Last week, Food Tank highlighted 101 organizations showing the world that solutions to alleviating hunger, poverty, obesity, food waste, and environmental degradation not only exist, but have huge potential to be replicated and scaled-up.
Hundreds of you reached out to us with recommendations for other organizations playing a vital part in creating a better food system. The response was so overwhelming that Food Tank has compiled an additional list of some of the most interesting reader recommended organizations!
Here are 101 more organizations to watch in 2014, based on your recommendations.
ActionAid — ActionAid works with poor and marginalized people to find long lasting solutions to poverty. The organization works in 40 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America, with over 25 million poor people. Their work seeks to create and sustain better futures by providing relief from disasters and conflicts, empowering women, fighting hunger, holding governments accountable, and making education accessible.
Agape Table — Agape Table was founded in 1980 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to serve free hot meals to people in the inner city. Agape Table features a subsidized breakfast and a low-cost grocery to provide community members with nutritious food. And the Agape Table for Kids program offers market quality produce to families in need.
AgChat Foundation — AgChat is a non-profit organization that empowers farmers and ranchers to connect with communities through social media.
American Livestock Breeds Conservancy — The Conservancy is a non-profit membership organization working to protect nearly 200 breeds of livestock and poultry from extinction
AmpleHarvest.org — AmpleHarvest.org is educating, encouraging, and empowering growers to share their excess harvest with the needy in their community instead of letting it go to waste in gardens.
Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN) — ACORN promotes organic agriculture by facilitating information exchange, education for producers and consumers, and networking. ACORN aims to make food choices healthier and more environmentally responsible.
Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers, and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) — BCTGM is dedicated to giving workers a voice and a vote in their workplace. The BCTGM represents working men and women who work in the manufacturing business, production workers, maintenance and sanitation workers in the bakery, confectionery, tobacco, and grain milling industries in North America.
Berry Center — The Berry Center focuses on issues confronting small farming families in Kentucky and across the United States. The Berry Center offers education on land use, farm policy, local food infrastructure, and urban farming.
Bioneers — Bioneers are social and scientific innovators who understand how nature operates. The annual Bioneers Conference brings together innovators working on breakthrough solutions in farming and agriculture.
Biovision — Biovision was founded in 1998 by World Food Prize laureate and Millennium Institute President Dr. Hans Herren. The organization is working to combat hunger and poverty and improve the lives of people in Africa while conserving the environment.
California Food Literacy Center — The Center is working to educate youth about healthy eating and healthy communities through teaching, feeding, sharing, and training.
Catholic Rural Life — Catholic Rural Life is working with many faith, family farm, and sustainable agriculture groups to advocate for a fair and just Farm Bill in the United States.
Center for Ecoliteracy — The Center for Ecoliteracy is an educational nonprofit organization responsible for creating resources and offering professional development to teach sustainability in school communities. “Smart by Nature” one of the Center’s books, offers a framework for education on sustainable living.
Center for Land-Based Learning — By integrating hands-on experience with classroom learning, the Center for Land-Based Learning is focused on development of the next generation of farmers.
Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) — CSPI’s mission is to conduct innovative research and advocacy programs in health and nutrition, and to provide consumers with important information regarding their health.
Central Oregon Food Policy Council — The Central Oregon Food Policy Council is a non-profit organization working to create a community-based food system in Central Oregon. They increase accessibility to healthy food and promote positive relationships among producers and consumers.
Chicago Fair Trade — Chicago Fair Trade mobilizes consumers to support global food production that abides by environmental standards and fair wages for workers. Chicago Fair Trade members collaborate with international partners in the movement to create more conscious consumers.
Church World Service (CWS) — CWS was initially founded as a World War II effort to feed, clothe, heal and shelter to those in need. Now, CWS is involved in faith-based international emergency response efforts. Hunger and malnutrition are key areas where CWS seeks location-specific solutions to global problems.
CIMMYT International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center — CIMMYT is a non-profit organization that researches the development of wheat and maize in the developing world.
