The Agri-Tourist, My Journey Back to Agriculture
Agritourism involves travel, entertainment, adventure and agriculture, but, at its core, agritourism is really about connecting and educating. Join me to learn from experienced agritourism farmers and entrepreneurs, and help me build my future farm strategy.
The Agri-Tourist, My Journey Back to Agriculture
Johnson Gains Ground, Growing Food & Community to Create More Food Security in MA
The USDA defines food security as having "access at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members" and very low food insecurity is classified as " where one or more household members experience reduced food intake and disrupted eating patterns at times during the year because of limited money or other resources." In 2023, the USDA reported national food insecurity at just under 18%.
Specific to Massachusetts:
- In Feb 2024, 17.9% of Massachusetts households reported food insecurity, with a rate of 22.9% among households with children.
- SNAP enrollment in Massachusetts has been on the rise with over 1 million people and over 640,000 households enrolled. Snap stands for supplemental nutrition assistance program.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer Johnson, the Executive Director of Gaining Ground. Located in Concord, MA, Gaining Ground is located on a few acres of historic farmland. In short, Gaining Ground grows food and gives it away to people who need it, for FREE.
Gaining Ground raises the funding to grow farm-fresh veggies, fruits and flowers with the help of a paid farm staff and over 3800 volunteers. They work with different organizations including shelters, pantries and meal programs who use and distribute the food they grow.
Join me for an inspiring conversation with Jennifer about how Gaining Ground found her and the evolution of this amazing, giving organization that serves the greater Boston area.
Grounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.