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THE FOOD EDITION
ISSUE 14
W E H AV E G O O D N E W S
4
MIT Startup Wraps Food In Silk For Better Shelf Live And Minimized Packaging
This Company Discovered A Way To Make Food Out Of Thin Air That Could Feed Billions
An engineering professor at MIT came across a novel use
Finland-based company Solar Foods is bringing to market
for silk: food packaging. Benedetto Marelli, an assistant
a new food that is made of nothing but carbon dioxide, wa-
professor of civil and environmental engineering, was pre-
ter, and electricity. The food, called Solein, is a high-protein,
paring for a cooking competition in which participants had
flour-like ingredient that looks and tastes like wheat flour
to incorporate silk into each dish. He accidentally left a silk-
and will likely first appear on grocery store shelves in prod-
wrapped strawberry on his bench for more than a week.
ucts such as protein shakes and yogurt.
“The strawberries that were coated were still edible,”
The development is exciting because the manufacturing
Marelli told MIT News. “The ones that were not coated
process is carbon neutral and is fully scalable since we have
with silk were completely spoiled.”
plenty of carbon dioxide (an excess even!). The company
Marelli, whose previous research focused on the bio-
Drones And Data Could Outsmart Locusts In Africa
makes Solein by extracting carbon dioxide from air using
medical applications of silk, was stunned. He viewed his
Growing swarms of locusts continue to present a problem in
carbon-capture technology and then combines it with water,
unexpected finding as an opportunity to explore silk’s abil-
parts of Africa by devouring food and destroying livelihoods
nutrients, and vitamins using renewable solar energy.
ity to combat food waste and partnered with several Bos-
on a massive scale. They multiply quickly and rapidly move
Plus, Solein’s manufacturing process is free from agricul-
ton-based scientists to form Cambridge Crops, a company
across seas and continents, and governments struggle to
tural limitations: It’s produced indoors, so Solar Foods can
that builds upon Marelli’s initial discovery to increase glob-
contain them. International researchers have joined forces
work independent of arable land, rain, and favorable weather.
al access to fresh foods, improve supply chain efficiencies,
with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Now they’re working with the European Space Agency to de-
and create new products.
Nations to develop tools to combat the locusts, which is all
velop foods for off-planet production and consumption plus
the more urgent now that COVID-19 presents restrictions
bringing protein production to areas where climate or ground
on response teams.
conditions make conventional agriculture impossible.
The social, economic, and health implications of food waste are massive and overwhelming, and many emerging technologies that extend food’s shelf life are costly, environ-
The technology ranges from data collection to satellite
A promising source of protein that’s made of two of the
mentally harmful, or include genetic modifications. Tech-
imaging systems to drones used for locust surveillance. FAO
most renewable sources we have — carbon dioxide and sun-
nology like silk is an opportunity to mitigate many issues
distributes daily updates to agriculture ministries, national
light — offers a world-changing climate solution to many of
facing the food industry without changing the innate prop-
locust control centres, and other partners so forecasters
the harmful impacts of the meat business including climate
erties of the foods themselves.
and decision makers have access to daily on-the-ground
change, pollution, and habitat loss. Solar Foods plans a com-
The silk coating is easy to integrate into existing food pro-
information, which is critical in managing migratory pests
mercial rollout of Solein globally in 2021 and hopes to pro-
cessing lines without the need for costly new equipment or
like locusts. Drones are used not only to survey the locust
vide sustenance to 9 billion people by 2050.
modifications. The silk coating forms a tasteless, odorless, and
populations but also to spray them in difficult-to-reach areas.
otherwise imperceptible barrier that slows down the food’s
The desert locust crisis in East Africa highlights just how
natural degradation mechanisms. The silk can show up to a
many elements are involved to ensure food security and
200 percent increase in shelf life, not only causing less food
stable livelihoods. Vegetation means food and shelter for
waste, but that also reducing the pressure on shippers to ship
locusts, but FAO is working hard to protect food with their
quickly, which reduces greenhouse gases in transportation.
innovative technologies.
WHAT'S THIS? THIS IS THE GOOD BAR. We believe in celebrating good and then joining in and making a difference ourselves. The Good Bar is full of recommendations from the Good Good Good community on how to take action in meaningful ways. Start small and work your way up.
