DALLASThe first thing Michael Bell remembers in life is helping his grandmother in her vegetable garden.

He would grow green beans and tomatoes alongside her in their small town of Bowie, Texas. During the winter they protected seedlings using plastic bottles they gathered from friends.

Most families raised cattle; Bells did too. And while many of his peers dreamed of roping and riding on the ranch, Bell preferred the plants.

Thirty years later, in a sprawling North Texas metropolis, Bell has joined the movement to bring farms to big cities. Some people call him the plant daddy of Dallas, or the salad guy.

I want to be the reason why Walmart cant sell produce in Dallas, he said between crop rows and sun tarps at Dallas Half Acre Farm, which sits on a residential street in a rural area in the southeastern part of the city.

Bell harvests lettuce, zucchini, tomatoes, spring onions, carrots and other seasonal vegetables. He also raises chicken and collects eggs from quails on a wild plot strewn with tools and lots of overgrown grass. Nestled at the end of a street behind bushes and trees, there are four large greenhouses shaped like tunnels, a shed and a chicken and quail coop.

Across the country, urban farmers like Bell hope to meet the challenges of climate change, public health and food insecurity by reclaiming unused city spaces to grow healthy, local, organic produce.

Urban farming, also known as market gardening or regenerative farming, is the practice of growing food in urban areas for highly populated communities. It is one potential solution to increased food insecurity due to climate impacts.

Texas scores fourth in food insecurity in the country and climate change is predicted to exacerbate the situation in coming years.

While the most recent report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said that climate change is a threat to food and nutritional security, Joe Masabni, the extension vegetable specialist at the Texas A&M AgriLife Dallas Center, believes food production is not in a crisis just yet. He does, though, recognize that some neighborhoods are already food deserts, while others are home to huge supermarket chains but no locally grown, organic food.

There are a lot of factors contributing to that, Masabni said. Loss of agricultural land due to urbanization, changes in consumer taste, people wanting to buy organic and climate change.

The Dallas Center, located in a futuristic, glass-walled building in North Dallas right next to the University of Texas at Dallas, focuses on sustainable innovations in urban agriculture. It is one of 13 centers in Texas that conduct research, public outreach programs and education for current and future agriculturalists.

Masabni focuses on education for vegetable growers. He said the center tailors its research around common problems urban farmers face.

When we have the answers, we set up programs, conferences or field days to visit with growers and educate them on our research, he said. The Dallas Centers last conference, on Dec. 6, was aimed at beginner and expert growers.

Dallas Half Acre Farm keeps true to its name: Bell operates on less than half an acre. I didnt know that a career was there, Bell said of growing organic produce in the city.

Bell, 43, teaches elementary school physical education full-time. He discovered the practice of urban organic farming through YouTube. Once he was hooked, Bell did as much research on the topic as he could.

As soon as I got involved in it, and I started asking people about food and listening to people complain about food, it just clicked, he said. I can grow healthy food. Every customer that I get just strengthens my resolve to keep going.

Beverly Lanier, a resident from Rowlett, Texas, has been buying from Bell for over a decade. She said she can taste a complete difference between produce from Bell and the supermarket.

Lanier recalled a moment she shared with her family while eating Bells carrots. They were delicious, she said. The family and I were all like, what is this taste? You cant find carrots that taste like this!

Being in the urban area, we are exposed to chemicals everywhere. Why would we want to ingest any more?

Bell prides himself on his approach to growing crops.

Everything at Half Acre Farm is done by hand. The soil is never tilled, to save nutrients, and fertilizer is never used, something he said makes his crops taste better than average.

Bell hand seeds smaller crops and transplants larger ones. Drip irrigation slowly waters the plants, both conserving the amount used and giving the crops exactly the right amount of water to thrive. The water pump runs off of solar energy because there is no electricity at the farm.

I believe that my farm is adding more to the environment than taking away, which is what we should all aspire to do, he said.

Bell believes anyone can have an eco-friendly urban farm. He travels all over the Dallas-Fort Worth area speaking at conventions, colleges and high schools to teach his methods. He also offers individual mentorship and internships to aspiring urban farmers.

If I feed 100 families in my subdivision every week for a year, I can make $120,000, Bell said. Right now there are currently 600 families in my subdivision.

People dont realize how much money you can make from doing this, in just a backyard, he said.

His goal is to teach others how to start their farms while also showing the profitability of the practice, and the message is spreading.

Dirk Tanner is just one of many farmers who have reached out to Bell for beginners guidance.

Tanner, 29, also discovered the idea of small-scale farming through YouTube. When he learned it was possible to make a sizable income with a little land, Tanner said the concept astounded him.

I just always imagined farms being massive, he said.

Tanner, who began his urban farming journey in Denver, now has a farm in Greenbrier, Arkansas. He follows many of Bells techniques such as no tilling and emphasizing building soil life to produce highly nutritious vegetables.

Tanner said he strives to have a diverse regenerative farm. In addition to vegetables, he sells pasture-raised eggs from chickens fed on organic grain.

It is the most fulfilling thing when we go to the farmers market every week. People come back and say, not only was it the best salad theyve ever eaten, but that it lasted so long, Tanner said.

I know they are eating a product that is incredibly clean and builds soil life, he said. Were not depleting life. We are regenerating the land, which helps the environment and makes a healthier community.

Tanner says urban farms are essential for communities because there is a need for local food supplies. [The U.S. is] shipping the majority of our lettuce from California and Arizona, using fossil fuels to get them here, he said.

As more people begin to urban farm we can take back our food supply, Tanner said.

Food builds community, he said. Growing food builds community and empowers people. I think urban farms are not only vitally important to our food security but also vital to human connection and human life.

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Masabni said he does not think it is necessary for people to become farmers just to gain the benefits of eating organic foods.

Not everybody likes to be outside, sweat and work with the mosquitoes, he said. Some people want to eat vegetables, but they dont want to or know how to grow them. That is a big part of the population.

