tirelessly to build nutrition education for the next generation:

1. Agri Aware is creating national awareness of Ireland’s food system through programs like Incredible Edibles, which teaches primary school students about healthy eating and growing.

2. Big Green provides modular garden beds that fit individual schools’ needs to help create more accessibility.

3. Brighter Bites hosts nutrition education sessions, recipe demos, tasting sessions, and produce distribution for kids and parents around the U.S.

4. British Nutrition Foundation works with teachers to make food and nutrition education a central part of lessons.

5. Chennai Urban Farming Initiative partners with day care centers and schools in Chennai, India to build organic, edible gardens that are used to teach students about food systems, farming, and composting.

6. Conscious Kitchen improves food equity with low-waste school and community kitchens.

7. Cooking with Kids helps classroom teachers in New Mexico integrate fresh fruit and vegetables into their regular lessons.

8. Food & Trees for Africa in South Africa runs the EduPlant School Gardening Programme, which establishes school-linked farms that serve entire communities.

9. Food Literacy Center teaches children in lower-income elementary schools in California about cooking, nutrition, and active play.

10. FoodCorps serves schools in 18 states plus D.C. with initiatives to create a sense of belonging through meals and hands-on food education.

11. Fresh Roots operates two half-acre farms at secondary schools in Vancouver, Canada to teach students about organic principles and grow food for the community.

12. Gardeneers, working in Chicago, creates customized school garden programs to build youth leadership.

13. Green Bronx Machine inspires school food security and workforce development with wellness programs and garden installations.

14. Green School offers experiential learning in a wall-less and nature-immersed environment at its schools in Indonesia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

15. Kids in Nutrition sends teams of student educators to classrooms to offer interactive, playful nutrition lessons.

16. Pilot Light partners with educators to illuminate connections between wellness and community.

17. Resilient School Feeding is a project supported by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization helping primary schools in Belize incorporate gardens to enhance nutrition education.

18. Rooftop Republic helps build urban farms at sites, including schools, in Hong Kong and offers urban farming programming for young people.

19. Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity facilitates the Slow Food Gardens in Africa program to support African school and community gardens.

20. SUGi Project connects students in Sao Paulo, Brazil to three different food forests.

21. The Charlie Cart Project gets communities cooking with mobile kitchens and support for teachers.

22. The Chef Ann Foundation helps school districts create—and sustain—food-from-scratch cooking in cafeterias.

23. The Edible Schoolyard Project, founded by chef Alice Waters, helps students in schools around the world connect with their food by growing and cooking it themselves.

24. Victorian Schools Garden Program helps schools in Victoria, Australia start or repair gardens and offers teachers resources to support outdoor learning.

25. Wellness in the Schools partners with schools, chefs, and coaches to promote nourishing food and active play.

26. Whole Kids provides grants for schools to build gardens and develop related programs. They also offer cooking and nutrition education for school teachers and staff and provides schools with salad bars.

What organizations are working in your communities to make sure young people understand the why behind nourishing food? Share their stories with me at danielle@foodtank.com, and let’s keep adding to this list!

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of Agriculture

The post Feeding Kids an Understanding of Why Food Matters appeared first on Food Tank.

1. A Call to Farms: Reconnecting to Nature, Food, and Community in a Modern World by Jennifer Grayson (Forthcoming July 9, 2024)

Investigative journalist Jennifer Grayson writes an eye-opening account that details the challenges new farmers will face in an era of climate change and food inequality. As part of her research, Grayson immersed herself in a farmer training program, where she met farmers and food activists, and she profiles them throughout the book. A Call to Farms documents the regenerative, sustainable practices emerging farmers are committed to using to help reverse climate degradation and inequity.

2. Barefoot Biodynamics: How Cows, Compost, and Community Help Us Understand Rudolf Steiner’s Agriculture Course by Jeff Poppen

In Barefoot Biodynamics, Jeff Poppen integrates stories from his time in rural Tennessee in his guide to biodynamic principles and practices. Poppen reflects on the influential teachings of scientist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner, offering some of Steiner’s concepts in readable, engaging language. Poppen’s work will appeal to those who are just beginning to think about biodynamics, as well as experienced farmers and gardeners seeking new insight.

