Mission

The Indy Sustainable Food Alliance promotes sustainable community-driven food solutions.

History

The Indy Sustainable Food Alliance originated in response the March 16, 2006, gathering with H. Michael Simmons, Bloomington, Ind., to talk about the Bloomington, Ind., food security efforts. The core organizing group, comprised of Ed Cohen, John and Anita Gibson and Angela Herrmann, has met regularly since March 2006. Others, including Alan Archibald, also have been instrumental in the process.

The Web site

The Web site is produced and updated by Angela Herrmann at Creative Compositions. The logo was created by RB Design.

Why are sustainable food systems necessary?

From the Hancock Harvest Council

Why buy direct from local farmers? Local farming provides more than fresh, safe food and fiber. Preserving local farmland and farmers benefits:

• Economic Diversity
• Food Security
• Preserves Heritage and Culture
• Economic Development
• Preservation of Landscapes
• Quality of Life
• Tourism
• Reduced Transportation and Energy Costs
• Environmental
• Wildlife Habitat

In this section, you'll find a running commentary from other organizations that illustrates why it is important that we pay attention to our food system.

From the Organic Consumers Association
Written and edited by Craig Minowa and Ronnie Cummins

Corn-based ethanol adds to global food crisis

• In the past 12 months, the global corn price has doubled.
• Because corn is the most common animal feed, this affects the price of milk, cheese, eggs, meat, as well as corn-based sweeteners and cereals.
• In the U.S., milk prices have nearly doubled.
• Butter prices in Europe have spiked by 40 percent.
• Pork prices in China are up 20 percent.
• In Mexico there have been riots in response to a 60 percent rise in the cost of tortillas.
• In six of the past seven years, global grain consumption has exceeded production. As a result world grain reserves have dwindled to 57 days. This is the lowest level of grain reserves in 34 years.
• While the UN lists 34 countries as needing food aid, 30 percent of next year's grain harvest in the U.S. will be converted to ethanol to fuel cars.

ORGANIC BYTES, a publication of:
Organic Consumers Association
6771 South Silver Hill Drive; Finland, MN 55603
Phone: (218) 226-4164