Masabni also warned about possible health concerns when buying produce from small-scale growers, sometimes referred to as hobbyists, that sell produce at farmers markets. I think this is a weakness that needs to be addressed, he said. Just because it is locally produced doesnt mean that it is clean, or that it doesnt have E. coli.

Responding to foodborne illness in the country, the Food and Drug Administration enacted the Food Safety Modernization Act in 2011, creating rules for farmers to prevent contamination. Smaller farms like Bells are exempt from this act unless selling to restaurants or stores.

For Bell, urban farming is not just a business venture, but a personal journey.

When his grandmother passed away, leaving him an inheritance of $7,500, Bell decided to turn their shared love for plants into a profitable organic farm.

He bought what became Dallas Half Acre Farm on his birthday in April 2016, paying the same amount of money that he had inherited from his grandmother.

Thats fate, he said.

He wants to teach as many people as possible about urban farming. It isnt easy work, he said, but with some land, guidance and motivation, he believes anyone is capable of being self-sufficient. In the future, Bell hopes to see farms in every neighborhood, with each individual and community able to provide for themselves.

He believes that regenerative farms should be included in city infrastructure and that education must begin with younger generations, his reason for speaking to many high school students. Im hoping just to get one kid interested out of the 100 Ill talk to, he said.

While not everyone may be suited to regenerative farming, it is a practice more urban communities are adopting to address food concerns.

There are many different ways to be involved in community farms, such as volunteering, community outreach and dedicating time to the growing process. Texas A&Ms AgriLife also works with shelters across Texas to provide fresh, healthy food to people in need.

Despite small-scale farmers challenges, Bell said he could not imagine doing anything else.

Even if I won the lottery today, I would still come to my farm first thing tomorrow morning.

Autumn Jones is a multimedia journalist and fellow at Inside Climate News. She is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin where she studies Journalism and Science Communications. Aside from writing, Jones is a photojournalist and has worked as a freelance photographer for over seven years. She has a passion for climate change, environmental justice, space and public health. She has received awards for her journalistic work ranging from the Dallas Morning News to the Emmys. When she isnt covering science, she can be found serving as the communications contractor for the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Educational Foundation non-profit in her home city of Dallas.

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The Plant Daddy of Dallas Is Paving the Way for Clean, Profitable ... - InsideClimate News

This letter may be unconventional in the context of a report such as Food Tech in Natural Products: Precision Fermentation Market Risks and Readiness, but we feel it is needed. We have conducted the analysis in this report for several reasons. Our primary goal is to be of service to the natural and organic products industry, but it was also important for our own decision making. In this report, we present our attempt at a balanced analysis of a challenging topic. In this letter, we share our interpretation of the results within the context of how we serve the industry.

Every now and then, issues emerge that challenge how we define the natural and organic products industry and cause us to consider what matters most to it. Amid the rapid growth of our industry and the advancement of new technologies, this appears to be one of those times.

Related: A tale of two food futures: Can CPG visionaries find common ground?

Since our founding in 1975, New Hope Network has worked to steward a movement that began as a counter-culture challenge to the status quo in a food system that failed to prioritize human health. With the advent of DSHEA, we introduced a standards program to encourage the growth of a reputable, well-respected and influential industry. Achieving greater transparency and integrity remain guiding New Hope Network principles today.

We have always been, and remain, champions of small, independent and regional grocery retailers, and of CPG innovators, start-ups and entrepreneurs. Our events serve these buyers and sellers, making it easier and more efficient to gather, network and do business. Our editorial content and conference programming help to co-create with industry advocates and thought leaders a vision for the industrys future. That vision blends historically significant values (like improved human health and organic agriculture) with new opportunities (such as regenerative agriculture) while tackling problems (including industry inequity and systemic bias).

Related: Food tech in natural products Free report

Over the years, New Hope Network and the natural and organic products industry have had a dynamic and evolving relationship with various forms of food technology.

On one side of this relationship, New Hope Network helped to create space for advocacy, education and energy advancing the non-GMO movement.

On the other side, as early as 2015, New Hope Network began exploring various forms of food technology that further disrupt the food system status quo. We have investigated technologies related to regenerative agriculture, blockchain, mushrooms as environmental remediators, urban and greenhouse farming systems, and the use of gene-editing technologies in precision fermentation.

Since that time, both regenerative agriculture and precision fermentation have engaged the passions and energy of the community as ways of solving problems in the food system. We have also seen the industry grow, adding a massive $100 bilion in sales since 2015. There has been both excitement and concern with this growthenergy for scaling the industrys collective good, but also the risk of the corrosive nature of rapid growth. This growth combined with new energy, passion and pressure to solve social and environmental challenges, have attracted new entrants and conversations into the industry.

The industry we serve has long used the word natural to define itself. And while precision fermentation may not be natural, some believe that this technology, applied with purpose and transparency, may have a place in the industry. While natural has long defined us, some believe we are also united by shared passion for disrupting conventional ways of doing business to solve problems associated with human health, planetary health and social equity and justice.

A challenge for our organization over the years has been to find constructive ways to hold space for the community to express itself, to evolve and to actively explore what solutions it will pursue to achieve its goals.

Precision fermentation has been used in our food system for decades in creating food and dietary supplement ingredients, but never in as high-profile a way as has emerged recently as part of the plant-based food movement. As questions and concerns regarding the technology have grown, the natural products community has called upon us to take a more active role in this topic. Over the past year, we invested heavily in surveying and gathering input from that community.

During this process, we heard clearly that a large portion of the community is not ready to accept precision fermentation. Many also expressed concern that the integrity of the industry is being compromised by the pursuit of aggressive growth, new technologies and new entrants that may not be aligned with the communitys long-term values.

We hear these concerns and we will work to help the industry address them.

