Publication: Guardian

UCLA Expert: Naomi Adams: Assistant Researcher and Climate Specialist, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability

Synopsis: Solar-powered microfarms from Crop Swap LA feature on-site composting and rainwater harvesting, and plants are grown in long mesh containers made from upcycled polypropylene. Harvests have included Swiss chard, tomatoes, red-veined sorrel and pattypan summer squash, among other produce and herbs. A fruit tree harvesting program provides members with honey crisp apples and Asian pears.

UCLA News: Adams, who researches environmental justice, says the movement of people growing their own food is gaining momentum and that having autonomy is an imperative for food sovereignty. “It’s empowering to grow food in your own backyard and not have to rely on these food market systems that don’t care about these communities at all – they have no interest in actually supporting communities in need,” she said. She notes that the term “food desert” isn’t entirely accurate since it makes areas sound barren and isn’t reflective of what’s actually going on in neighborhoods. Adams prefers using the term “food apartheid”, which describes the system of racist policies that limit access to healthy food in communities.

Read more at Guardian.