Vicky Brown Varela
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Vicky Brown Varela is a Costa Rican-South Carolinian Research and Writing Fellow at Food Tank. She earned her B.A. in International Studies from American University, where she focused on environmental sustainability and peace, global security, and conflict resolution. Her academic and professional interests include the field of political ecology, food sovereignty movements, and environmental peacemaking and peacebuilding. Vicky has worked on organic farms in Lebanon, Israel, and Palestine, and has conducted research in Costa Rica. She plans to pursue graduate studies in Visual Anthropology. In her free time, you can find her cooking vegan foods, going for long runs outdoors, and watching international films.

Research in Tunisia Explores Women Pastoralists’ Roles in Climate Change Adaptation

Women in Tunisia are increasingly involved in livestock activities. Facilitating their access to training and resources could save Tunisia’s degraded rangelands and contribute to climate change adaptation.

Report Reveals Need for Prioritizing Nutritious Food Donations

A recent report from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) finds that no federal policies and few state policies affecting food bank donations currently prioritize nutrition.

South Carolina-Based Organization Creates Access to Healthy, Fresh Foods With Affordable Produce Boxes

In South Carolina, FoodShare SC aims to tackle food insecurity and increase produce consumption for communities who face limited access to affordable and fresh, nutritious foods.

The USDA’s New Rule Seeks Standardized Label for Bioengineered Foods

A new rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) now requires all food manufacturers and importers to disclose information about bioengineered (BE) food and BE food ingredients. Under the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS), foods marked as having…

Biden-Harris Administration Announces US$1 Billion Investment to Break Up Big Meat

The Biden-Harris Administration will invest US$1 billion in order to create a fairer, more competitive, and more resilient meat and poultry supply chain.

Lebanese Grassroots Food Security Initiative Fosters Agricultural Self-Sufficiency

Despite growing food insecurity in Lebanon, the grassroots initiative Ardi Ardak—”my land, your land”—aims to cultivate agricultural self-sufficiency and support market access, providing community-supported solutions during Lebanon’s current socio-economic crisis.

New Film Documents the Life of Artist and Farm-to-Table Pioneer Jim Denevan

“Man In The Field” follows the artist, chef, and farm-to-table pioneer as he travels the world, connecting with local farmers and food artisans through his elaborate, pop-up feasts.

Empowering Haitian Farmers Through Investment in Local Food Systems

Acceso Haiti, a social enterprise, empowers smallholder farming families through market access and investment in local food systems.

20 Children’s Books Celebrating Food and Inspiring Young Eaters

This season, Food Tank is highlighting 20 books that encourage young eaters to learn about where their food comes from and the culinary traditions that shape the world.

New Mexican Farm and Nonprofit Fights for Restorative Changes to Industrial Food System

La Semilla Food Center, a New Mexico-based nonprofit, champions food sovereignty and sustainable farming practices in the Paso del Norte region.

Global Youth Urge Businesses and Policymakers to Center Healthy, Sustainable Diets

Youth from around the world and their allies released an open letter calling for governments and businesses to center sustainable and healthy diets in climate commitments and upcoming global fora.

USAID and USDA Call for Research on Global Insect Production

The USAID and USDA seek to understand the potential challenges, benefits, environmental impacts of insect production through a recently launched Request for Information.

New Report Highlights Global Farmers Markets Creating Alternatives to Industrialized Food System

A recent report compares the tools farmers markets need to succeed and emphasizes the role independent, civil society-led farmers markets can play in improving the global food system.

World Farmers Market Coalition Launches to Cultivate Lasting Food Security

At the U.N Food Systems Pre-Summit, the World Farmers Market Coalition launches to facilitate the establishment of global farmers markets.

12 Apps Preventing Household Food Waste and Protecting the Planet

In honor of International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction, Food Tank is highlighting resources inspiring consumers to make small yet impactful changes in their lives.

NOLA Nonprofit Provides Hurricane Relief to Culture Bearers

Feed the Second Line works with culture bearers and elders across New Orleans to combat food waste and repair damaged roofs in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.

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