HOW TO MINIMIZE WASTE AND REDUCE PACKAGING GO OD
BET TER
BEST
Start by using what you have. Sure, there are cute sustainable bags, lunch containers, and reusable water bottles all over the internet. But you probably already have bags, mason jars, and water bottles that work.
Visit plasticfreejuly.org to learn about the surprising (and obvious) ways you can eliminate plastic waste from your life. Plus find more ways to get involved, and invite your community to join you.
Vote with your dollar. Companies keep using wasteful packaging because people keep buying it. When every reader of this paper chooses glass over plastic, bulk over packaged, and more, brands will pay attention.
W E H AV E G O O D N E W S
5
Sharing A Meal Leads To Better A Local Food Swap Reduces Waste Cooperation And Quicker Negotiations And Cultivates Connection
Meat Replacements Offer A Sustainable Food Option For Population Growth
Sharing meals has been a part of history
A food swap in Brisbane, Australia helps
since humans came into existence. But ac-
community members save money, re-
cording to The Harris Poll, the majority of
duce their environmental footprint, and
American families report eating a meal to-
build connections with their neighbors.
gether less than five days a week.
Backyard gardeners meet once a month
A report in Psychological Science breaks
to swap organic fruit and vegetables with-
With plant-based meat substitutes now
a nonprofit think tank for cultivated meat
down the psychology of eating together, and
out their wallet, Australian Broadcasting
available at fast food restaurants like
and plant-based meat, says "industrial
the findings show that a meal taken “family-
Corporation reports.
Burger King, McDonald’s, and Taco Bell,
animal meat is treated with chemicals, and
style” from a central platter is a good first
The group, called Brookfield Food
beef alternatives are more accessible than
it tends to be contaminated with bacteria,"
step toward improving relations between
Swap, began when local resident Georgie
ever. Until recent years, meat substitutes
he told NBC. “Slaughterhouses — they’re just
others. Political and business leaders should
Townsend hosted her first food swap for 40
were cost-prohibitive for the general
rank with meat contamination.”
especially take note because psychologists
of her neighbors. She created homemade
found that meals together can greatly improve
posters and a social media page to get the in-
the outcome of subsequent negotiations.
itiative started.
public and were niche products accessible
Not only can plant-based diets promote
to just upper-middle class and eco-
better health, but they can also be better
conscious consumers. But the popularity
for the environment. All evidence points
of companies such as Impossible Foods,
to
The study also shows that eating similar
"The only rule is no monetary ex-
fewer
foods led to people feeling emotionally clos-
change," said Townsend, who’s now the
Beyond Meat, and Nuggs are increasingly
greenhouse gases than meat and dairy. The
er to one another and was a strong driver of
Brookfield Food Swap coordinator, to ABC.
more popular with consumers looking for
Beyond Meat burger uses 99 percent less
cooperative behavior. Study participants
"This is about talking to each other and
a more sustainable way to eat, for both
water, 93 percent less land, and 90 percent
who shared food were more likely to resolve
making connections."
their health and for the planet. (Plant-
less fossil fuel emissions, and the Impossible
a negotiation quickly. And Psychology Today
On any given month people bring in honey,
based burgers are generally lower in
Burger uses 87 percent less water, 96
writes that after just a single food sharing
preserves and jams, baked goods, compost,
calories, fat, and cholesterol than their
percent less land, and 89 percent less
event, the levels of circulating oxytocin (the
seeds, cuttings, fresh manure, and other
beef-based counterparts.)
fossil fuel emissions than a quarter pound
“love hormone”) are higher and promote so-
items to keep the cycle of backyard food
of ground beef.
cial bonding and higher levels of cooperation
production going.
“People are really curious about them,”
plant-based
foods
emitting
dietician Samantha Cassetty told NBC
With the global population expected
in chimpanzees, bonobos, and humans alike.
"In today's age there seems to be a lack of
News. “They understand there is an
to grow to nearly 10 billion people by
The dinner table unifies us and puts us at
connecting with strangers, and this is a great
environmental impact to red meat, but
2050, vegetables will continue to be the
a more level playing field. We can harness
way to bring people together," Townsend said.
more importantly I think that people are
cheapest, healthiest, and most sustainable
the power of “breaking bread together” to
The drive behind the group is sharing and
willing to make trades if they think that it is
food option, but meat alternatives could
foster community and support, harness joy,
sustainability. Not only do participants get
a healthier product.”
be effective in creating a more sustainable
forge and deepen relationships, and even
to leave with produce they needed, but they
food supply without forcing people to take
create better relations between leaders of
usually also get a wealth of information from
on a drastic diet change.
corporations and governments.
other experienced growers.