3. Chop Fry Watch Learn: Fu Pei-Mei and the Making of Modern Chinese Food by Michelle T. King

Chop Fry Watch Learn shares the history of modern Chinese food through the story of Fu Pei-Mei, the woman credited with introducing the world to Chinese cooking. Historian Michelle T. King weaves together anecdotes from her own life, historical phenomena, and stories of shifting international relations. King explains how Fu became a critical culinary figure and how her influence continues to span borders and generations.

4. Feeding Britain: Our Food Problems and How to Fix Them by Tim Lang

Tim Lang writes a detailed account of the United Kingdom food system, explaining its strengths, weaknesses, and human and environmental impacts. He investigates how UK food culture has grown fragmented, relying on both ultra-processed and diverse, high-quality foods. Feeding Britain argues that, although it will take time, transforming the UK food system is in the public interest and is a process that must begin now.

5. Food Margins: Lessons From an Unlikely Grocer by Cathy Stanton

In Food Margins, anthropologist Cathy Stanton delves into her own journey to help save a small food co-op in western Massachusetts. Rooted in her own experience working to keep this co-op open, Stanton explores the challenges that small businesses face in the shadow of giant corporations and the deep racial and class inequities that compound such struggles. The story of the co-op and Stanton’s efforts is rooted in the understanding that this tale is just one of many in a time when food systems are growing increasingly inequitable and unsustainable.

6. Food Systems of the Future by Scientific American Editors

Food Systems of the Future explores new, innovative, and sometimes controversial methods to ensure a sustainable food system in the face of climate change. The book discusses topics such as processed food, genetically modified crops, and the journey to discover and create foods with minimal environmental impact. As the human population continues to rise and the food system remains under threat, Food Systems of the Future provides practical and hopeful insights.

7. Food Systems Transformation in Kenya: Lessons from the Past and Policy Options for the Future by Clemens Breisinger, Michael Keenan, Juneweenex Mbuthia, and Jemimah Njuki

Food Systems Transformation in Kenya provides accounts of Kenya’s past and present food system, with insights from Kenyan and international experts representing a range of disciplines. The authors offer an in-depth analysis, with evidence-backed sections discussing the sustainability and health implications of the food system as it stands today. They also provide specific policy recommendations for the future and discuss how Kenya could serve as a role model to other nations in food systems-led transformation.

8. Forage. Gather. Feast. by Maria Finn

Maria Finn’s cookbook features recipes with forge-able foods, specifically those that can be foraged in diverse landscapes across the West Coast of the United States With beautiful food photography and over 100 recipes, Forage. Gather. Feast. will allow West Coast inhabitants to find food inspiration all over their natural environment. Recipes include Fire-Roasted Butter Claims with Seaweed Gremolata and Spruce Tip and Juniper Berry Sockeye Salmon Gravlax.

9. Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves by Nicola Twilley

Frostbite is an engaging exploration of refrigeration, describing how artificial refrigeration spurred a new era in human nutrition. Nicola Twilley discusses the arguable benefits of refrigeration, including access to season- and region-defying produce, as well as its drawbacks. She explains that the U.S. food system as it exists today would not be possible without refrigeration and it has distorted our relationship with food. As countries across the globe rush to build large refrigeration networks, Twilley urges readers to understand its costs.

10. How to Create a Sustainable Food Industry: A Practical Guide to Perfect Food by Melissa Barrett, Massimo Marino, Francesca Brkic, and Carlo Alberto Pratesi

How to Create a Sustainable Food Industry will help readers understand sustainability as it relates to the food and agriculture industries. This guide explains the sustainability of specific food products and demonstrates how a business can successfully communicate their practices to customers. Using real-world examples, this book debunks myths surrounding the food system and provides practical advice for working toward more sustainable processes.

11. Into the Weeds: How to Garden Like a Forager by Tama Matsuoka Wong

Skilled gardener and forager Tama Matsuoka Wong educates and inspires in Into the Weeds, encouraging readers to approach gardening with openness and adaptability. Wong explains that gardening does not need to be complicated or elaborate, it can be simple, and beauty can be found everywhere.  Through a plant ID guide, recipes with foragable ingredients, and instructions to build simple structures and beautiful crafts, Into the Weeds teaches readers practical skills while also motivating them to rethink their relationship to gardening.