The difficult reality is that precision fermentation is already part of our food system, but we wont sit idle while it grows without the stewardship that our industry can give it. The question is not whether the sector should emerge and scale; that appears to be a foregone conclusion. Rather, the question is how can we influence its evolution to maximize sustainability, justice, equity and human health?

We see it as our job to be stewards of the counter-culture movement to challenge the status quo, and to be the counterbalance to what may otherwise be unchecked growth that may follow extractive pathways to scale. Our job will be to remain open and curious yet skeptical and inquisitive, demanding transparency and integrity from those who choose to pursue this path forward.

As you prepare to read this report, please know that New Hope Network and Natural Products Expo remain committed to our purpose and to keeping the industry focused on:

And in direct response to concerns about unchecked growth and precision fermentation, we commit to building new transparency expectations and helping this community find businesses that engage with integrity and align with industry values. We will:

Thanks for taking time to engage with us on this important topic. Our leadership team wants to continue open and transparent dialog about these issues. Please reach out to any of us to ask questions or share additional perspectives.

Sincerely,

Carlotta Mast, SVP and Market Leader, New Hope NetworkEric Pierce, VP Business Insights, New Hope Network

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The Future of Food: Letter to the natural products industry - New Hope Network

When you think of the most trusted grocery store chain, what comes to mind? One of Texas' most beloved stores recently landed among the most trusted grocery store chains in America.

BrandSpark International released its 5th annual list of the most trusted grocery retailers in America. The website states, "After a year of spiking prices for household groceries, this list can help Americans choose a store that is trusted by other shoppers and best suits their needs in 2023."

H-E-B was named the fifth most trusted conventional grocery store, along with ShopRite.

Here are the top five most trusted conventional grocery stores in America, according to BrandSpark International:

H-E-B was named the fourth most trusted grocery store chain in the south, falling just behind Walmart, Kroger, and Publix.

H-E-B ranked the most trusted grocery store chain for several attributes, including valuable coupons, great promotions, easy checkout experience, service, friendly staff, its modern look, fresh foods, healthy prepared foods, alcohol, household care products, Mexican food, organic foods, foods for holidays, packaged foods, and store brand products.

Check out the full study on BrandSpark International's website.

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Texas' H-E-B Ranks Among The Most Trusted Grocery Chains In ... - iHeart

It's a new year, and for many of us that means a turn toward healthier eating. In San Antonio, there are plenty of places to stock up on wholesome fresh fruits and vegetables, but few offer the selection and value of the Sprouts Farmers Market chain of grocery stores.

Sprouts is best known for its wide selection of organic produce, the city's best array of bulk grains, beans and spices, and a near-endless assortment of health-focused packaged items made by nationally distributed specialty food producers.

The chain also has a robust line of products sold under its own label that you won't find anywhere else. This week, Taste Team writers Chuck Blount and Paul Stephen scoured the shelves to find the best and worst of those.

If you're looking to spice up your diet in 2023 or need to know what to avoid consider the following.

On ExpressNews.com: 5 things to buy and 5 things to avoid at H-E-B

A selection of food items from Sprouts Farmers Market

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Sprouts Original Grass Fed Beef Jerky

Sprouts Farmers Market has three locations in the San Antonio area.

Market Corner Artichoke Spinach Hummus from Sprouts Farmers Market

Sprouts Sparkling Lemonade

Sprouts Farmers Market has a large selection of bulk items.

Sprouts Organic Cappuccino Gelato

Sprouts Farmers Market has three locations in the San Antonio area.

Sprouts Organic Green Olive Tapenade

A selection of food items from Sprouts Farmers Market

Sprouts Farmers Market is known for its large selection of fresh produce and bulk food items.

Sprouts Farmers Market is known for its large selection of fresh produce and bulk food items.

Sprouts Farmers Market is known for its large selection of fresh produce and bulk food items.

The banana flavored pancake bites at Sprouts Farmers Market

The mashed potatoes and gravy from the Sprouts Farmers Market deli area is something to avoid.

The apple crisps at Sprouts Farmers Market don't contain any real apple.

The beet juice at Sprouts is allegedly healthy, but it doesn't pass the smell test.

The Everything Hot Dogs at Sprouts are pastry-wrapped dogs with cheese and garlic.

Market Corner Artichoke Spinach Hummus ($4.49): It's 2023 and we're all probably eating hummus regularly by now. And who doesn't love spinach and artichoke dip? Sprouts gives us the best of both by blending those nutritious veggies into chickpeas and tahini accented with garlic and cumin topped with a dollop of roasted red peppers. Sprouts takes its hummus game pretty seriously, and the deli counter is well-stocked with several flavors at any given time if spinach and artichokes aren't your thing.

Sprouts Organic Cappuccino Gelato ($7.99): Remarkably light and airy, this frozen delight delivers a big hit of coffee flavor with minimal guilt. Made from a base of organic skim milk fortified with a bit of coconut oil and a restrained dose of sugar, this gelato weighs in at about half the calorie load of a conventional coffee ice cream without sacrificing flavor. To double down on the caffeine, try pouring a shot of espresso over the gelato for a more potent spin on an affogato.

Sprouts Original Grass Fed Beef Jerky ($5.99): There's a lot of excellent jerky to choose from in Texas, and trying to narrow down the best in the state would be a fool's errand. But when it comes to grocery store versions, Sprouts is at the top of the heap thanks to its use of flavorful grass-fed beef that remains pliant and chewy without getting brittle or stringy. The all-organic blend of supporting spices gives the beef a classic flavor profile based on soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and black pepper with just enough sugar in a supporting role.

Sprouts Organic Green Olive Tapenade ($4.99): A scoop of this pungent and briny concoction made in Greece would be the chef's kiss to any charcuterie board or cheese spread. While olives are the primary flavor, this condiment's flavors are kicked up with hints of capers, garlic, roasted red peppers and just a touch of oregano. It's not exactly like the olive salad you'd find on a classic muffuletta sandwich, but it wouldn't make a bad alternative.

