There are two initiatives that have been focused on primarily moving food systems both here in the U.S. centered in Hawaii, another in Wales and Scotland and now moving to address food systems in Kenya. Both initiatives emerged due to the interconnected nature of food security, climate, water, health, biodiversity, soil, education, equity and economic stability. These initiatives emerged from an immediate lack of economic stability across a nation – as in Wales, which was facing economic outcomes from Brexit. However, the immediate economic threats were also tied to failing soil and water systems, a growing chronic health crisis due to importing 90% of food – mostly processed despite an agricultural economy, lack of economic and educational resources due to dependence on import/export economy, and growing environmental concerns due to climate change and commercial farming. Hawaii has faced similar and escalating concerns, facing a severe lack of food during Covid due to an economy also reliant on export of few ag commodities (such as pineapple) and import of largely processed food. The commercial farming methods have degraded the environment – soil and water, and as in Wales, the population is facing massive chronic health issues. The indigenous populations have faced equity and health issues as well due to the degenerative food systems that have been forced upon the population. In both cases the younger generation is also experiencing a growing chronic health crisis as a direct result of the lack of healthy and local food, as well as lack of educational awareness – food systems literacy. This is also common in other island nations, as children recognize an apple or grapes before native produce. These initiatives are not just reimagining food, health, literacy and economic systems- they are 2 years into building the structure. They are both illustrations of where and how investment and philanthropic dollars should be spent to address the urgency of systems change. They are also examples of community building and unity efforts across regions. Food security, health, wellness, environment, water, equity and positive economic structure through better regional and localization of food is something that public opinion can galvanize investment behind.