12. Living with the Trees of Life: A Practical Guide to Rebooting the Planet through Tropical Agriculture and Putting Farmers First by Roger Leakey

In Living with the Trees of Life, Roger Leakey draws upon his extensive experience in agriculture and forestry to present a practical path forward in a world facing climate change, deforestation, and social injustice. Leakey focuses on the tropics and subtropics, tracing many existential problems in those regions to the breakdown of agriculture systems. He explores how cultivating indigenous trees and investing in new, modified tree crops can produce food, medicine, money, and jobs.

13. The Self-Sufficiency Garden: Feed Your Family and Save Money by Huw Richards and Sam Cooper

The Self-Sufficiency Garden is a comprehensive guide to cultivating a garden that can nourish a family. The book shows readers how they can grow enough for five portions of vegetables a day for four people, spending an average of four hours in the garden per week. In addition to detailing how to create and set up the garden, Huw Richards and Sam Cooper provide a month-by-month guide for the growing year, as well as a myriad of ways to make use of this produce in the kitchen.

14. Transforming School Food Politics around the World edited by Jennifer E. Gaddis and Sarah A. Roberts

In Transforming School Food Politics around the World, editors Jennifer E. Gaddis and Sarah A. Roberts craft a collection of essays that feature people across the globe who have advocated for public school food programs that advance education, health, justice, food sovereignty, and sustainability. Young people, mothers, teachers, farmers, and policymakers share their stories, demonstrating the crucial role that school food programs play in caring for and educating children.

15. Permaculture Gardening for the Absolute Beginner: Follow Nature’s Map to Grow Your Own Organic Farm with Confidence and Transform Any Backyard into a Thriving Ecosystem by Josie Beckham

Permaculture Gardening for the Absolute Beginner is a comprehensive guide to permaculture, detailing the principles of permaculture, instructions for creating garden beds, how to integrate animal life, food preservation strategies, and much more. Josie Beckham’s insights will be transformative for anyone seeking to start a permaculture garden, from those who have never planted a seed to experienced gardeners.

16. Ravenous: How to get ourselves and our planet into shape by Henry Dimbleby

Ravenous dives into the destructive nature of the food system, explaining how it has grown into one of the most harmful industries in the world. Henry Dimbleby explores how destructive, behind-the-scenes forces operate in the food system, destroying both the environment and human health. In addition to illuminating the damaging nature of the food system, Ravenous explains what can be done to mitigate these issues and work toward a more sustainable future.

17. Tastes Like War by Grace M. Cho

In this food memoir, Grace M. Cho details her upbringing in a xenophobic small town as the daughter of a Korean bar hostess and white American merchant during the Cold War. Cho’s life changed when her mother experienced the onset of schizophrenia, and she combed through recipes, past family events, and global history, attempting to uncover the roots of her mother’s condition. Tastes Like War documents Cho’s revelations as she cooked meals from her mother’s childhood and shared conversations and meals with her aging mother.

18. The Nutmeg’s Curse: Parables for a Planet in Crisis by Amitav Ghosh

The Nutmeg’s Curse traces the roots of the current climate crisis to Western colonialism and its joint exploitation of people and the natural environment. Amitav Ghosh tells the story of nutmeg as a parable for the inseparable relationship between humans and the Earth and the colonial perspective that has ultimately led to the crisis people are facing today. Through essays exploring historical events, contemporary inequities, and the threads that follow the past through the present, Ghosh presents a compelling, sharp critique of Western society.

19. Why I Cook by Tom Colicchio (Forthcoming October 31st, 2024)

Why I Cook provides readers with an unparalleled look into the life and history of Tom Colicchio, award-winning chef and television personality. This memoir details Colicchio’s journey from a child in a working-class family in New Jersey to young chef in New York City to the celebrity that he is today. The book also includes heirloom recipes, current family favorite meals, and photos from Colicchio’s childhood.

20. Young Changemakers: Scaling Agroecology Using Video in Africa and India by Paul Van Mele, Savitri Mohapatra, Laura Tabet, and Blessings Fao

Young Changemakers is a collection of stories and insights from 42 young people across the continent of Africa and India who created farmer-to-farmer learning videos to promote agroecology in their respective communities. Detailing the backgrounds, challenges, and successes of each project, this publication demonstrates the immense positive impact of farmer-to-farmer education and the critical role of youth activism in these efforts.

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

The post 20 Food Systems Reads that Will Inspire You this Summer appeared first on Food Tank.