Sprouts Sparkling Lemonade ($4.99): Sold in elegant glass bottles with swing-top caps, the line of sparkling lemonades at Sprouts are an easy party pleaser and would make an excellent nonalcoholic option at any gathering where bubbles are required. Or if you are imbibing, it pairs well with a splash of tequila or rum. It comes in a few flavors pink lemonade, tangerine-lime and orange but it's hard to beat the classic plain lemonade. And hang onto those bottles. They're perfect for refilling with homemade beverages, infused oils or other concoctions of your own.

On ExpressNews.com: 5 things to buy and 5 things to avoid at Trader Joe's

A selection of Sprouts items to possibly avoid include an assortment of (clockwise from top left): Pancake Bites flavored with banana, beet juice, apple flavored snaps, mashed potatoes and gravy, unsweetened crunchy peanut butter and Everything Hot Dogs.

Sprouts 100% Beet Juice ($5.49): There is no denying that beets are one of the amazing superfoods in any grocery store. Beets are cited by multiple medical outlets as lowering blood pressure, and they're loaded with antioxidants. The unsweetened Spouts version in concentrated juice form, though, appears to be little more than water and smells like something you would not dare drink unless money was involved.

Sprouts Apple Pie Flavored Snaps ($3.49): You would think you cant go wrong with cookies, but Sprouts certainly does with these. While priced very reasonably per 14-ounce bag, you get what you pay for. There are no apples listed in the ingredients of what can best be described as a chemistry experiment. The snaps work OK dipped into a cup of coffee, but thats about it.

Mashed potatoes with gravy ($6.99 per pound): Over in the deli section, where a large selection of prepared meals and sides are offered, avoid this tater trauma that looks more like a caramel apple than a proper serving of mashed potatoes and gravy. Yeah, theres no getting away from gravy looking like a blanket once it cools, but this brown stuff failed to improve once heated. I would rather buy the potatoes at a cheaper price point, toss in a full stick of butter with salt and pepper, and save my money.

Sprouts Everything Hot Dogs in Puffed Pastry ($5.49): There are four to a package, and kudos that the packaging looks appealing. And then you cook them, and the all-beef dogs turn into a rubbery mess. The rest of the ingredients are akin to a prescription drug produced with a garlic concoction that used ingredients that had to be looked up in the dictionary. Celery juice? Who knew you needed that to make a hot dog in a blanket?

Sprouts Banana Pancake Bites ($5.49): The good news is that you can cook these in less than a minute in the microwave and there is actual banana listed in the ingredients. The bad news is that you would be much better off using a simple pancake mix (or making your own) and slicing off some bananas to top those cakes. You'd get bigger boost of flavor for just a few minutes more work. I tried to save them with some crunchy Sprouts peanut butter, but that didnt help either.

On ExpressNews.com: 5 things to buy and 5 things to avoid at Buc-ee's

pstephen@express-news.net | Twitter: @pjbites | Instagram: @pjstephen

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Eating healthier? 5 things to buy and 5 things to avoid at Sprouts. - San Antonio Express-News

A new year is here, and with it come new ambitions to follow a healthy diet. Eating healthy is often easier said than done, given the fact that grocery prices rose around 12 percent in 2022. Due to inflation and supply chain issues, the costs of nutritious staples like fruits, vegetables, and eggs have been hit hard (egg prices have gone up an eye-popping 30.5 percent), and going food shopping has become an increasing financial strain for many Americans. It may feel more daunting than ever to meet your healthy-eating goals given all this, but weve gathered some savvy tricks from real women that will help you save money on healthy food. Whether youre looking to eat more organic food or fish, or incorporate convenient pre-made meals into your diet, there are a number of ways to find savings on good-for-you foods and start the year off right.

Ive happily cut my grocery bill by 30 percent by shopping for ugly food at sites like ImperfectFoods.com. They offer curated boxes of items, including produce, pantry staples, animal and plant-based proteins, dairy, and more that are imperfect they could be an irregular size, have cosmetic imperfections, or be nearing the best by date which they get at a discount, then pass the savings on to you. Sign-up is free: You just fill out a questionnaire and receive a box (they range from about $4.99 to $8.99 each) based on your preferences. Everything Ive gotten, even the ugly produce, has been perfectly delicious. Shana Douglas, mom of three, Portland, OR

No time to cook for yourself, but want to stick to a healthy eating plan? You can find good-for-you, ready-made fare at supermarkets or specialty stores like Whole Foods Market for less by heading to their takeout department an hour before it closes. The reason? This is when they significantly reduce prices on items the store will otherwise have to toss out, like soups and salads. Get there and dont see markdowns? Ask a manager. Theyre usually more than happy to slash the price in half or throw in a few freebies, rather than see it end up in the trash. Marina Yanay-Triner, health coach in San Diego, CA

Fish is great for a healthy diet but getting the recommended two to three servings in per week can be pricey. The trick? Go frozen. While fresh salmon can run $10.89 a pound, the frozen variety costs as low as $4.22 a pound. Theres a misconception that frozen means lesser quality, but in most cases, the fish is frozen mere hours after being harvested making it a better choice when it comes to quality and budget! Kathy Siegel, dietician with Kathy Siegel Nutrition

Instead of buying a chicken by its parts breasts and wings can run $4.99 a pound I buy a whole chicken for about $1.99 a pound. I ask the butcher to cut it up and debone it, which gives me a weeks worth of meals (breasts for stir-fry, thighs for enchiladas, bones for soup) for just $9. I also buy larger packs of meat you get a better price per volume and at no extra cost, the butcher will grind, trim, or separate them! Sara Doll, fitness trainer, Los Angeles, CA

Its no surprise that organic foods are typically priced higher. But this simple trick can help you save big: Look for private-label brands at retailers like Target, Shoprite, Walmart, Aldi, and more. These stores specialty brands offer organic items like sauces, condiments, and breads for 50 percent less than their branded counterparts. One great example: Walmarts Great Value Organic Triple Berry blend costs $2.98 per 10 ounce bag while the same size bag of Cascadian Farm Antioxidant Blend Harvest Berries costs $5.87! Shelley King, co-founder of StockPilingMoms.com

A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, First For Women.

