I love surfing the web for fun, yet informative food-related tools.
Factory Farm Map: This is an interactive tool about factory farm pollution and to see if there are any factory farms near you. Overall it’s an interesting tool. I liked the state-specific fact that comes up when you click on each state. For example, according to the map: The number of pigs raised in Iowa increased from 13 million in 1987 to 15.5 million in 2002, but the number of farms raising the animals decreased by 26,465. And beyond the fun interactive aspect, you can check out links to more information about food safety and food issues.
The map was put together by Food & Water Watch, a nonprofit consumer organization that works to ensure clean water and safe food. It says in their mission statement: We challenge the corporate control and abuse of our food and water resources by empowering people to take action and by transforming the public consciousness about what we eat and drink.
Everybody Eats: How A Community-Based Food System Works: This is an interactive graphic explaining the local food system from Smalls Farms to Sustainable Distribution to Local Markets to Grow Your Own. In essence, it starts with small farms working with natural cycles and ends with fresh food and stronger communities. I think this is a great visual explanation for all ages. There is a lot of work going on in CT, and probably in many states, to teach children where food comes from and create edible schoolyards. This graphic would be a great classroom supplement for those types of programs. And you don’t just have to view the graphic on the web, you can purchase a full-size poster version ($3.00) or download it as a pdf.The graphic is by YES! Magazine, an ad-free, nonprofit publication that supports people’s active engagement in building a just and sustainable world.