1. Big Sugar

Exploring themes of civil rights, inequity, racism, and backdoor deals, Big Sugar dives into the inner workings of the multibillion-dollar sugar industry. Episodes follow the decades-long fight to get justice for sugarcane workers. Listeners will hear from the workers themselves along with lawyers and journalists who uncover how sugar is grown, cultivated, and sold—and the exploitation that made it all possible.

2. Black in the Garden

Described as sitting at the intersection of Black Culture and horticulture, Black in the Garden covers topics relevant to Black plant keepers. Some of the podcast’s food-focused episodes tackle urban farming, the history of pumpkin spice, and plants that hold deep importance in Black communities for their uses in foodways, medicine, and skincare. The show is hosted by the Founder of the national tree-planting nonprofit organization Underground Arborist, Colah B. Tawkin.

3. Breaking Waves

Breaking Waves is a six-episode limited series from WWF’s Nature Breaking podcast about sustainable oceans. WWF’s Senior Vice President of Oceans, Johan Berganas, interviews experts on effective management of marine protected areas, new partnerships that are helping ocean conservation efforts, and what advancements in Artificial Intelligence mean for the field.

4. Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio

Hosted by Founder of Cook’s Magazine Christopher Kimball, Milk Street Radio is an award-winning public radio show and podcast that takes listeners around the world. Episodes dive into questions about food, cooking, wine, farming, restaurants, and the people behind the food we eat. And almost all feature recipes such as Dark Chocolate Terrine with Coffee and Cardamom, Potato-stuffed Naan, and Yucatecan Citrus-Marinated Pork Tacos.

5. Gastronomica

Food studies meets gastronomy and the culinary arts in Gastronomica, a show engineered by Heritage Radio Network staff. Each episode, hosted by a different member of the Editorial Collective for the Gastronomica journal, tackles questions about cooking, cuisine, culinary traditions, and food justice. Hear about lab grown meat, the Mexican roots of American candy, and how seltzer became a Jewish icon.

6. Farms. Food. Future.

A podcast from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Farms. Food. Future. aims to raise awareness of the challenges that smallholder farmers around the world are facing. IFAD experts, partners, donors, celebrities, and farmers weigh in on the intersection of food systems and environmental sustainability, gender, youth, nutrition, and more. Recent episode topics include healthy school meals, gender inequality in rural communities, and the cost of malnutrition.

7. Food with Mark Bittman

After working for more than 30 years at the New York Times and running Heated on Medium, chef and author Mark Bittman launched The Bittman Project. The news and media website, which includes articles, recipes, and a podcast, aims to tackle challenges in the food system while celebrating the joy of food. The show features interviews with guests including environmentalist Bill McKibben, chef Alice Waters, and food writer and journalist Khushbu Shah.

8. Good Food

Good Food explores current events, social phenomena, history, and culture through the lens of food. Each episode includes several interviews between host Evan Kleinman and cooks, farmers, historians, and journalists who are dedicated to food. The podcast touches on topics including gene editing, tainted applesauce, spice trade routes, and feminist restaurants.

9. Hot Farm

Food and agriculture systems are responsible for roughly one third of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Hot Farm is a four-part, award-winning podcast from the Food & Environment Reporting Network that looks at this intersection of agriculture and the climate crisis. Recognizing that farmers and ranchers must be a part of the solution, host Eve Abrams travels across the Midwestern United States to interview farmers about what they can, or could, do to address the climate crisis.

10. Lecker

Launched in 2016, host Lucy Dearlove started Lecker as a project to bring together the worlds of food, which relies so heavily on the five senses, and audio. Episodes are primarily recorded in kitchens, exploring the personal connections that people have to food and one another. Each month on Lecker, Dearlove also selects a new food-related book and interviews the author about the process of writing it.

11. Longer Tables with Jose Andres

Chef and advocate Jose Andres speaks with leaders in the worlds of the culinary and creative arts, politics, and media. Andres launched his newsletter “Longer Tables” and a podcast of the same name because, he writes, “we need to talk to each other, to enjoy our differences, to celebrate our diversity.” Guests include Chefs Michael Twitty and Eric Ripert, Senator Cory Booker, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Ambassador Susan Rice.