Bruce Friedrich, the co-founder and executive director of the Good Food Institute,
HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND ANIMALS BY TWEAKING WHAT YOU EAT GO OD
BET TER
BEST
Curious about the benefits of a plant-based diet? Time to dive into some documentaries! Check out VegMovies — which features movies with a vegan message and a focus on climate change. vegmovies.com
Commit to eliminating meat from your diet every Monday for one month. (You can find support by searching #MeatlessMonday.) Once you've experienced how doable that is, try eliminating meat from more meals.
Transition to a completely plant-based diet. This may feel like a daunting task, but it will really matter. A study from Oxford found that “a vegan diet is probably the single biggest way to reduce your impact on planet Earth."
14
F E E DI NG A M ERICA
How Feeding America Has Shifted Their Operations During The Coronavirus Pandemic
In a country that wastes billions of pounds of food each
Food banks across the country continue to mobilize their
the Atlanta Community Food Bank are distributing
year, it's almost shocking that anyone in America goes hun-
response to the pandemic. The Feeding America network is
produce to schools on a weekly basis to ensure families
gry. Yet every day, there are millions of children and adults
distributing emergency food boxes, and more will continue
have enough to eat at home. Many are also expanding
who do not get the meals they need to thrive. For more than
to reach families and individuals in need in the coming days
backpack programs, adding mobile pantries at schools,
40 years, Feeding America has responded to the needs of
and weeks. Other food banks are working with school dis-
and producing hot meals for children and their families.
individuals struggling with food insecurity in this country.
tricts and after-school programs to offer grab-and-go cold
It’s now the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organi-
meals for children and families to help fill the gap while
zation, serving one in seven Americans.
schools are closed.
When the coronavirus pandemic swept through the
Food banks across the network are packing and dis-
United States earlier this year, Feeding America was ready
tributing emergency food boxes as more and more
to respond. COVID-19 is in all 50 states, but so are food
businesses and school districts close. Many food
banks. Feeding America and its network of 200 food banks
banks, such as Harvest Hope Food Bank in South
are responding to the increased need every day. The COV-
Carolina, have also shifted their distribution models
ID-19 pandemic reminds us that anyone, at any time, in any
and are now offering drive-through options to limit
circumstance, could need a little extra help keeping food on
person-to-person contact.
the table. Not unlike many Americans, many of the 40 mil-
One of the most significant impacts of the pandemic
lion people who visit a Feeding America food bank live pay-
has been school closures. Without access to school
check-to-paycheck and are one bad break away from being
meals, children lose a consistent source of healthy food.
in a tough spot.
As such, many food banks are distributing emergency
“In the past, we were the ones donating to the food bank
food boxes at children's programs and in partnership
because we had good jobs, a good income,” a food bank
with local school districts. Food banks continue to
beneficiary named Lewis told Feeding America. “We were
work with school districts to fill the gap as children
secure. Within a month, we were needing the food bank. It
lose meals they'd normally eat in the classroom. While
can happen to anybody.”
these efforts take many different forms, food banks like
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC REMINDS US THAT ANYONE, AT ANY TIME, IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, COULD NEED A LITTLE EXTRA HELP KEEPING FOOD ON THE TABLE.
F E E DI NG A M ERICA
15
The Do’s and Don’ts Of Helping Food Banks During COVID-19 According to Feeding America, demand
families and individuals figure out how they
at food banks is up 60 percent since the
can stay safe and healthy, you can help. Find
start of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the
your local food bank, find out what is needed
same time, many food banks are seeing
at the local level, and support how you can.
decreased donations from the grocery
Having food on the table means so much
stores and manufacturers that helped
more than just a healthy meal — it’s a source
them in the past.
of hope. Below you will find some do’s and
Food banks are trusted community resources, and during this difficult time, as
HAVING FOOD ON THE TABLE MEANS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A HEALTHY MEAL — IT’S A SOURCE OF HOPE.
don’ts about helping your local food bank to best support our hungry neighbors.
