Webinar series covering food-waste topics, ‘farm to corrections’ projects now online

“Farm to Corrections" delves into access to local produce and nutrition and gardening education for people in the justice system. California State Prison Solano residents eat locally grown Bartlett pears. Photo by Evett Killmartin.

The Sustainable Food Systems Strategic Initiative Panel hosted a free, two-part webinar series in February on emerging issues within the food system. If you missed them, you can view the recordings.

“Harvesting Solutions: A Trio of Perspectives on Addressing Food Waste from Field to Fork” explored global perspectives on food waste within the food distribution chain, innovative food waste recycling and statewide consumer education programs. Mary Lu Arpaia, UC Cooperative Extension specialist in subtropical horticulture at UC Riverside, moderated the session.

Deirdre Holcroft of Holcroft Postharvest Consulting gave an overview of food waste in fruits and vegetables.

Michael Cohen, UCCE organic materials management and agri-food systems advisor in Santa Clara County, discussed extracting embodied energy and lowering greenhouse gas emissions through food waste recycling.

Yu Meng, UCCE youth, family and community advisor for Riverside, Imperial and San Bernardino counties, discussed opportunities to reduce household food waste.

“Farm to Corrections: Cultivating Justice through Nutrition and Gardening Initiatives” delved into initiatives for justice-involved individuals' access to local produce and nutrition and gardening education. Danielle Lee, a registered dietitian and NPI public health nutritionist, moderated the session.

Carolyn Chelius, a project policy analyst at the Nutrition Policy Institute; Heile Gantan, a senior program associate with the Food in Prison Project; and Lance Eshelman, departmental food administrator for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; discussed increasing justice-impacted individuals' access to California-grown produce and nutrition education.

Missy Gable, director of the statewide UC Master Gardener Program, discussed Master Gardener prison garden projects.

View the recordings at https://ucanr.edu/sites/StrategicInitiatives/Sustainable_Food_Systems/Events/Past_Events.

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