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Tips To Save Money on Healthy Food - First For Women

It seems like every time I visit the grocery store, I come across a new alt-pasta brand featuring nutrient-rich ingredients that go way beyond your standard durum wheat semolina (chickpea, brown rice, soy, lupini bean, or sorghum pasta, anyone?). Of course, as a big fan of both pasta and the wonders of a well-balanced gut microbiome, Im always eager to check out the newest kid on the shelfwhich has led me to Solelys brand-new organic green banana fusilli pasta. And I must say, it definitely exceeded my expectations.

Full disclosure, Im kind of a snob when it comes to boxed pastaespecially ones made with a not-your-average list of pasta ingredients (namely, green bananas). For boxed pasta to get my seal of approval, it has to meet a few key standards: cook to a perfectly al-dente texture, can hold sauce well, and taste great (obviously!). And, believe it or not, Solelys green banana pasta does all that and more. Thats because this new variation of pasta is also loaded with gut health benefits, thanks to its star ingredientgreen bananas, aka slightly under ripe bananasthat taste great and offer loads of nutrition perks. Here, a few reasons why Ill be making dinner with this boxed pasta until further notice.

Just a few weeks ago, Solelythe organic food brand that makes other products like spaghetti squash pasta, fruit gummies, and fruit jerkylaunched a first-of-its-kind healthy pasta alternative to the market, aka their new organic green banana fusilli pasta. Upon first impression of the pasta's packaging, I was startled to see that it has a ridiculously short ingredient list. It's comprised of just one item: organic green banana, which is shocking considering how similar its taste and texture are to traditional pasta.

This fusilli-style pasta is ideal for making savory pasta dishes, is paleo-friendly, gluten-free, vegan, and certified organic, and it's loaded with iron and potassium. Each box of this green banana pastawhich has about three servings per containeris made with five organic green bananas. (And! Nothing! Else!)

Per serving one cup, it packs about four grams of fiber, two grams of protein, 65 milligrams of calcium (six percent daily value), five milligrams of iron (30 percent daily value), and a whopping 1040 milligrams of potassium (20 percent daily value). Bananas, am I right?Potassium is, after all, one of the most critical minerals the body needs to function: It helps regulate the bodys fluid levels and blood pressure and can help lower your risk of stroke and heart disease.

Meanwhile, iron (which is one of the most common minerals people are deficient in) is essential for making hemoglobin, which carries oxygen via your red blood cells through the body. Keep in mind that the high iron levels in this vegan-friendly pasta also make it ideal for those that follow a plant-based, vegan, or vegetarian dietor anyone that doesn't consume iron-rich, animal-derived foods like red meat, oysters, and fish.

As a lover of all-things pasta, this alternative version made with green bananas really blew my mind. For starters, its taste and texture are just like a wheat-based box of pasta. Ready in just three to four minutes, this fusilli pasta comes out perfectly al dente every time. On its own, it has a slightly cooked-veggie aftertaste, which totally disappears when slathered with a little bit of your favorite sauce or condiments. And unlike ripe bananas, this versionmade from green (unripe) bananasisnt sweet whatsoever.

Of course, despite its startling similarities to traditional boxed pasta, Solelys green banana pasta is, well, green. Or rather, a very dark green, almost black color thats perhaps one of the only visual differences between traditional pasta and this new alt-version. The pasta gets its rich black color as a result of the natural process used to dry the green bananas. And although the color might seem a little puzzling at first, it definitely wont influence your opinion upon the first bite... i.e. when you immediately realize how darn good it tastes.

After cooking, straining, and rinsing the pasta, I decided to season it with a bit of salt, pepper, butter, and parmesan to make it cacio e pepe style using a little bit of Churn's Cacio E Pepe Butter. And let me tell you, it was so good. Seriously, aside from tasting so great, this pasta is loaded with tons of health benefits (gluten-free, grain-free, dietary fiber, iron, potassium, organicthe list goes on and on), which is why this alt-pasta will have a permanent residency in my pantry year-round. BTW, it's currently available nationwide at Whole Foods Market for $3.99 (or on Amazon) and on their website, coming soon.

This three-ingredient banana ice cream recipe will make you go b-a-n-a-n-a-s:

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.

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Im a Trained Chef and Pasta Snob, and This New Gut-Friendly, Bone Health-Boosting Alternative Pasta Changed My Life - Well+Good

People are thinking more about their health these days, which has been a big boon to produce departments in supermarkets around the U.S.

Chris Mentzer, director of operations for Rastelli Market Fresh, with two New Jersey-based locations in Marlton and Deptford, noted that produce is cranking, with sales up double-digits in 2022.

Weve been introducing plant-based meals in our department, which has been a huge trend and is only going to get stronger, so we integrated some of the foods into produce, he said. Also, the cost of meat and protein right now is so outrageous that people are going towards produce items and fortifying their pasta dishes with produce instead.

Still, the No. 1 reason that produce is performing so well is that customers are more committed to eating healthy since the pandemic.

Mentzer shared that with squash season ahead, he expects that category to be a big driver of produce sales in the late fall and winter, as they are some of the heartier vegetables out there and can be plenty versatile.

Another hot item in 2022 has been mushrooms, due to a great growing season that led to reasonable prices for shiitake, portabella, and other popular types.

But really, its across the board, Mentzer said. Everything is still flying out of the store, and everyone is thinking more about produce this year.

The produce department at Lakewood, CO-based chain Natural Grocers continues to be a big draw for new customers and a comforting constant for regular customers.