Community Agroecology Network (CAN) — Through participatory action research, action education, and alternative market development, CAN takes a robust approach to confronting food insecurity. The organization now works to connect local communities to industry-leading researchers.
Community Food Centres — Community Food Centres provides resources and brings people together to grow, cook, share, and advocate for good food across Canada.
Cornucopia Institute — The Cornucopia Institute, through research and investigations on agricultural and food issues, provides information to family farmers, consumers, and the media.
CropMobster — CropMobster is a community of farmers, producers, hunger relief organizations, and everyday citizens intent on: feeding hungry people, supporting local farmers and others to prevent waste, increasing the visibility and income of local producers, and generating positive impact and measurable results.
Cultivating Community — Cultivating Community’s mission is to work with diverse communities to create fair, secure, and resilient food systems. The core purpose is to provide access to healthy, culturally appropriate food for people and families living on low incomes and to focus on a whole community approach to food security.
DC Central Kitchen — Since 1989, the DC Central Kitchen has been redistributing food that would have otherwise been wasted to local homeless shelters. They also train unemployed adults for culinary careers, serve healthy school meals, and educate children on food by engaging them in the gardening process.
Digital Green — Digital Green’s mission is to integrate innovative technology with global development efforts to improve human well-being. Their approach has been found to be ten times more effective, per dollar spent, in helping convert farmers to better farming practices than traditional approaches to agriculture extension.
ECHO — ECHO empowers small-scale farmers to increase the yield and nutritional diversity of their crops. They operate a seed bank to provide regionally appropriate crops for development workers. And they offer training courses and workshops on many topics, such as tropical agriculture.
Eliminate Poverty Now — Eliminate Poverty Now works in 11 sub-Saharan countries to promote economic development and educational opportunity, especially for women. Their programs build an economic base for agriculture, enhance future potential for women, and promote economic opportunities.
Every Last Morsel — Every Last Morsel is a community marketplace for locally grown food. They want to foster a more responsible and democratic food system by connecting neighbors and empowering entrepreneurs to prevent waste.
Fairfood — Since 2002, Fairfood International has worked as an advocate for a fair global food system which is able to feed the world, preserve the environment, respect human rights, and support economic growth. Fairfood empowers vulnerable populations and ensures companies’ food production accountability.
Fair Trade USA — Fair Trade USA is the leading third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States. Instead of creating dependency on aid, they use a market-based approach that gives farmers fair prices, workers safe conditions, and entire communities resources for fair, healthy, and sustainable lives.
Family Farmed — An Illinois nonprofit committed to locally-grown and organic resources, Family Farmed works with family farmers and organization to build up local food systems. Family Farmed distributes educational materials, such as guides to eating local food and CSA subscription programs.
Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund – The Farm to Legal Defense Fund works to protect the rights of local, family, and artisan farmers from federal, state, and local government interference. Membership to the fund includes consultation with attorneys, access to contractual documents and the possibility of legal representation for farmers in the U.S.
Farmers of the Future in Niger – A branch of Eliminate Poverty Now, Farmers of the Future is an effort to bridge the gap between subsistence farming and agribusiness. By working with young people in the classroom and gardens, the organization hopes to create a model for agribusiness that can be implemented across Africa.
Feeding America Network — Feeding America is the leading domestic hunger-relief charity in the U.S. Their mission is to feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engaging the country in the fight to end hunger.
FIAN International— FIAN is an international human rights organization that exposes violations of people’s right to food. FIAN’s vision is a world free from hunger.
FIBL— FIBL is a non-profit research institution that works to advance science in the field of organic agriculture. They work with farmers to develop solutions to improve agricultural productivity
FIND Food Bank — FIND Food Bank is dedicated to relieving hunger, the causes of hunger, and the problems associated with hunger through awareness, education and community involvement.
First Peoples Worldwide — An indigenous-led organization, First People focuses on funding local development projects in Indigenous communities all over the world. The organization facilitates the use of traditional Indigenous knowledge in solving today’s challenges, including climate change, food security, medicine, governance, and sustainable development.
