Food Systems Archives - Carolina Farm Trust

7 Feb, 2025

Beyond Hunger: The Hidden Impacts of Food Insecurity

By Siobhan Norbeck|2025-02-07T14:27:29+00:00February 7, 2025|Advocacy, economic burden, Food Equity, Food Systems, Health Impacts, Hunger, Mental Health, Sustainability|0 Comments

Food insecurity is a global crisis that reaches far beyond the empty stomachs it creates. It’s about the trauma of uncertainty—parents not knowing if they can provide dinner for their children, seniors rationing their meals to make ends meet, and individuals facing long-term physical and emotional harm. In 2023, the USDA reported that 47 million people in the U.S., including 14 million children, lived in food-insecure households. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that 864 million people face hunger.

The effects of food insecurity ripple through every aspect of life, influencing health, mental well-being, and financial stability. Let’s dig deeper into the profound impacts of this crisis and explore the steps needed to create a fairer, healthier food system.

Health Impacts: Chronic Conditions and Poor Nutrition

Food insecurity doesn’t just mean fewer meals; it often means eating the

Reimagining Food Systems: A Path to Health, Sustainability, and Equity

By Siobhan Norbeck|2025-01-27T16:53:02+00:00January 27, 2025|Food Equity, Food Systems, Sustainability|0 Comments

The global food system is one of humanity’s greatest achievements and challenges. It feeds billions but often at the cost of environmental health, economic stability, and social equity. A recent groundbreaking study has revealed that transitioning to a sustainable food system could unlock $10 trillion in benefits annually. At Carolina Farm Trust, we believe these findings underscore the urgency to act now to reshape our food systems and ensure they benefit people, the planet, and future generations.

The Hidden Costs of Our Current Food System

Our existing food systems generate immense hidden costs. According to the Food System Economics Commission, these costs—including environmental degradation, health impacts, and biodiversity loss—amount to $15 trillion annually. Agriculture alone accounts for more than 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, pushing us toward a dangerous 2.7°C of warming

Let’s Talk About Food Systems: Building a Sustainable Future Together

By Siobhan Norbeck|2025-01-13T16:13:54+00:00January 13, 2025|Food Equity, Food Systems, Sustainability|0 Comments

The term “food system” encompasses the complex web of activities involving the production, processing, distribution, consumption, and disposal of food. Understanding this system is crucial, as it directly impacts our health, environment, and communities. At Carolina Farm Trust (CFT), we are dedicated to strengthening local food systems in the Carolinas, ensuring they are sustainable, equitable, and resilient.

Understanding Food Systems

A food system involves every step food takes from farm to table, including:

Production: Growing crops and raising livestock—the foundation of food systems. This stage includes everything from small family farms to large industrial operations.
Processing: Transforming raw ingredients into consumable products, such as turning wheat into bread or milk into cheese.
Distribution: Transporting food to markets, stores, or directly to consumers. This stage often involves complex logistics that impact food accessibility.

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