Though wanting to know where your food comes from and how its grown and produced isnt a new concept to Natural Grocers, its a topic that has been gaining steady momentum over the last few years with consumers, said Katie Macarelli, a spokesperson for the company. From sales to engagement with produce-themed social media posts, produce scored high for us in 2022.

The IRIs August survey of grocery shoppers indicates that many are worried about higher costs of groceries brought about by supply chain issues and increased labor and delivery costs, but produce hasnt been impacted as much as most categories, as people are still buying in normalor even above normalamounts.

Joe Watson, vice president of retail, foodservice and wholesale for The International Fresh Produce Association, noted that while fresh produce is not isolated from the supply chain issues, the category is holding its own and he is encouraged by the number of innovative solutions and technologies retailers and others in the supply chain are employing to keep fresh produce flowing through the system.

Still in August, the IFPA reported that while fresh produce sales recorded $5.9 billion in sales, a record number, it was buoyed by inflation, and in reality volume decreased year-over-year by approximately 5%.

Variety is the spice of life

Over the past few years, a number of new grape and apple varieties have become popular, and theres been more of a demand for specialty produce, so one challenge for stores is finding enough space in the produce aisle for everything.

We are very fortunate to have a good merchandising team, so we know based on our sales trends what our top sellers are, Mentzer said. We make sure we have enough of our NOUSI (never out of stock items), and then complement those with more unusual items. For instance, this time of season, youre getting more into persimmons, guava, pomegranatesthings that are a bit different.

That translates to the bottom selling items in each categoryperhaps the lowest-selling apples or orangesbeing cut from the product assortment in favor of the newer varietieswith the option to bring them back when some other items fall out of season.

Each September, Natural Grocers conducts a customer survey called Natural Grocers Best of the Best and this year, Hass avocados, bananas, blueberries, baby spinach and broccoli comprised the top five organic produce items chosen. The results also help the store in its plan for dedicating future space.

We source from local, organic producers whenever feasible, and our selection varies seasonally. That knocks out a big part of the decision-making dilemma, right there, Macarelli said. On top of that, good old-fashioned teamwork, and communication between our vendors, purchasing, operations and store managers certainly doesnt hurt.

Do shoppersstill care about organic?

While organic produce is doing well in some supermarkets, at Rastelli Market Fresh, Mentzer sees most of the same customers buying the segment, and inflation is keeping new customers from experimenting with organic items.

We have not seen the spike because of pricing as customers are trying to fill their carts with as much as they can, he said.

But for a chain like Natural Grocers, which trades in all-organic, numbers have never been better.

From the farm to the racks, we take great care to ensure that the produce we offer our customers is the very best it can be, Macarelli said. We also educate our consumers on the differences between organic and traditional growing practices so that they know what real food looks like. Apples arent naturally the size of a babys head. GMOs, pesticides and preservatives might make something look good, but we believe food should undergo as few modifications as possible. That includes our produce.

Getting the word out

Produce is a must-have item for most, so a big marketing push isnt always necessary, but most stores still work on campaigns for specials or new items coming into the department.

For instance, Rastelli Market Fresh has a weekly circular that goes out to its more than 70,000 customers and its in-house marketing department shares news about whats hot and new in the produce department on a daily basis.

While most supermarkets expect their produce departments to continue doing record numbers, the hope is that, as costs go down and inflationary woes dissipate, more customers will turn to newer items and continue finding innovative meals using produce in new ways.

Original post:

Produce sales have been way up. Here's why. - Supermarket News

Most global nutrition forecasting shows were in a world of hurt. Global warming and poor farming practices are destroying nutrient-rich soil and raising temperatures to the point many crops cant survive. Toss in some natural disasters like wildfires and tornadoes, then sprinkle in water shortages and weve got some obvious obstacles to feeding the worlds population.

With little likelihood any of that is going to change anytime soon, we need to be creating a plan for the future. The Future Investment Initiative Institute had the same thought, so it put together a comprehensive report covering some options for how a sustainable food future might look.

Related: 3D-printed vegan steak could aid world hunger relief efforts

Were not in a good situation. When we look at the worlds population as a whole, well see at least one in ten of the global population of eight billion faces daily hunger and that three billion are malnourished. Nearly half of all deaths of children under five derive from this cause.

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This isnt a new topic. Weve been hashing it out for decades with varied results. Of late, weve been on a backward slide. Its hard to imagine, considering all the innovations and the feeling that the world gets smaller every day. Yet, were doing it wrong and the worlds hunger continues to grow. Worse, if we dont make changes to improve soil, slow erosion, eliminate toxic chemicals polluting the water and soil, get a handle on microplastics and find ways to get plants to grow in desert conditions, the situation will become even worse. So what can we do? What should we do?

We know raising livestock is bad for the planet. Its not sustainable, with the industry being a primary producer of greenhouse gasses and using massive amounts of water, land and feed in the process.

There are myriad aspects of regenerative farming, such as no-till planting, rotational grazing patterns and crop diversity. Put together, the efforts equal healthier, nutrient-rich and resilient soil.

Not only are native plants naturally adapted to specific landscapes but they require fewer resources than non-native plants. In fact, well-established, native species thrive in the environment with very little intervention, including additional watering, fertilizers and insecticides.

Chemicals applied to plants that help them grow faster, bigger or healthier affect more than the plants they are applied to. Those chemicals then travel through the air and absorb into the water, polluting everything in their path, including nearby organic food farms and the final ocean destination where marine animals suffer. Instead of relying on these toxins, we need to get back to organic farming by creating strong growing environments that are naturally resilient to insects, rot and drought.

Yes, really. Many places around the world already consume bugs. Additionally, theres no reason they cant be used as a steady food source.

Remote and poor countries suffer from distinct disadvantages when it comes to acquiring healthy foods. For example, goods shipped without refrigeration commonly spoil before they arrive.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, around 40% of food in developed countries is thrown out, either along the delivery route, at the market, or after it is brought home. Its such a huge issue, it made the list of Sustainable Development Goals with a target to cut global food waste in half by 2030. This then requires an investment in refrigerated transport and more effective packaging.

