Author Archives: Brooke Edwards

About Brooke Edwards

Brooke Edwards is from Little Rock, Arkansas, and started working at Heifer International in 2009 as a writer. She has a master's in social work and a bachelor's degree in psychology. She is married, a mother of one, and a wannabe urban farmer, raising her own chickens and killing most of her vegetable crops.

Protect Our Pollinators

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Imagine if you showed up to your local grocery store, only to find one-third of the food gone. If we don’t protect our pollinators, we could end up with a dire food situation. This is National Pollinators Week, so it’s a great time to think about what we can do to keep our pollinators safe.

Share this post with your friends to spread the word about pollinators.

From PR Newswire:

One of every three bites of food comes from plants pollinated by honeybees and other pollinators. Yet, major declines in bee populations threaten the availability of many fresh ingredients consumers rely on for their dinner tables.

Grocery store without bees.

Whole Foods Market University Heights’ produce department with and without items dependent on pollinator populations. (PRNewsFoto/Whole Foods Market)

To raise awareness of just how crucial pollinators are to our food system, the University Heights Whole Foods Market store temporarily removed all produce that comes from plants dependent on pollinators. They pulled from shelves 237 of 453 products – 52 percent of the department’s normal product mix.

Products removed included:

  • Apples
  • Onions
  • Avocados
  • Carrots
  • Mangos
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Honeydew
  • Cantaloupe
  • Zucchini
  • Summer squash
  • Eggplant
  • Cucumbers
  • Celery
  • Green onions
  • Cauliflower
  • Leeks
  • Bok choy
  • Kale
  • Broccoli
  • Broccoli rabe
  • Mustard greens

To help support honeybee populations, for every pound of organic summer squash sold at Whole Foods Market stores from June 12-25 the company will donate 10 cents to The Xerces Society for pollinator preservation.

“Pollinators are a critical link in our food system. More than 85% of earth’s plant species – many of which compose some of the most nutritional parts of our diet – require pollinators to exist. Yet we continue to see alarming declines in bee numbers,” said Eric Mader, assistant pollinator conservation director at The Xerces Society. “Our organization works with farmers nationwide to help them create wildflower habitat and adopt less pesticide-intensive practices. These simple strategies can tip the balance back in favor of bees.”

Whole Foods Market offers four more ways to “bee part of the solution.” Details are online at www.wholefoodsmarket.com/sharethebuzz.

Don’t forget: use one of the handy buttons below to share this important story about pollinators.

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Could 3D-Printed Food Help End World Hunger?

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You’ve heard of 3D printing, right? Well, NASA just gave Anjan Contractor a $125,000 grant to work on his 3D food printer.

Yep. A food printer.

3D food printer

Turning meal worms into meals. Photo from Mashable post.

From the Mashable post:

But Contractor, a mechanical engineer with a background in 3D printing, envisions a much more mundane—and ultimately more important—use for the technology. He sees a day when every kitchen has a 3D printer, and the earth’s 12 billion people feed themselves customized, nutritionally-appropriate meals synthesized one layer at a time, from cartridges of powder and oils they buy at the corner grocery store.

Contractor’s vision would mean the end of food waste, because the powder his system will use is shelf-stable for up to 30 years, so that each cartridge, whether it contains sugars, complex carbohydrates, protein or some other basic building block, would be fully exhausted before being returned to the store.

Could this be part of the solution to global hunger?

“I think, and many economists think, that current food systems can’t supply 12 billion people sufficiently,” says Contractor. “So we eventually have to change our perception of what we see as food.”

Watch this video, and tell us your reactions in the comments below. Would you give it a try?

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World Environment Day: Eat.Think.Save to Stop Food Waste

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Today is World Environment Day 2013, and this year’s theme is Eat.Think.Save, emphasizing reducing food waste and food loss. Every year 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted or lost, which seems crazy in light of the fact that more than 20,000 children die every day from hunger-related causes.

Stop Food Waste

This gives me a lot of personal anxiety. I try to avoid wasting food, but it certainly happens (especially with a 4-year-old at home). After watching the video below, connecting my own family’s food waste to the health of the environment, I feel a strong need to get a better handle on it. Watch the video below, and share your reactions to it in the comments section.

Food waste is a frequent topic on the Heifer Blog. Read these previous posts:

Have you taken any measures lately to cut down on your home’s food waste? Share what works in the comments.

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Poverty Will Not Always Be With Us

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Ending Poverty in India

We must go beyond ending extreme poverty. Heifer International’s participating families and communities thrive and remain out of poverty. Photo by Russell Powell, courtesy of Heifer International.

