‘Food’ Archives
BEANS ”“ Good for the Earth, Good for You, Good for Your Wallet
By MARY ELLEN KALUZA The Scarlet Runner Bean, native to the highlands of Mexico and Central America, is not only delicious and nutritious, it is lovely like a precious stone. The bright red flowers of the Scarlet Runner attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The pictured beans were grown right here in Phillips. World population is growing by 3 billion people over the next 40 ”“ 50 years, and with it is a growing demand for beef. Over the past 60 years, global production of cattle meat has grown over 40%. Cattle grazing accounts for 80% of the loss of Amazon forests alone. One acre devoted to beef produces just 15.6 pounds of protein. One pound of beef needs 1800 gallons of water to get to our table. Additionally, and alarmingly, all meat production accounts for 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions, with beef taking in the lead at 2/3 of that. We need protein for repair and growth of cells, fighting disease, moving oxygen in our blood, and more. Meat is a good source of [...]
Let’s Get This Garden Started!
By MARY ELLEN KALUZA Dreaming of spring and summer... (illustrations by Jessie Merriam, photos by Mary Ellen Kaluza of her garden) March in Minnesota. The days are noticeably longer. We are longing to have dirt under our nails. But isn't it too early? There's still snow on the ground. It's the perfect time to get the garden started. First: Plan your garden Know your space””how much sun do you get in the different areas? Put your parka on and go outside. Imagine the trees are fully leafed-out and the sun moving high across the sky. Most vegetables need a lot of sun. Leafy greens can do well in more shaded areas and may actually produce larger leaves valiantly trying to absorb as much sunlight as possible. Save the sunniest areas for tomatoes, peppers, and other fruiting plants. Carrots and other root vegetables will tolerate some shade. Make your wish list, then pare it down to fit your space. Map out your garden with sun and plant size in mind. Buy your [...]
East Phillips Urban Farm Gets Much Needed Support from Council Vice-President Jenkins
By Grace Pastoor, East Phillips Neighborhood Institute Staff Minneapolis City Council Vice-President Andrea Jenkins has come out in support of the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute”™s urban farm project. Jenkins initially voted for work on the City”™s Hiawatha Campus Expansion Project to continue but, she said, changed her mind due to COVID and other concerns. “2020 happened,” Vice-President Jenkins said on the SouthSide Mpls podcast. “Given the fact that there”™s a perception in the community that this facility would increase the amount of pollution in that area...given what we know about the Coronavirus, given what we know about how Native communities have had land stolen, I think this provides us, the City of Minneapolis, an opportunity to say ”˜Community: We hear you.”™” Jenkins, along with other local leaders, restated her support in a virtual event January 16. The event featured short [...]