Meanwhile, regenerative farming is the best way to rejuvenate soils decimated by quick crop fixes of previous generations. For decades, the standard practice has been to rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to ramp up wheat production and other crops. To amend and repair the damage done to that critical soil, we also need to support farmers who make it happen. Without support, they will continue to take shortcuts toward wins in the current season without attention to continued long-term destruction.

Every day, desperate non-profit organizations, governments and citizens are pointing the finger at each other for answers. The truth is, food funding is an essential and basic right for every human. Rich countries need to help poor countries. Rich citizens need to help poor citizens. Governments need to provide for those suffering from food insecurity. The answers arent easy, but the need is obvious.

In order to continuously feed the people of the world, we must embrace a wide variety of foods. If everyone grows corn, wheat and potatoes, well lose valuable nutrients and opportunities in the thousands of other fruits, vegetables and grains we could be consuming.

We also need water for animals and crops. Even with ultra-effective farming practices, some areas are just too dry. But there are ways to bring the water back through desalination and other technologies. However, it will require investments to make it happen.

The four primary reasons for hunger are wars, extreme weather, food waste and poverty. With this in mind, its essential we make food insecurity a priority a mission that cant be derailed even in war. We need a global pact to create systems and then ensure they continue. Theres not a shortage of food in the world, were just failing to manage it appropriately. Theres no reason anyone should go hungry when the planet provides adequate nutrition and enough of it. We need to rebalance the equation, making food affordable for everyone, not just the richest among us.

+ FII Institute

Images via Pexels

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Here are 12 ways to feed the world sustainably... - Inhabitat

Wichita, KS, Jan. 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Zion Market Research has published a new research report titled "Organic Fruits And Vegetables Market By Form (Fresh, And Frozen), By Product Type (Organic Vegetable, And Organic Fruit), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets, Online, Retail Stores, And Others), By End-User (Commercial, And Personal), And By Region - Global And Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, And Forecasts 2022 2030" in its research database.

"According to the latest research study, the demand of global Organic Fruits And Vegetables Market size & share in terms of revenue was valued at USD 30,700 million in 2021 and it is expected to surpass around USD 72,102 million mark by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 8.25% during the forecast period 2022 to 2030."

What are Organic Fruits And Vegetables? How big is the Organic Fruits And Vegetables Industry?

Organic Fruits And Vegetables Report Coverage & Overview:

The word organic' determines the way a fruit or a vegetable is grown using different agricultural and processing methods. In the United States, an organic fruit product should be free of any form of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This definition may change from one country to another but generally speaking, organic farming involves responsible farming by keeping in view ecological sustainability and providing maximum naturally sourced nutrition to the consumers without the help of synthetically created agents. There are various benefits associated with the consumption of organic fruits and vegetables. For instance, they contain fewer pesticides that are otherwise widely used in conventional forms of agriculture.

Organic food products are known to be fresher as there is the absence of preservatives which means that once the product loses its quality it has to be discarded which does not happen in the case of inorganic products. Since preservatives are externally added, the food product is, in a way, forced to outlive its real shelf life. Organic farming is known to be more environmentally friendly since there is minimum to no use of chemical substances which translated to lesser chemicals seeping into the soil and destroying its natural texture. Organic fruits and vegetables are free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in which the genetics of the plants are artificially modified which makes them more resistant to pesticides.

Organic fruits and vegetables are grown using methods that do not involve synthetic chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers. These methods aim to promote ecological balance and biodiversity, and are often based on principles of sustainable agriculture. Organic farmers may use natural pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects to their crops, and they may use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure to nourish the soil.

Organic produce is often grown using techniques that are less reliant on external inputs, such as irrigation and energy-intensive machinery. This can make organic farming more environmentally sustainable and can also result in produce that is more nutrient-dense and flavorful.

There are several certifying organizations that establish standards for organic farming and verify that producers are meeting those standards. In the United States, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established a National Organic Program that sets standards for the production and labeling of organic products.

It's important to note that organic farming methods can vary, and not all organic produce is created equal. Some studies have suggested that organic produce may be more nutritious than conventionally grown produce, although more research is needed to confirm this. Overall, choosing organic produce can be a good way to support environmentally sustainable farming practices and to reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals.

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(A free sample of this report is available upon request; please contact us for more information.)

Our Free Sample Report Consists of the Following:

(Please note that the sample of this report has been modified to include the COVID-19 impact study prior to delivery.)

Report Scope

Global Organic Fruits And Vegetables Market: Growth Dynamics

The global organic fruits and vegetables market is projected to grow owing to the increasing demand for food products marked as organic. This can be attributed to the growing product awareness as a result of mass undertakings by market players to educate consumers about the benefits of consuming organically produced vegetables and fruits. Businesses have increasingly become more aggressive with their marketing and sales strategy.

This is further supported by government agencies to promote local producers of organic food products. Providing subsidies, opening different farmer's markets, and other such steps are a way for governments to encourage the sales of organic fruits and vegetables. The global market may also benefit from the increasing availability of consumables through online and offline sales channels. E-commerce companies have upgraded their supply chain to provide quick and easy delivery of perishable items allowing consumers to order from anywhere instead of visiting physical stores for purchase.

The global market may face growth restrictions due to the relatively shorter lifespan of organic fruits and vegetables. Due to the lack of external preservatives, organic food products are known to lose their nutritional co-efficient quirky as compared to inorganic counterparts. Hence it becomes necessary to upgrade supply chain operations as any delay can lead to heavy losses in terms of revenue. Lesser investments in the global market are also projected to become a roadblock during the projection period.

The growing awareness about the impact of inorganic farming may provide growth opportunities while stringent government regulations are expected to challenge the market expansion.