12. Maintenance Phase

In Maintenance Phase, hosts Michael Hobbes and Aubrey Gordon set out to debunk the junk science that underlies health and wellness fads and misguided nutrition advice. Episodes look at the rise in popularity of weight loss drugs like Ozempic, eaters’ perceptions of sugar, and the history of the food pyramid in the U.S.

13. Pressure Cooker

In Pressure Cooker, hosts and food journalists Jane Black and Elizabeth Dunn set out to offer support to parents who are trying to feed their children in the best way they can. Episodes cover issues ranging from food allergies and climate-smart cooking to “momfluencers.” Throughout the series, the hosts seek to cut through food marketing messaging and help parents navigate cultural expectations about nourishing their families.

14. Sustainable Food Trust Podcast

In this show from the Sustainable Food Trust, the organization’s Chief Executive, Patrick Holden, interviews policymakers, business leaders, food producers, advocates, and other stakeholders. The Sustainable Food Trust Podcast explores some of the most pressing issues shaping food and agriculture systems today, touching on everything from food education and the organic movement to healing herbs and soil health.

15. The Checkout

A member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network, The Checkout centers the voices and issues of essential workers across the food system. Episodes tackle labor organizing, policy, industry consolidation, child labor, and more. The show aims to highlight what is necessary to create a just, equitable, and progressive food system.

16. The Food Chain

From the BBC, The Food Chain dives into the business, science, and cultural significance of food and what it takes to put food on the plate. The show takes on a wide range of topics, with recent episodes asking listeners to consider if beef can be carbon neutral, the models that make restaurants most successful in the face of diverse challenges, and the factors that have led to the near disappearance of many indigenous foods.

17. The Food Fight

A project of EIT Food, The Food Fight explores current food trends, food technology and innovation, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of food and agriculture systems. The show features debates on everything from algae and responsible fishing to sustainable chocolate and coffee.

18. The Leading Voices in Food

The Leading Voices in Food is a podcast released by the Duke Sanford World Food Policy Center, a research, education, and convening organization within Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy. In each episode, listeners can hear from a range of food and agriculture systems experts on topics including food waste, international sustainable development, and land access.

19. The Rural Woman Podcast

The Rural Woman Podcast shares the stories and experiences of women passionate about agriculture and rural life who have grown their own food, reared livestock, raised families, and run companies. The podcast touches on the realities of farming that aren’t captured on social media, mentorship in agriculture, and mental health. 

20. The Stephen Satterfield Show

Stephen Satterfield, host of the Peabody-winning docuseries High on the Hog, brings together creatives, farmers, activists, chefs, and more to share the latest news in the world of food and agriculture. Episodes have touched on resilience in the restaurant industry, culinary tourism, and depictions of food in art. The show is a part of Whetstone Radio Collective, a series of podcasts focused on global foodways.

21. What You’re Eating

FoodPrint’s What Your Eating aims to help listeners understand how their food reaches their plates and its impact on people, animals, and the planet. Try an episode like “Vanilla and Chocolate: Foundational Flavors,” which reveals the extractive practices behind the modern chocolate and vanilla industries. Or listen to “The Small but Mighty Oyster” to learn about how oysters benefit the environment and how farmers produce them.

22. Your Mama’s Kitchen

To open every episode of this show, journalist and host Michelle Norris asks her guests: “Tell me about your mama’s kitchen.” With that question, Norris seeks to understand how the kitchens people grew up in and their early culinary experiences shaped who they are today. Guests including Michelle Obama, Chef Bryant Terry, professional athlete Abby Wambach, and writer and essayist Eric Kim discuss the histories, memories, and cultures that emerged from the kitchen.

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

Photo courtesy of Markus Spiske, Unsplash

The post 22 Podcasts on Food, Farming, and Sustainability appeared first on Food Tank.

The post 20 Books Redefining Our Relationship with Food and the Planet this Spring appeared first on Food Tank.

Upcycled foods are made with ingredients that would not have otherwise been consumed by humans, according to the Upcycled Food Association. These foods might have gone to landfills, anaerobic digesters or incinerators, or been converted into animal feed.

Anna Hammond, the CEO of upcycled company Matriark Foods, tells Food Tank that by creating upcycled foods for human consumption, “the food system will change for the better and the positive impact of that will make it possible for us all to exist in a healthier world. I know it’s possible, I’ve seen what we’ve been able to accomplish in just a few years and so I have a lot of hope for this space.”