DO
•Donate. A monetary donation or online fundraiser is one of the most efficient and effective ways to support your local food bank in a crisis situation. These donations give food banks the flexibility and funds to respond wherever the need is highest. Whether that’s purchasing more food to meet the demand, hiring more staff, setting up new meal distributions, or simply putting gas into delivery trucks, cash ensures food banks can meet
DON'T
the demand in their communities.
•Host a virtual “food drive” to raise funds. On the next family FaceTime or work Zoom meeting, tell everyone about your fundraiser.
•Volunteer.
Some food banks are pausing volunteer opportunities or
have new requirements for who can volunteer, but about two-thirds
•Don’t
visit a food bank if you have COVID-19 symptoms. When in
doubt, stay home.
of food banks are accepting new volunteers. The thing your food bank
•Don’t be afraid to ask what your local food bank needs. Every food bank is
needs most might be you. Volunteers help pack emergency food boxes,
unique, and in this unprecedented situation, what your food bank needs
distribute food at drive-through pantries, and much more. Some food
might be different from what other food banks need or what your food
banks even have ways to volunteer from your home, like making thank
bank has needed in the past. Follow your local food bank on social media
you calls or letters, responding to email inquiries, or performing simple
for the most up-to-date info on what they need.
data entry tasks.
•Spread the word. You can help by raising awareness without leaving
•Don’t start a physical food drive. In general, donating funds over food is the way to go when supporting a food bank. But that rule of thumb is
home. Add the Feeding America profile frame to your Facebook profile
even more relevant now as sorting and packing food drive donations is in-
picture to not only show your support, but to remind all your friends that
credibly time-intensive for food banks, and this may not be possible with
food banks are on the front lines of the pandemic. Follow your local food
limited staff due to the pandemic. Do keep an eye out for drive-through or
bank on social media, and share their posts to help spread the word.
curbside food drives led by your local food bank.
I USED TO BELIEVE THAT THE HUMAN RACE AS A WHOLE WAS BASICALLY A FEW STEPS ABOVE WOLVES. THAT GIVEN THE SLIGHTEST CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES, WE WOULD ALL, SOONER OR LATER, TEAR EACH OTHER TO SHREDS. THAT WE WERE, AT ROOT, SELF-INTERESTED, COWARDLY, ENVIOUS AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IN GROUPS. I HAVE SINCE COME TO BELIEVE... AFTER MANY MEALS WITH MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE IN MANY, MANY DIFFERENT PLACES...THAT THOUGH THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF PEOPLE WHO WOULD DO US HARM, WE ARE ESSENTIALLY GOOD. THAT THE WORLD IS, IN FACT, FILLED WITH MOSTLY GOOD AND DECENT PEOPLE WHO ARE SIMPLY DOING THE BEST THEY CAN. EVERYBODY, IT TURNS OUT, IS PROUD OF THEIR FOOD (WHEN THEY HAVE IT). THEY ENJOY SHARING IT WITH OTHERS (IF THEY CAN). THEY LOVE THEIR CHILDREN. THEY LIKE A GOOD JOKE... SITTING AT THE TABLE HAS ALLOWED ME A PRIVILEGED PERSPECTIVE AND ACCESS THAT OTHERS, LOOKING PRINCIPALLY FOR 'THE STORY,' DO NOT, I BELIEVE, ALWAYS GET. PEOPLE FEEL FREE, WITH A GOOFY AMERICAN GUY WHO HAS EXPRESSED INTEREST ONLY IN THEIR FOOD AND WHAT THEY DO FOR FUN, TO TELL STORIES ABOUT THEMSELVES...TO LET THEIR GUARD DOWN, TO BE AND TO REVEAL, ON OCCASION, THEIR TRUEST SELVES... PEOPLE, WHEREVER THEY LIVE, ARE NOT STATISTICS. THEY ARE NOT ABSTRACTIONS... I’M NOT SAYING THAT SITTING DOWN WITH PEOPLE AND SHARING A PLATE IS THE ANSWER TO WORLD PEACE. NOT BY A LONG SHOT. BUT IT CAN’T HURT.
ANTHONY BOURDAIN
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