A recent article in The Economist delivers great news: we very well could reduce extreme global poverty to three percent (possibly even one percent) by 2030. Considering extreme poverty (under $1.25 per day) in developing countries was successfully halved five years earlier than projected (from 43 percent in 1990 to 21 percent in 2010), we have learned quite a lot about what is required to bring poverty rates down.

In a nutshell, countries’ economies must grow, and inequalities must be reduced. But the situation is far from simple. Here are some highlights from the article:

  • This week, the leaders of Britain, Indonesia and Liberia will recommend to the United Nations a list of post-2015 Millennium Development Goals, the most significant being a promise to end extreme poverty by 2030.
  • Bringing the second billion out of poverty will be harder than it was the first.
  • Data suggests that two-thirds of the 1990-2010 reduction in poverty was due to economic growth, and the other third was due to greater equality. Countries with greater income equality reduced poverty more and faster than those with large gaps.
  • 75 percent of poverty reduction between 1990 and 2010 took place in China; India is poised as the next country to experience dramatic reductions.

Achieving this goal–the near eradication of extreme poverty by 2030–will be remarkable. But $1.26 is still a meager existence. Growing family and community assets, empowering women and protecting the environment are Heifer International’s methods for bringing families farther above the poverty line and ensuring long-term stability.

Support our work now with a donation where it’s most needed.

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More Milk from Fewer Cows

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Editor’s note: Today is World Milk Day. Heifer International project participants around the world have dramatically improved their nutrition and overall wellbeing through the consumption of cow, goat, sheep, and even camel and water buffalo milk. In celebration of World Milk Day, we bring you a story from our East Africa Dairy Development (EADD) program, which is boosting the yields, incomes and nutrition of millions of people in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. Original Story by Ann Mbiruru, EADD information and communications officer.

We visited Francis Wanjohi, a small scale dairy farmer, in Kenya’s central region. Francis has succeeded in increasing his income by, surprisingly, keeping fewer dairy cows.

world milk day

Francis with his cows. Photo courtesy of Heifer International.

When the return on investments is high, we naturally tend to want to invest more in the same asset to reap more benefits. Perhaps we buy more stocks or more land. Believe it or not, this is not necessarily the case for small-scale dairy farmers in Kenya. Due to limited availability of land, water and labor, keeping fewer high-quality cows and feeding them better yields better milk production. It’s a challenging message EADD preaches, but farmers are adopting these practices with beautiful results.

Yielding more through better practices

In 2010, Francis faced a difficult milk production and marketing dilemma. He had two crossbred Friesian cows, but their milk production was low. He used a traditional grazing method, letting the cows graze around the family compound. Francis was unaware that this method of grazing meant the cows expended a lot of energy, and each cow gave an average of 5 liters of milk on a good day, far below their potential (a Friesian cow is capable of producing up to 40 liters per day). His cows were not as healthy as they should have been.

Francis’s turning point was when milk vendors stole his money. Despite being “skeptical of cooperatives,” he joined the Mweiga cooperative, which is part of EADD. It was the additional services offered by the cooperative hub model that delighted Francis and enriched his enterprising small dairy business the most. He accessed dairy information hitherto unknown to him, a market for his produce and an expansive social network of other farmers like himself.

On his 5-acre piece of land, Francis keeps two cows. He could keep five, giving one acre per cow, but he says two is his magic number because, “I want to farm other crops, and there is money in milk, if you do it right.”

dairy goat milk

Francis also keeps goats on his small farm. Photo courtesy of Heifer International.

With advice from the cooperative extension officer, Francis put up a modern cattle paddock and learned to mix cost-effective feeds on the farm. The results were soon visible: his cows were healthier and produced more milk. “I now milk an average of 32 liters of milk a day from the two cows. They are healthier, too,” he said, animatedly pointing to the shiny black and white cows chewing shredded hay. Planting and conserving his own fodder like calliandra, lucern and napier reduced his production costs.

Francis informed us that he has no intention of increasing his herd, and instead wants to apply the lessons he has learned so his cows increase milk production to at least 25 liters each. “I trust Mweiga will market the milk, so I don’t have to worry,” he said. His decision is backed by EADD feed specialist Josephine Kirui, who advises, “One dairy cow should have an equivalent of one acre of land for feed and fodder in a year.” This ensures the environment is well taken care of and the dairy cows, which are heavy feeders, produce to their maximum.