Food Ethics Council — The Council confronts controversial issues ranging from supermarkets to climate change. They develop tools for ethical decision-making including; a tool-kit for businesses, Food Ethics Magazine, and reports on key issues.
Food Secure Canada — Food Secure Canada is a pan-Canadian alliance of organizations and individuals working together to advance food security and food sovereignty through three goals: zero hunger, healthy and safe food, and sustainable food systems.
FoodShare — FoodShare Toronto is a non-profit organization whose vision is of good, healthy food for all. Working from field to table, FoodShare focuses on the entire food system: from the growing, processing, and distribution of food to its purchasing, cooking, and consumption.
Friends of Family Farmers — Friends of Family Farmers is a grassroots organization working to promote and protect socially responsible agriculture in Oregon.
Future Directions International — A research institute and think tank, Future Directions will launch a new program that will examine the food and water security situation in Australia and the long term sustainability of Australian food systems. They hope to influence political action to build a better food system.
Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves — One of the main goals of the Alliance is to become a knowledge-hub for the sector, through coordinating and catalyzing technical information to enable stakeholders to be well informed and succeed in implementing their clean cookstoves and fuels initiatives.
Global Center for Food Systems Innovation (GCFSI) — GCFSI works to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of USAID programs, with a holistic approach to global food systems.
Global Forest Coalition — Global Forest includes all ecological as well as economic and social aspects into their management plan of the forests, which also embraces sustainable farming.
Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) — GFRAS is working to provide advocacy and leadership on rural advisory services within the global development agenda.
Groundswell International — Groundswell works to enable thousands of rural communities and organizations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to improve their lives through agroecological farming practices, farmer innovation, farmer-to-farmer extension, community health, and strengthening local organizations.
Grow Calgary — Grow Calgary seeks to ensure all Calgarians have access to healthy food and provides produce to the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank. Staffed by volunteers and supported by food programs, Grow Calgary is a provider of healthy, nutritious food.
Healthy Food Action — Healthy Food Action works to involve health care experts in public policy debates. They make it simpler for health professionals to act, by providing important information and mechanisms for action.
Humana People to People — Humana People to People is a network of nonprofit aid organizations. Their programs include training small-scale farmers in sustainable agriculture practices such as conservation farming, and they equip farmers with knowledge they can use to adjust to the changing conditions.
Humanitarian Coalition — The Humanitarian Coalition brings together Canada’s leading aid agencies to finance relief efforts in times of international humanitarian crises. As a joint Canadian approach to humanitarian response, the Humanitarian Coalition is a “one-stop-shop” for all Canadians during times of International humanitarian crises.
International Green Energy Council — The International Green Energy Council is an educational and advocacy body. They provide advice and give opinions concerning all of the issues affecting the “green” industry on the federal, state, country, and municipal levels of government.
Kitchen Table Advisors — Kitchen Table Advisors provide farmers with access to tools, knowledge and resources they need on their path to become resilient and viable businesses. Through their business and financial advising, Kitchen Table Advisors help farmers build the foundation for a successful future.
Local Food Hub — Local Food Hub is a nonprofit organization working to improve small farm viability and increase community access to local food.
LocalHarvest — Founded in 1998, LocalHarvest provides consumers with information about local foods. The LocalHarvest website allows consumers to participate in buying a wide range of local products from CSA’s to fruits and veggies, to soaps and pet needs.
Lufa Farms — Montreal’s Lufa Farms is a commercial rooftop greenhouse and model for urban agriculture. Their goal is to create sustainable and organic farm space in compact areas by recycling water and optimizing energy.
Ma’O Organic Farm — Ma’O Organic Farm’s strategy impacts five critical areas of need: out-of-school youth, sustainable economic development, agriculture, health, and Hawaiian culture. They hope to re-establish community through their organic farm.
Micronutrient Initiative (MI) — MI is the leading organization working exclusively to eliminate vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the world’s most vulnerable populations through delivery platforms for micronutrients and other health inventions.