Directly Purchase a copy of the report with TOC @ https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/buynow/su/organic-fruits-vegetables-market

Organic Fruits And Vegetables Market: Segmentation Analysis

The global organic fruits and vegetables market is segmented based on form, product type, distribution channel, end-user, and region.

Based on product type, the global market is divided into organic vegetable and organic fruit. In 2021, the global market witnessed the highest return in the organic fruit segment owing to the high demand for the product. The segmental growth was also driven by the presence of a large number of players in the fruit segment as compared to the vegetable segment since currently, there is a lack of space available to produce large amounts of organic vegetables. Whereas producing organic fruits is relatively easier and also has a dedicated consumer group. However, the high cost is a restricting factor as organic fruits can cost 7% to 80% more than inorganic fruits.

Based on the end-user, the global market divisions are commercial and personal. In 2021, the latter dominated the global market and more than USD 37000 million are expected from the personal segment, in terms of revenue, by the end of 2030. Direct consumption is a major contributing factor as not all commercial spaces serving vegetables and fruits and their respective derivatives may use only organic products.

The global Organic Fruits And Vegetables market is segmented as follows:

By Form

By Product Type

By Distribution Channel

By End-User

Browse the full"Organic Fruits And Vegetables Market By Form (Fresh, And Frozen), By Product Type (Organic Vegetable, And Organic Fruit), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets, Online, Retail Stores, And Others), By End-User (Commercial, And Personal), And By Region - Global And Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, And Forecasts 2022 2030"Report athttps://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/organic-fruits-vegetables-market

Competitive Landscape

Some of the main competitors dominating the global Organic Fruits And Vegetables market include -

Key Insights from Primary Research:

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Regional Analysis:

North America is anticipated to lead the global organic fruits and vegetable market owing to a higher product awareness rate and adoption rate as well as due to the presence of large areas to cultivate organic vegetables and fruits. Europe is anticipated to contribute heavily to the global market growth as there is a rapidly changing consumer preference toward organically sourced food items. It is currently the second largest consumer of organic food with Switzerland and Denmark showing the greatest number of pro-organic buyers. In 2020, an average citizen of Switzerland was estimated to have spent 417.9 euros on organic food purchases.

By Region

Recent Developments

There have been several recent developments in the organic fruit and vegetable industry.

Increased demand: The demand for organic produce has been increasing in recent years, as more people become aware of the health and environmental benefits of eating organic. This has led to an increase in the number of organic farms and a wider variety of organic produce available in supermarkets and farmers markets.

Improved labeling standards: In 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) implemented new standards for the labeling of organic produce. These standards aim to increase transparency and help consumers make informed choices about the organic products they purchase.

Innovations in organic farming: Organic farmers are constantly finding new ways to improve their practices and make them more sustainable. For example, some farmers are using cover crops and composting to enrich the soil, while others are using drip irrigation systems to conserve water.

Increased competition: As the organic fruit and vegetable industry grows, competition between farmers and companies is also increasing. This has led to a focus on quality and innovation, as well as a greater emphasis on marketing and branding.

Climate change challenges: As the impacts of climate change become more severe, organic farmers are facing new challenges in their operations. These include extreme weather events, water shortages, and pests and diseases that are spreading to new areas. However, many organic farmers are finding that their practices are better suited to adapt to these challenges and maintain productivity in a changing climate.

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Global Organic Fruits And Vegetables Market Share Is Anticipated to ... - Benzinga

One of the first impacts Evans had on the community came in the form of the Nanaimo Recycling Society, which he founded in 1978.

He said he was immensely proud of having the program as part of his legacy.

Everyone said recycling would never work. How on earth are you going to pick up recyclables, sell it, and make a dollar? And I would always respond, well how does the City pick up garbage, bury it in a hole in the ground, and make that work? That sounds crazier than my attempt here trying to put this material back into the economy. And now recycling is so big.

At the time, his recycling depot was the largest in Canada west of Kitchener, ON, and he operated it until it went bankrupt during the recession of the early 80s.

In 1985, Evans enrolled at Malaspina College to learn how to grow food, sparking another big passion for community food systems and local organic farms.

It was very healing for me just seeding, transplanting, growing. Every day as a farmer is another day full of hope. You hope for a harvest, you hope for seed germination. You hope the bugs stay at bay and no deer break the fences down. I found my days were extremely hopeful.

From there he helped found the Nanaimo Community Gardens in 1987 thanks to a $1,200 grant from Island Health.

The group partnered with Nanaimo Community Kitchen and local food banks to improve food security for all residents.

His passions led to forming the Nanaimo Foodshare Society in 1997, and helping co-found the Growing Opportunities Farm Community Co-op in 2009, and the Farmship Growers Cooperative in 2013.

Evans received an Environmental Achievement Award from the City in 1997 and was the director of the Colliery Dam Preservation Society from 2013-2015.

In 2000, he started work at Vancouver Island University as a worksite trainer for the employment and life skills training program.

He was personally called by Mayor Leonard Krog in the New Year to let him know about the award.

At first I was like, oh the Mayors calling, I wonder if theres a problem with my taxes', Evans said laughing. He notified me there was a meeting and it was unanimous supportits extremely touching to me, and means a lot to me.

Unfortunately, a diagnosis of terminal illness means Evans is unable to continue with the many projects and boards hes founded and been a part of for so long.

He said hes currently at peace with his diagnosis and lives without fear or anxiety.

Everyone passes. Its a journey, its such a deeply personal inner journey that we fear at certain times and stages of our lives, and we accept at others. Having lived this long, Ive had friends who wake up Tuesday morning and have a stroke and are dead by Tuesday night, and they never get a chance to say goodbye. They never get to reminisce and tell stories, to hug, to love, to check in again. Its truly been a blessing.

Evans is due to be publicly honoured at a future Council meeting.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

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'Means the world to me:' longtime Nanaimo community advocate ... - Nanaimo News NOW