Food Tank is highlighting 12 companies that upcycle food waste into new products from snacks, to ready-to-eat meals, cooking ingredients, and more.

1. ÄIO, Estonia

ÄIO uses waste streams from the food, agriculture, and wood industries to produce fat substitutes for food and cosmetics. Their products serve as sustainable alternatives to butter, oil, nutritional yeast, and more. ÄIO’s products produce 160 kT less CO2 per year in comparison to the palm oil industry; this is equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions per year of over 34,000 passenger vehicles, according to estimates by the EPA. Palm oil is the most commonly traded vegetable oil in the world and has a very large carbon footprint because it is often linked to deforestation or conversion of carbon-rich environments.

2. Bake Me Healthy, United States

Bake Me Healthy founder Kimberle Lau struggled to find healthy baking mixes for her kids, she also became lactose and egg intolerant and was unable to eat soy. These life changes inspired her to create clean plant-based baking mixes. Bake Me Healthy mixes are free from the nine most common allergens and made with fruits and vegetables that do not fit aesthetic standards to be sold in grocery stores and byproducts from fruit and vegetable processing.

3. Barnana, United States

Barnana partners with indigenous-run regenerative farms in Latin America to source bananas and plantains that are diverted from market. Typically, while these fruits are perfectly edible, they are considered too ripe for the journey to market. From these fruits, Barnana makes plantain and banana snacks like chips, bites, and scoops.

4. Cascara Foods, Chile

Cascara Foods rescues fruit pulp and byproducts like peels and stems that hold key nutrients essential to a healthy diet. They transform these materials into nutritional supplements, vegetable protein powders, and even bars and pancake mixes.

5. Crust, Japan

Crust Group operates in Singapore and Japan and partners with restaurants and hotels to help them reduce food waste. The company primarily upcycles surplus bread and other ingredients into beer and surplus fruit peels into non-alcoholic fruit juice. Crust incentivizes partnerships by creating custom branded products with their food surplus partners and is open to upcycling a wide range of food products.

6. Green Bowl, United States

When two food scientists became overwhelmed by the amount of nutritious food going to waste, they created Green Bowl. The company makes ready-to-eat, shelf stable, and preservative free plant-based meals with a mix of fresh and upcycled ingredients. Their complete rice, quinoa and lentil bowls include ingredients like brewer’s spent grains, fruit and vegetable pulp from juice factories, and cereal residue from plant-based milk factories for added nutrition and flavor.

7. I Am Grounded, Australia

From the time coffee is harvested to when it is consumed, research published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology shows that over 95 percent of the plant’s biomass is wasted. This is because there is demand for the seeds, but not the surrounding fruit or other parts of the plant. I Am Grounded has turned coffee fruit into energy bars since 2019, saving over 15,000 kilograms of fruit, or the equivalent weight of about 2.5 African elephants. The company also works with workers along the coffee supply chain to empower them to commercialize coffee byproducts.

8. Matriark Foods, United States

Rather than wasting surplus vegetables from farms or fresh cut remnants, Matriark transforms them into healthy, low-sodium vegetable products like pasta sauce and vegetable broth. According to Matriark, every gallon of their vegetable broth concentrate contains 0.9 pounds of waste diverted from landfills, reduces 2.23 pounds of greenhouse gas, and saves 102 gallons of water. Matriark also works with restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other large institutions to ensure wider access to their sustainable products.

9. Oisix, Japan

Oisix ra Daichi is a Japanese retailer that focuses on selling quality organic and additive free products to consumers. Upcycle by Oisix and Radish Boya are two lines from the company that rescue quality, edible food from the waste stream and return it to consumers. Upcycle by Oisix is a line of products made from ingredients that are considered aesthetically or texturally undesirable, like seaweed with holes in it and brewed coffee grounds, while Fuzoroi Radish by Radish Boya rescues and distributes substandard ingredients like fruits, vegetables and other products.

10. Planetarians, United States

Since it was created in 2013, Planetarians has focused on creating nutritious food products from upcycled ingredients. Over the years, the company’s mission has been to create nutritious, affordable and upcycled food. Currently, Planetarians uses spent yeast and soybeans to create a vegan meat product; they have made the product as cheap as chicken and cheaper than beef and it produces 120 times less greenhouse gas emissions than beef.

