Family gardens may hold answer to world's well-being

“Food and Hunger: Eating in America” was the topic of a panel discussion presented by the Black Mountain Institute last week at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The panel included celebrated chef and author Alice Waters, writer and organic farmer David Mas Masumoto and noted food scholar Raj Patel. The conversation was meaningful, thought-provoking and, at times, witty and humorous. The hall was overflowing and it was great to see so much interest in a topic that included organic produce, local production, carbon footprint, social equity, sustainability and recognizing the true value and economy of wholesome, fresh food.

If you missed the discussion you can check out the news and events archive at blackmountaininstitute.org to listen or watch online. There is good reason to recommend listening to a discussion about food. Our food choices have far-reaching ramifications, from our individual health and well-being to the very future of society and the full spectrum of biodiversity to which we belong. A sustainable, localized food system contributes to the long-term value of our homes and security for our families.

It may be hard to imagine now, but our future success lies in the transition to self-sufficiency, including the local production of deliciously fresh, organic food. In fact, the panel pointed to the audience as they only half-jokingly described the farmers of the future. In a society where many of our children have no idea where food actually comes from, this is a welcome idea.

There are ample reasons why the integration of food production into our modern urban and suburban environments can help build resilience, value and an improved sense of community.

Even in the dry Mojave, I believe we can achieve this. We already use about 70 percent of our water on irrigation. We’re just not irrigating edible plants. Education about the value of local food can help us shift our appreciation from simple ornamental gardens to those that are truly life sustaining. It can improve our local economy and hedge against the effects of peak oil while helping to address the issue of climate change.

Of the following two scenarios, where would you rather live?

Las Vegas Review-Journal