Michigan State University Global Center for Food Systems Innovation (GCFSI) — GCFSI is building a sustainable consortium of global problem solvers to facilitate scalable solutions to complex development problems including; climate change, rapid urbanization, and the food value chain.
Morethana Farm — A Pacific Bamboo Resources, Antioch University Seattle, and SeaChar project, Morethana Farm is a Washington farm turned permaculture testing ground. Permaculture models sustainable architecture from natural ecosystems to meet food, energy, and shelter needs.
M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) — MSSRF is a non-profit research organization in India. The organization focuses on six main themes; coastal systems, biodiversity, biotechnology, ecotechnology, food security, and information, education, and communication.
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) — NSAC is an alliance of grassroots organizations that advocate for federal policy reform to advance the sustainability of agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities.
Navdanya — Translates to “nine seeds” or “new gift” in Hindi. Through saving seeds, Navdanya, led by Vandana Shiva, preserves biodiversity, knowledge, culture, and promotes sustainability. They operate 111 community organic seed banks in 17 Indian states.
Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) — NOFA is a community of farmers, gardeners, landscapers, and consumers working to educate members and consumers about the benefits of local, organic food systems.
Organic Connections — Organic Connections magazine strives to help inspire and educate readers with profiles of people working to make our world healthier and more sustainable.
P2PFoundation — P2PFoundation is changing the way peer-to-peer collaboration works through creating an information commons, including information on agricultural technology and innovations.
Pacific Bamboo Resources — Founded in 2004 to bring citizens together with government leaders, Pacific Bamboo Resources explores new avenues for sustainable bamboo growth. Bamboo is widely used in food, fuels, housing, and the transportation industry.
Permaculture Research Institute — The Permaculture Research institute works with individuals and communities all over the world to expand the use of permaculture based sustainable agriculture.
Permaculture Voices — One of the world’s largest professional permaculture conferences. Permaculture Voices’ goal is to have the absolute best speakers and the most motivated attendees.
Principle Six (P6) Cooperative Trade Movement — P6 is a national movement exemplifying just and equitable trade relationships between farmers, producers, retailers and consumers rooted in cooperative principles and values. P6 is owned by and designed for co-ops.
Quivira Coalition — The Quivira Coalition is a non-profit organization based in Santa Fe, New Mexico founded in 1997 which focuses on economic and ecological resilience in western landscapes. The Quivira Coalition is concerned with four primary objectives: 1) improving land health; 2) sharing knowledge and innovation; 3) building local capacity; and 4) strengthening diverse relationships.
Rare Breeds Canada — This Canadian network seeks to spread awareness of Canadian agricultural heritage. The group’s goal is a future of awareness, sustainable farms, and a model that does not jeopardize the future in favor of the present. Part of this preservation effort involves the use of animal gene banks.
Rare Breeds Survival Trust — Rare Breeds Survival Trust is the leading national charity working to conserve and protect the United Kingdom’s rare native breeds of farm animals from extinction.
Rancho Mastatal — Rancho Mastatal is an environmental learning and sustainable living center, rural sanctuary and lodge. They teach about living responsibly in the tropics.
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) — RSPO is an International multi stakeholder organization and certification scheme for sustainable palm oil. It was established in 2004 to promote the production and use of sustainable palm oil.
Santropol Roulant — Santropol Roulant uses food as a vehicle to break social and economic isolation between generations and cultures. Creatively and collaboratively, Santropol Roulant strengthens and nourishes their local community with novel approaches to active youth engagement, urban food systems, food security and community care.
Save Our Soil — The Save Our Soil campaign aims to raise consumer awareness about the importance of soil for our health, food security, and climate. Save Our Soil works to increase awareness of degraded soils and find solutions.
Seafood Watch — Seafood Watch raises consumer awareness through pocket guides, website, mobile applications and outreach efforts. They encourage restaurants, distributors and seafood purveyors to purchase from sustainable sources.
SecondBite — An Australian organization seeking to minimize waste, SecondBite procures surplus foods and redistributes it to over 1,000 community food centers across the country. Since being established in 2006, SecondBite has redistributed almost 10 million kilograms of fresh food.