11. Pluck, Canada

Toronto-based tea company Pluck was founded in 2012 to produce quality sustainable teas from local ingredients. Pluck sells a wide range of teas, but one of their lines is made with locally produced waste products like fruit peels and cacao shells. Pluck also uses zero waste packaging, locally sourced ingredients that reduce transportation emissions, and small batch production.

12. Rootly, Denmark

Rootly produces plant-based meat products like falafel and steak using surplus beet, carrot, and mushrooms and excess pulp from juice production. Along with these products, the company sells flavored carrot snacks from carrot parts that do not fit traditional standards.

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

Photo courtesy of Aaina Sharma, Unsplash

The post 12 Companies Creating Upcycled Food from Waste Products appeared first on Food Tank.

These organizations are supporting local food producers and regional economies, offering educational resources and agricultural training, and working to ensure that their neighbors don’t go hungry.

On April 14, Food Tank is heading to Atlanta to partner with Spelman College and Emory University for the Summit “Empowering Eaters: Access, Affordability, and Healthy Choices.” Held in support of the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, the event will celebrate the city’s local food movement and uplift the health and wellbeing of future generations in policy.

Panels will explore food and land justice, healthier school food, student-led food systems research, food as medicine, and the power of procurement. Learn more about the Summit, which is free and open to the public, and register now by clicking HERE.

And check out some of the amazing changemakers working to transform the local food system in and around Atlanta.

1. Acres of Ancestry Initiative/Black Agrarian Fund

The Acres of Ancestry Initiative/Black Agrarian Fund is a multidisciplinary, cooperative nonprofit ecosystem that aims to regenerate custodial land ownership, ecological stewardship, and food and fiber economies in the American South. The Black Agrarian Fund helps to secure land for landless, returning generation farmers, while their Black Belt Justice Center serves as the fiscal sponsor for this work and is the lead organization for the Initiative and Fund.

2. Atlanta Community Food Bank

One in twelve people — and one in ten children — in the area served by the Atlanta Community Food Bank experience hunger. The Food Bank works with almost 700 community-based nonprofit partners to distribute more than 9 million meals across metro Atlanta and north Georgia every month. They also work with their partners to support school breakfast and summer feeding programs to ensure children have access to nutritious meals.

3. Community Farmers Markets (CFM)

Serving as an umbrella organization, CFM was established to meet the demand for more efficiently managed, community-based and sustainable farmers’ markets in Atlanta. They enable food distribution through their markets, organize educational programming and events, provide financial incentives to make fresh food more affordable, and offer resources to their vendors. CFM reports that in 2023, they served more than 65,000 in-person shoppers and over 160 vendors at weekly markets.

4. Diversity Dietetics

Co-Founded by Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Tamara Melton, Diversify Dietetic brings together students, professionals, and educators who are committed to creating opportunities to encourage a more diverse field of dietetics and nutrition. They do this through scholarships and grants, mentorship programs, application support, and educational resources.

5. Friends of the Urban Food Forest at Browns Mill

In 2016, The Conservation Fund, The City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Resilience, and the Department of Parks & Recreation partnered with residents from the Browns Mill neighborhood to create an urban food forest in Atlanta. Friends of the Urban Food Forest was established to ensure the sustainability of the Forest with a community centered focus. The organizations’ programs work to eliminate hunger in the area, improve awareness of healthy behaviors, and provide career and training opportunities for adults and youth.

6. Food Well Alliance

Food Well Alliance brings together leaders of the local food movement to support more than 300 community gardens, urban farms, and orchards in metro Atlanta. Through their Resource Center programming, the Alliance offers trainings and workshops; volunteer and labor support; compost, tools, and equipment; and capacity building grants. They also bring local government leaders together to develop plans that integrate urban agriculture into city planning processes.

7. Georgia Foundation for Agriculture

By developing a pipeline for the next generation of farmers and agriculture leaders, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture strives to equip people with the tools and knowledge they need to preserve the future of farming. The organization reaches students, teachers, and farmers across the state. Through their programming, the Foundation offers an agricultural STEM curriculum for teachers to use in classrooms, agriculture scholarships, apprenticeship opportunities, and support for local producers to ensure their success.

