It’s no secret that many Americans fall short when it comes to eating the recommended five daily servings of fruits and veggies, despite the health benefits. Many of us know we should be eating more fruits and vegetables. So, why aren’t we getting enough? Here are some common barriers to fruit and veggie consumption, and strategies to help you add more produce to your plate.
Women have been a vital part of farming from the early days of agriculture. Tough, hardworking, caring and smart, female farmers make up 36 percent of American farmers and ranchers, and the numbers are growing. Fifty-six percent of all farms have at least one female decision-maker, and from 2012 to 2017, the number of female producers increased 27 percent.
In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, we’re highlighting female peanut growers who do the essential jobs of running family-owned operations, spending long hours on tractors in the field, keeping the farms’ finances in order, getting family fed and everything in between, all while developing as leaders in the industry.
With a population that will reach nine billion by 2050, there is a real need for sustainably sourced foods. Water-efficient, nutrient and energy-dense crops, such as peanuts, are key to meeting the food supply and nutrition demands of the future.
Peanuts are the most water efficient of all nuts, using only 3.2 gallons of water to produce one serving (1 ounce) compared to almonds, for example, which use 28.7 gallons per ounce. Worldwide peanut production contributes to just 1% of the global water footprint, which is the measure of water used to produce goods and services.
The home garden has become a hugely popular way to help pass the time, while also allowing people to grow food they can actually enjoy eating. Tomatoes, peppers, various leafy greens, and peas are some of the common plants that may be found in home gardens today, but have you ever considered growing peanuts at home?
You probably remember George Washington Carver from elementary school. He was the man made famous by his more than 300 inventive uses for peanuts. What you may not know is the role that his many inventions played in promoting sustainability.
Reducing food waste is good for our bodies, our environment and our wallets. When I think of going further with food and reducing waste, I immediately think about the versatility and sustainability of peanuts.