6. Food Deserts & Policy Solutions with Mitch Hagney

Mitch Hagney, an environmentalist turned food advocate, strives to improve food access for impoverished communities through innovative programs and sustainable agriculture, including connecting landscapes to agriculture and promoting the consumption of locally produced meats.

In this episode of big city small town with Bob Rivard, you will be able to:

• Unravel the connection between sustainable urban agriculture and San Antonio's food policy landscape.

• Grasp the importance of equitable access to healthy, affordable food for disadvantaged communities.

• Realize the critical role of water conservation in sustainable agriculture efforts.

• Comprehend the need for resilient supply chains and volunteer involvement in promoting sustainable agriculture.

• Scrutinize the funding struggles faced by Texan public schools and potential avenues for improvement.

Mitch Hagney, a passionate environmentalist and Trinity University graduate, has been deeply involved in sustainable urban agriculture and food policy in San Antonio. As the founder of Local Sprout, an urban farm and food hub, Mitch has been at the forefront of making healthy, affordable food more accessible to the city's residents. He has also served as president and board member of the nonprofit Food Policy Council of San Antonio, advocating for food equity and access in the city's many food deserts. A regular contributor to the former Rivard Report and the San Antonio Report, Mitch's insights and expertise make him a valuable voice in the conversation on sustainable agriculture.

Takeaways and calls to action in this episode include:

• Visiting Local Sprout's website to learn more about their urban farm and garden food hub.

• Supporting the Food Policy Council of San Antonio by donating or volunteering.

• Consider participating in the SA Food Forest Initiative by volunteering at the Tamak Talom Food Forest or donating to support the project.

• Switching to zero-scaping and taking advantage of SAWS' water saver landscaping rebate program.

• Participating in community gardening or starting your own backyard garden to learn about agriculture and where your food comes from.

• Supporting local farmers and building resilient supply chains by purchasing locally grown produce.

Water Conservation
Water conservation is an integral aspect of sustainable agriculture, as it helps in preserving natural resources and minimizing the ecological footprint of farming operations. By implementing efficient water management practices, farmers can optimize water usage and minimize waste while still maintaining healthy and productive crops. Efficient water utilization can also help in mitigating the effects of drought, a common occurrence in many regions. Recognizing the importance of water conservation in agriculture, environmentalists who care about sustainable agriculture are continuously researching innovative approaches to minimize water usage and waste. During the conversation with Mitch Hagney, he emphasized the importance of paying close attention to water usage in agriculture and lawn management. This highlights the idea that reducing water waste is not limited to farming alone but extends to other aspects of landscape management. By implementing best practices, both on farms and in home gardens, communities can actively contribute to water conservation while still benefiting from productive gardens and landscapes.

Agricultural Landscape Management
Effective agricultural landscape management involves implementing practices that promote environmental conservation and economic sustainability. By adopting techniques such as crop rotation, integrated pest management, and soil conservation, farmers can increase crop yields, improve soil health, and reduce the impact of farming on the environment. Additionally, responsible management practices can help maintain healthy ecosystems and support local biodiversity, ensuring that agricultural lands remain productive and beneficial to the environment. In speaking with Bob Rivard, Hagney shared his enthusiasm for any form of landscape development that offers both ecological benefits and nutritious food, underlining the importance of responsible agricultural landscape management. By embracing innovative practices and focusing on sustainability, farmers and communities can strike a balance between agricultural productivity and environmental conservation, contributing to a more sustainable and responsible food system.

Food Policy in San Antonio
Food policy plays an essential role in promoting access to healthy, affordable, and sustainable food options for all community members. In San Antonio, the local Food Policy Council works to develop strategies that encourage sustainable agricultural practices, support local food systems, and address food insecurity. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, including farmers, educators, and policymakers, the council aims to create an equitable and sustainable food system that benefits everyone. During his talk with Bob Rivard, Mitch Hagney outlined the efforts of the Food Policy Council in San Antonio. He underscored the importance of increasing the tool library, making land leases available, and working to incorporate food forests into city planning. Hagney's insights reveal the ongoing efforts to promote sustainable urban agriculture and food policy in the city while fostering a food system that supports both the environment and the community.