Cooperatives as marketing avenues

“The cooperative sells the milk on my behalf, and I access feeds and drugs from the cooperative agro-vet on credit. I also don’t have to worry about days when milk was not collected, as the cooperative had a collection point near my home; all that is required of me is to deliver the milk by 5:00am,” Francis said. To ensure the farmers deliver quality milk that fetches competitive rates, the Mweiga cooperative trains farmers on the basics of milk hygiene, handling and milking techniques to reduce contamination. Francis invested in metal cans and a good salve, and as a result, he said, “My milk has never been rejected at the collection center.”

milk cooling plant

Milk chilling plant. Photo courtesy of Heifer International.

The returns on investment through EADD are many. For Francis, increased income has enabled him to see his two children through high school. “I also built a new house,” he said proudly.

Francis is one of the 2,275 members of the Mweiga Cooperative Society, through which they supply their milk to the market. Mweiga cooperative is one of EADD’s 21 partner cooperatives in Kenya, and part of Kieni Dairy Products Limited. The members of the cooperatives have been trained in feeding and feed preservation and also in breeding by the EADD project extension officials.

Visit the EADD website for more information.

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Save Lives this International Children’s Day

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International Children's Day

Photo by Dave Anderson, courtesy of Heifer International.

Many countries around the world are celebrating International Children’s Day today, June 1. While the United States doesn’t formally recognize today as a holiday, I’d like to commemorate it, because the world’s hungry children are why we do what we do here at Heifer International. Any day we can recognize the weight of that commitment is a good day.

Every five seconds today, a child somewhere will die from a hunger-related cause. That’s 16,000 in just one day. It will happen all over again tomorrow and the next day and the next. It’s tragic and mind-blowing and preventable.

What can you do to stop it? Give. By donating to Heifer International, you help turn statistics like these into healthy children with a future.

Not committed to helping yet? Watch this slideshow below to see just a few of the millions of children Heifer International has been able to help through donations from people like you. Families who receive livestock and training from Heifer are able to feed their children nutritious meals, send them to school and pay for their medical care when needed.

Created with flickr slideshow.

You can also help by sharing this post! Share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.

 

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9 Reasons to Shop at Farmers Markets and How to Get the Best Deals

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Support local food economies like farmers markets with a donation to Heifer International’s Seeds of Change.

Editor’s note: The following guest post is by Angela Colley. With a background in mortgage and real estate, Angela Colley is a contributor for the website, Money Crashers Personal Finance. She is passionate about charity, green living and animal rights advocacy.

Stocking your kitchen with seasonal fruits, greens, brightly colored peppers and other organic goodies is a great feeling. Knowing you bought them from local farmers and helped keep them in business is an even better one. Shopping at a farmers market is a great way to support your local economy and make sure you’re buying the healthiest produce around, but it’s also a great way to save money.

Check out the following reasons you should be shopping at a farmers market:

1. Support Your Local Economy and Farmers
Grocery chains source their produce from big farms all over the world. When you buy from them, your money is supporting other economies. When you buy from a farmers market, however, your money goes directly into the hands of the farmer who grew the produce. That farmer likely lives in your area and spends that money on local businesses as well, creating a cycle that strengthens your local economy.

farmers markets table

A table at a farmers market in Hughes, Arkansas. Photo courtesy of Heifer International.

2. Fight Pollution
It may not seem obvious, but grocery store chains contribute heavily to pollution. A group from Iowa State University studied the travel patterns of 28 fruits and vegetables that ended up on grocery store shelves. On average, the produce traveled 1,518 miles, wasting precious fossil fuels and contributing to air pollution. On the flip side, the group found that locally sourced produce traveled only 44.6 miles.

3. Fresher Produce
Grocery stores typically harvest their produce before it’s ripe and go to great lengths to keep it fresh longer in the store, meaning what you bring home may not be ripe for several more days. At a farmers market, you’re likely to find organic, untreated, and ripe fruits and vegetables you can enjoy right there in the market, or on the walk home like I do.

grapes

Photo courtesy of Heifer International.

4. Variety
Local farmers markets can have a lot more variety than the small produce section of major chain grocery stores. For example, my grocery store sells Roma and cherry tomatoes, but I can find heirloom tomatoes, vine-ripened cherry tomatoes and Creole tomatoes at my local farmers market. Since the produce at the farmers market is seasonal, I also find different varieties throughout the year.

5. Cheaper Eats
Grocery stores buy from farms that need to make a profit, and they also need to make a profit themselves after paying for their substantial overhead (and, between the two are transportation and possibly other businesses requiring a share). Unfortunately, these costs get passed on to you. Unless you can find that rare sale – which usually means food is about to spoil – you’re going to pay more at a chain store. Farmers, on the other hand, don’t have middle men or significant overhead, so they can offer their products for less money. Bottom line, you save money by shopping direct.