8. Georgia Organics

Georgia Organics promotes the work of organic farmers across the state to support the health of communities and the planet. Through their farmer services program, the nonprofit provides small and organic farmers with training and resources to help them build and maintain strong agricultural businesses. And in their Farm to School initiatives, they engage children with local, healthy food in cafeterias and classrooms.

9. Giving Kitchen

Giving Kitchen provides emergency financial support and community resources to food service workers in need. Those who meet the criteria can apply for monetary assistance from the network. And the Giving Kitchen’s Stability Network serves as a referral program that connects workers with social services. Their efforts reach workers in restaurants, catering, concessions, food trucks, cafeterias, bars, and taprooms.

10. Global Growers Network (GGN)

Working with a network of 175 families, many of whom are resettled refugees, GGN connects food producers to sustainable agriculture resources and quality farmland. They support 10 farm, community garden and orchard sites in DeKalb and Rockdale Counties, helping communities grow fresh, culturally familiar crops. In 2021, they acquired a 23-acre property that will offer a home to farmers who face barriers of access to land and capital.

11. Mariposas Rebeldes

Mariposas Rebeldes works to make community gardening, ecology, and cultural education more accessible for queer, trans, and intersex people. They offer community events centering food and sustainable land stewardship. The group envisions a space where members can grow food, cook meals, and share resources while following Indigenous land management principles.

12. Open Hand Atlanta

Open Hand Atlanta distributes healthy meals to people in need, with the vision of eliminating diet-related chronic illnesses. The organization delivers meals directly to the homes of individuals in Atlanta and around the state of Georgia free of charge. They also operate a teaching kitchen, where they offer nutrition support programs.

13. Recovery Eco Agriculture Project

Recovery Eco Agriculture Project engages in education, research, and development work in support of sustainable and regenerative land use. These efforts encompass small scale farming, agroecology, agroforestry, and reforestation. They also offer horticultural therapy by providing accessible gardens for physically and developmentally disabled individuals. And they have children’s program that introduces young people to edible playground gardens.

14. Save Our Legacy Ourself (SOLO)

SOLO works to preserve the culture, heritage, and traditions of the Saltwater Geechee people. Through their agricultural program, the organization is incubating heirloom and heritage crops, which they plan to bring to market. They also operate a youth agricultural program to connect young people to the land and teach them about planting, harvesting, and preparing traditional foods.

15. Slow Food Atlanta

A local chapter of Slow Food USA, Slow Food Atlanta works to realize good, fair, and clean food for all. The organization educates the broader community on opportunities to support local food culture, advocates for biodiversity and a sustainable relationship with food producers and brings attention to food and land justice. Slow Food Atlanta also has events throughout the year to engage and educate residents and build community.

16. The Common Market

Working in four regional hubs, The Common Market is a nonprofit food distributor connecting urban communities with local food grown on family farms. Common Market Southeast works with more than 30 producers in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee to distribute food to the Atlanta area and build more resilient supply chains.

17. The Grocery Spot

Founded in 2021, The Grocery Spot first opened as a for-profit grocery store to help the local community access high-quality and affordable food. After connecting with and learning from residents, however, they converted their model into a nonprofit grocery store. The Grocery Spot now operates as a community-funded free grocery store that is open to all, with no applications or appointments required.

18. Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture (TLW)

Since 2006, TLW has worked to demonstrate how food can serve as a bridge to connect people of different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. They have agriculture training, nutrition, education, and job creation programs. And the organization regularly grows and harvests produce to provide the local community with a consistent source of fresh food. Their farm sites in Metro Atlanta, intended to demonstrate the transformative power of agriculture, produce fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other value-added products.

19. Umi Feeds

A food rescue nonprofit, Umi Feeds works to meet the needs of people who are facing food insecurity and unhoused by serving healthy, nutritious meals. They rescue surplus food from consumers, farmers, events, restaurants, and other food businesses then redistribute it in the form of their weekly mobile dinners. They also provide people in need access to personal care items, blankets, clothing, and sanitary products.

20. Wholesome Wave Georgia

The organization operates under the belief that all Georgians should have access to healthy fresh, locally grown food. They work to increase access to and awareness of nutritious food options. Their programs also help residents enroll in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other benefits, match SNAP/EBT dollars at participating farmers markets, and connect households on SNAP with gardening kits.

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The post 20 Organizations Cultivating the Food Movement in Atlanta appeared first on Food Tank.