Seed System — Seed System is a collaboration among diverse national and international organizations aiming to improve seed security in high stress and vulnerable areas across the world.
Slow Money — Slow Money is a non-profit organization that works with investors and donors to enhance food security, safety, and security.
SNV Netherlands Development Organization — Located in 38 Asian, African, and Latin American countries, SNV was founded on the belief that everyone has a right to sustainable development. SNV World partners with location organizations to better equip citizens to break cycles of poverty.
SOIL (Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihood) — SOIL is a non-profit organization in Haiti that protects soil resources, empowers communities, and transforms waste into resources.
Songhai Women’s Capital Fund in Benin — This capital fund is an Eliminate Poverty Now subsidiary. Many women in Benin lack the collateral (land) to be able to apply for loans, and the Songhai Women’s Capital Fund was created to help women graduates obtain the necessary funds to start a business.
Sonic Bloom — Sonic Bloom is a proprietary audio, organic nutrient plant growing process that was developed by Dr. Dan Carlson to assist the farmer, particularly with low water availability and poor soil conditions. The use of the Sonic Bloom system produces greater yields, higher nutrient levels, shorter growth cycles and greater shelf life for produce.
Sustainable Food Center (SFC) — SFC is located in East Austin, Texas and is focused on creating strengthening the local food system and improving access to nutritious, affordable food.
Sustainable Food for the Globe, Energime University — Energime University is the world’s first scientist driven entity dedicated to teaching sustainable global resource management (energy, food, water, waste). Energime University is embarking on an ambitious quest to educate the world and provide the essential skills to forge a more sustainable world.
Sweet Water Foundation — The Sweet Water Foundation is a non-profit that develops educational programs for sustainability with a focus on urban agriculture and aquaculture in the 21st century.
Tasting Cultures Foundation — The Tasting Cultures Foundation works with individuals and communities, on a national and global scale to develop art and education on food culture.
TomKat Ranch — TomKat Ranch is dedicated to the health and preservation of their land and community. TomKat Ranch’s highest priority is guaranteeing their cattle are raised in the most socially aware, morally conscientious, sustainable grass-pasture environment possible.
Transition Network — The Transition Network is a charitable organization that works with communities to create initiatives that reduce carbon-dioxide emissions.
True Price Foundation (TPF) — TPF examines what the actual cost of an action is. By working with a wide range of organizations, TPF is developing a valuation method to determine social and ecological costs, so that our production and consumption create value for our planet and society.
U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) — FAO’s mandate is to improve nutrition, increase agricultural productivity, raise the standard of living in rural populations, and contribute to global economic growth.
United Farm Workers (UFW) — Founded in 1962, the United Farm Workers of America unionizes agricultural industries in ten states. Built on foundations of integrity, confidence, innovation, non-violence and empowerment, the UFWA seeks to protect and be a resource for all farm workers in the U.S.
U.S. Food Sovereignty Alliance (USFSA) — With efforts to rebuild local food economies and make food systems more responsible to the people, USFSA supports shifting from a corporate-controlled food system. USFSA treats food and water as basic human rights and seeks to raise awareness of policies that undermine food sovereignty.
Viroqua Food Co-operative — The Viroqua Food Cooperative in Wisconsin combines a commitment to natural foods, superior customer service, and the building of cooperatively run business. Viroqua emphasizes selling organic and local foods and products to promote long-term health of individuals and the environment.
Wellspring — Wellspring is a non-profit education and retreat center as well as an organic farm. Their mission is to inspire and teach people to grow, prepare, and eat healthy food.
World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) — WFO is an international organization of farmers for farmers, which aims to bring together all the national producer and farm cooperative organizations with the objective of developing policies which favor and support farmers’ causes in developed and developing countries around the world.
Youth Food Movement – Launched in Australia in 2011, the Youth Food Movement is an international movement that started as a dinner party. Comprised of many people from chefs to permaculture experts to designers, the Youth Food Movement aims to make the younger generations aware of the power consumers have in the food system.