6. Comparison Shop
At larger farmers markets you’re likely to find several farms selling the same product. And while it may be tempting to buy the first pint of strawberries you see by the door, you can save yourself money by doing a little comparison shopping. Do a quick sweep of the entire market and see who’s selling the same produce, judge its quality, and compare prices are before you buy.

7. Browse in Bad Weather
When it’s sunny and 72, farmers markets are overflowing with customers. For the farmers, this means big business. When it’s cold, raining or too windy, however, fewer people venture out, giving the farmers less business. Many farmers post sales to keep from having to haul their produce back at the end of a slow day. This can be a great time to score a deal.

8. Shop at the End of the Day
The same principle applies to the end of the day. In the morning, produce stands are usually stocked and getting dozens of customers, but as the day wears on, business dies down and farmers are faced with either hauling their produce back to the farm and risk it spoiling, or selling it now at a discount. I’ve gotten great deals by shopping at the end of the day.

farmers market produce

Photo courtesy of Heifer International

9. Build Relationships
Even though a new farmers market opened closer to my house, I still shop at the one I’ve been visiting for years. Why? Because I’ve spent time building relationships with the local vendors. They hold the last batch of blueberries for me, offer me special discounts, and I was even once invited to tour a farm. While there’s no reason you can’t go to every farmers market in your area, it pays to build a customer relationship with your favorite vendors.

Final Thoughts
Farmers markets do a lot for the environment and your local economy, plus the produce on offer is healthier and tastier than what you can buy at a grocery store. There’s simply no good reason not to shop at a farmers market, so find one in your area, shop smartly, save money, and start cooking great meals with fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables today.

Have you found great deals at farmers markets? Tell us in the comments section below.

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Help Us Make Cows Fly

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We at Heifer International are excited to invite you to join in When Cows Fly, our new online portal that allows participants, donors and others to share your stories of engagement.

When Cows Fly

The new online experience allows everyone who believes in Heifer International’s goal of ending hunger and empowering families to become part of the online community that “gives wing” to more cows, more goats and chickens and pigs. When Cows Fly provides first-person storytelling opportunities—a chance to express what it means to give or to receive. Each story can be amplified further through users’ social networks.

When Cows Fly

“When Cows Fly is an exciting way for Heifer International to connect our community of supporters,” said Cindy Jones-Nyland, Heifer International’s executive vice president of marketing and resource development. “We are inspired every day by the creative and touching ways that people spread our mission. This digital engagement effort serves as a wonderful mobilization and stewardship platform to further engage our supporters and connect our global community.”

When Cows Fly

When Cows Fly allows users to contribute their own stories or photos and explore Heifer’s work around the globe. The platform creates a culture committed to creating greater opportunities for the struggling families who need Heifer International’s help. It’s a place where all people can connect, join in and share their thoughts about and reasons for supporting founder Dan West’s outlandish dream—a dream that will end poverty and hunger forever through shared passion and commitment.

When Cows Fly

Every voice is important–from donors, volunteers, congregations and schools to project participants and partners. Each story connects one more person to the solution to the scourges of hunger, poverty and environmental degradation. Each story reminds us that we can make a difference. Be part of a great idea taking wing; visit www.heifer.org/whencowsfly.

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Bill Williams, Benefactor of Overlook Farm, Left Lasting Legacy

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Heifer International is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of William “Bill” Williams in Rutland, Mass. Williams, 92, donated 300 acres of Overlook Farm land to Heifer in 1983 to keep the land in agriculture and to help feed people in countries with “Living Gifts”

The donation established what today is Heifer International’s Learning Center at Overlook Farm.

Photo by Russell Powell, courtesy of Heifer International.

Photo by Russell Powell, courtesy of Heifer International.

Through his generous gift, Williams left a legacy that has touched the lives of thousands of children, teens and adults who have participated in educational events at Overlook and who have been inspired to provide living gifts of livestock and training, providing an ongoing source of food, income and a meaningful life to families in need around the world.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Williams’ friends and family.

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Awesome Livestock Around the Web

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One of the reasons I love working for Heifer International is the livestock. I think farm animals are the best. Of course, working in the office at our Headquarters building, it’s pretty rare I actually get to interact with live farm animals (well, unless you count the three hens in my backyard).

I know we often keep things pretty serious around here, and for good reason; ending hunger and poverty is serious work. But the past couple of weeks have turned up some fantastic livestock content around the web, and I thought it might be fun to share it here, if you’ve not already come across these.

Goats Yelling Like Humans? Yes please!

The Most Magnificent Chickens by Tamara Staples

Photo by Tamara Staples. Click image for full story.

Photo by Tamara Staples. Click image for full story.

Have you seen any funny or awesome animals around the web lately? Share them in the comments section!

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