Sustainable Table:

• Dear readers, I am delighted to introduce you to our newest offering—Sustainable Table. As the name implies, this publication will focus on eating in a way that helps ensure your health and the health of our planet.
• What does that mean? It means eating more plants, fewer processed foods, and smaller amounts of meat than in the typical American diet today.
• The Sustainable Table team has worked hard to create an engaging variety of articles from both regular contributors and new voices from around the world that will keep you informed, inspire you, and make you eager to put these ideas into practice in your own life.

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Editors’ Notex

The articles we publish in The Sustainable Table are sourced and curated by our editorial team. We look for writing that illuminates issues, sparks conversation, and inspires readers to think differently about where their food comes from.

As we’ve expanded our publication over the years, it’s become clear that there are major gaps in conversation around sustainable food.

In particular, there has been little space dedicated to news reporting on issues of sustainability within food systems—conversations which are often focused more on abstract concepts than tangible outcomes and solutions.

I’m excited to share with you Sustainable Table’s newest product, a weekly newsletter called Good Food News, which will aim to provide timely reporting and highlight some of our favorite stories in these spaces.

How This Project Began

It all started with a letter, passed down through generations in my family. It was written by my grandmother to her brother after World War II and it began a tradition of letters, recipes, and photographs that were shared among my mother’s sisters.

That paper trail continued with me when I discovered old letters and recipes passed down to me in a shoe box at my great-aunt’s house.

The letters spoke about food as more than just sustenance; it was an emotional connection to their lives filled with so much love for one another that transcended even death.

The Benefits of Sustainable Food Sources

The movement to buy local foods is growing in popularity, with more and more consumers turning away from mass-produced and processed food.

The benefits of sustainable food sources are abundant and include freshness, flavor, nutrition and a smaller carbon footprint.

But what does it mean to be truly sustainable? What’s at stake if we don’t start supporting sustainable farming practices? The health of our planet depends on it.

Discover why sustainable eating is so important by joining us each month as we explore our relationship with food and how choices we make in grocery stores affect our well-being.

Welcome to Sustainable Table: a place where you can find out what’s happening in your community, how it affects you as an individual and how you can help make an impact on a global scale.

The Start of the Project

Just as easy and delicious as dinner tonight? That’s what we’re always looking for. It is one of our main goals to get you inspired to create a meal that tastes great, satisfies your hunger, is a little healthier than most dinner options out there, and also doesn’t waste any food.

We are so passionate about creating less waste and helping our readers live their best sustainable lives that we want to share with you all of our favorite recipes.

All of these recipes can be made at home in 30 minutes or less. Enjoy! -The Sustainable Table Team

Finding and Working with a Farmer

Finding a farmer who can grow your produce in a sustainable manner can be difficult. There are many resources for finding local farmers, including a database of community-supported agriculture programs that lists farms near you by state.

If you’re not interested in growing your own produce, there are other ways to support sustainable farming methods, such as shopping at your local farmers market and buying organic food.

As consumers become more concerned about where their food comes from and how it’s grown, businesses are responding with more options.

Farmers markets have recently seen significant growth and some grocery stores now carry organic or locally sourced products.

Managing Our CSA

I am so excited to welcome everyone to my CSA box—it’s packed with good things! I hope you enjoy it. This week we have lots of summer squash, some red and yellow peppers, basil, bok choy, onions and potatoes.

Let’s get started. This first recipe is simple yet delicious. We start by roasting our red bell pepper whole over a gas flame or under a broiler until it’s charred on all sides (see image below).

Once charred, place in a paper bag to steam; once cool enough to handle remove skin and seed. Add flesh to a blender along with onion, garlic, cilantro and lime juice.

Blend until smooth. Serve as a sauce for grilled fish or chicken or use as an enchilada sauce for chicken enchiladas (recipe coming next week!). Enjoy!

Tips on Growing Your Own Garden at Home

No matter what time of year it is, we always seem to crave something fresh and new. This month, we’re switching it up a bit with five recipes that are simple to make and delicious in their own right.

Make these dishes your own by changing ingredients as you please; they’re an excellent way to enjoy seasonal foods while sticking with principles of sustainability. Happy cooking!—Jackie Rones, Food Editor , Sustainable Table

Growing food at home can be an immensely satisfying experience, but first-time gardeners may have trouble getting started. Don’t worry – It’s easy to get started gardening! First off, there are so many different varieties of plants out there – where do you even begin?

The best places to start when starting a garden are leafy greens like lettuce and spinach because they grow quickly and don’t require much space or care

. In just one square foot (roughly 30×30), you can fit 6 romaine lettuce plants or 8 spinach plants! There’s no reason not to get growing today.

To learn more about gardening, be sure to check out our post on growing herbs indoors!

Recipes We Love

Some of my favorite recipes that I love to share with my family and friends on our dinner table. All of these recipes are simple, organic, and delicious!

My personal favorites include: a classic roasted chicken; a delightful baked salmon dish; and homemade pizza that is sure to impress!

The best part is they all only require a few ingredients and minimal preparation time. What better way to spend time with family than cooking delicious food together?

While it may seem counterintuitive, spending less time preparing your meals can actually help you eat healthier by reducing waste.