SUSTAINABILITY
At FEED, sustainability is at the heart of our 'purpose' and everything we do. We are in a position to effect real economic, social and environmental change through our programs, infrastructure and actions. Here are just some of the ways how:
REDUCED FOOD WASTE
Food waste will be reduced in a number of ways. This begins with planning and planting crops based on demand so farmers only grow what we need reducing surplus and price fluctuations which both lead to waste.
By reducing supply chain timelines the fresh produce actually arrives ‘fresh’ at stores and lasts longer in consumers homes providing more time to use it and therefore reducing waste.
By reducing supply chain timelines the fresh produce actually arrives ‘fresh’ at stores and lasts longer in consumers homes providing more time to use it and therefore reducing waste.
And any fresh produce that doesn’t look ‘perfect’ but is still perfectly good to eat is not discarded like other distribution models. Our imperfect produce will be purchased from our farmers and marketed to consumers at a reduced price. This is an initiative we have had experience implementing in Australia and has diverted millions of tons of produce to consumers' homes instead of going to landfill. This imperfect produce will also be used by our food service partners to produce healthy, delicious meals for thousands of customers every day.
REDUCED FOOD MILES
Establishing processing facilities within the growing regions reduces food miles travelled and reduces our impact on the planet.
ROTATIONAL PLANTING
By introducing rotational planting and harvesting, we enable farmers to use nature’s own ecosystem to better control pests and weeds and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and herbicides. The right crop rotations can also improve a farm system’s resilience by improving soil structure and organic matter which reduces erosion. In addition to enhancing crop productivity, rotational planting increases the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide known as carbon sequestration, which has great implications in reducing the rate of climate change.
Ultimately, we are helping our FEED farmers build a sustainable future for themselves, their families and their communities by paying them fairly for their crops while at the same time teaching them more sustainable ways to farm and care for the land upon which they grow and live.
The United Nations Development Programme has developed 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, which were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
FEED is dedicated to helping achieve these goals, and our programs specifically address 9 of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals to make sure we leave a better planet for future generations.
These include the following SDGs
1. No Poverty – end poverty in all its forms everywhere
2. Zero Hunger – end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
3. Good Health And Well-being – ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
5. Gender Equality – achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
8. Decent Work And Economic Growth – promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
10. Reduce Inequalities – reduce inequality within and among countries
12. Responsible Consumption and Production – ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
13. Climate Action – take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts