David Meyer

Exciting news! Better Together's advocacy partner WhyHunger has submitted two panels for SXSW 2025, and we need your votes to bring these vital discussions to the stage. Here's a glance at the panels: 1. 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 - Explore the future of agriculture as WhyHunger's Executive Director Jenique Jones, moderates a dialogue with global experts. 2. 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 & 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗼𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 - Dive into how Indigenous knowledge and sustainable farming can address climate challenges. 📅 Voting is open until August 18. Your support can elevate these crucial topics at SXSW! 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 "𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘂𝗽" 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀! #SXSW2025 #SustainableAgriculture #FoodSecurity #WhyHunger #BetterTogether

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This has to be my favourite food discussion. Sooooooooooooo much food is thrown away because people are blindly following years of doctrine, throwing away food according to the packaging - which many manufacturers even agree - are way out of date (‘scuse the pun). Anything jarred/packaged and shelf stable is good to eat way after the date on the label. You will NOT get ill, only the quality might not be quite so good - eg biscuits 12 months down the track. However more often than not, they taste absolutely fine. The key thing is to check before you dispose. Just remember four little words. TASTE BEFORE YOU TOSS Of course please be more careful with anything from the fresh/dairy/meat/seafood counter…. But again, trust your eyes, nose and tastebuds as well as the date guidance. #foodsafety #california #harvard #foodwaste #sustainability #datelabeling #hygiene #tastebeforeyoutoss

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It is this simple. Learn more at https://kisstheground.com. #earthday2024 #soilhealth #regenerativeagriculture #kisstheground #denverurbangardens #foodcommunityclimate #climateaction

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🌱 Great interview with Mike Dill about the current state of and changes in organic - from the team at Strengthening Organic Systems, LLC 👇🏼

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My latest Substack article “Age of the Broiler Chicken,” looks at how the chicken industry is emblematic of the Anthropocene not just because of the physical remnants, the giant bones it will leave scattered across the earth for future civilizations to decode, but because, in its exploitation of living beings and the environment, in its profit-driven degradation of life, it reveals the anthropocentric worldview that spawned the Anthropocene… Read the full article at https://lnkd.in/edyWiiQm

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We are thrilled to announce a deal securing ~$180 million in climate finance to the Brazilian state of Pará to support reducing deforestation in the Amazon. #LEAFCoalition is the first in the Amazon. It includes sovereign government support from the U.S., UK & Norway; and corporate support from Bayer, Walmart Foundation, Amazon, Capgemini, BCG, H&M and more. Contact us to learn more about how to support #emergent, urgency to halt tropical deforestation for people, nature and climate. #climatefinance #deforestation #climateweeknyc #climatephilanthropy #indigenouspeoples #protectforests

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Lived Experience Conference -- Addressing Critical Issues in Our Farming Communities Did you know the U.S. suicide rate among male farmers is nearly double that of the general population? Economic stress, isolation, and limited access to mental health resources highlight the urgent need for support and intervention. To learn more about suicide prevention, response, and support for those impacted by suicide, join us at the Lived Experience Collective (LEC) conference in Minneapolis on November 19th. Hosted by the United Suicide Survivors International organization, LEC is an action-focused event for resource providers, individuals with lived experience, and those who have lost someone to suicide. For the past several months, I've represented farmers and agriculture on the planning committee. As a committee, our goal is to ensure a supportive and enriching experience for all attendees. To Register visit: United Suicide Survivors International https://lnkd.in/g3V_hfAK Recognizing and Supporting Someone Who May Be Having Suicidal Thoughts *Check In: Regularly reach out to those who may be struggling. A simple call or visit can make a big difference. *Listen Actively: Pay attention to what they say and how they say it. Being there to listen can provide immense relief. *Ask Direct Questions: Don't hesitate to ask if they are thinking about suicide. It can open the door to important conversations and help them feel supported. *Encourage Professional Help: Suggest they talk to a mental health professional. Offer to help them find resources or accompany them to appointments if needed. *Stay Connected: Keep in touch even after the initial conversation. Ongoing support is crucial. Identifying Possible Suicide/Mental Health Issues A. Look for Warning Signs: Be aware of signs such as talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, withdrawing from friends and family, & giving away prized possessions. B. Monitor Behavioral Changes: Notice significant changes in behavior, such as increased use of alcohol or drugs, reckless behavior, or sudden mood swings. C. Educate Yourself: Learn about the risk factors & warning signs of suicide. This knowledge can help you recognize when someone might be in crisis. D. Create a Support Network: Build a network of people who can offer support and resources, including friends, family, mental health professionals, & community organizations. E. Promote Mental Health Awareness: Encourage open conversations about mental health & reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or the Crisis Text Line by texting "HOME" to 741741. Remember, reaching out and offering support can make a significant difference in someone's life. Let's work together to support our farmers and their families. #MentalHealth #UnitedSurvivors #IASP2024 #LivedExperienceCollective

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As the Cofounder and CEO of East Denver Food Hub (EDFH), I often pause to reflect on the profound journey we’ve embarked upon. We launched EDFH during the uncertainty of a global pandemic with a mission to tackle the spike in food insecurity by connecting local farmers directly to families in need. The challenge of getting the economics right, leveraging our resources effectively, and doing so much with so little has been a formidable part of our journey. However, it’s the collaborative impact and partnerships that truly power our mission. This work isn’t just about food—it's about re-engineering and re-imagining our food systems to create sustainable, long-term change. As we continue to navigate an evolving landscape, our focus has expanded to strengthening the longevity of our local food economy and our planet. We are learning, evolving, and leveraging institutional procurement as an pivotal initiative. With guidance and mentorship from Kitchen Sync Strategies, and partnering with companies like Aramark, Bon Appétit Management Company, OTG Management, Sodexo and Good Eating Company (US), we aim to reshape the institutional value chain, supporting colleges and universities, hospitals, correctional facilities, and corporate offices with healthier and more nutritious food. This journey is iterative, filled with learning and trust in the process. We're committed to unfolding new insights into actionable steps that not only meet the immediate needs, but also build resilience and strength for the future. Thank you to everyone who has joined us on this transformative journey. #SustainableAgriculture #FoodSecurity #InstitutionalProcurement #FarmtoFork #Foodservice #StartupLife #ClimateAction #RegenAg

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I don't want to sound like Eeyore, but I wish more (powerful) people saw the value and potential that grassroots initiatives have on advancing food + climate issues. While institutional change is (obv!) necessary to drive emissions reductions at scale, it’s equally important to expand access to climate-friendly food in “third spaces”—the restaurants, cafes, and community hubs where people naturally gather. These places are fertile ground for lasting cultural shifts because they are where people come to connect, celebrate, and build community. Good associations are key to changing people's perspectives on... everything, but especially food. For our final initiative of 2024, we're partnering with the City of San Antonio, TX for the second year in a row. Last year, their Office of Sustainability team committed to 5 pro-planet plant-based climate actions, and this year, we’re going even further by adding the collaboration of ¡Por Vida!, an innovative program from the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. ¡Por Vida! recognizes local restaurants that create healthy, sustainable environments through good nutrition and community engagement. In my opinion, they’re setting a gold standard that every city would be lucky to have. As Planted Society moves into our annual season of reflection, I’m thinking about how we can better support these grassroots initiatives—especially those that make climate-friendly food accessible in the spaces where community really happens.

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*GRANT ALERT** Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger Community Food Grants available for food pantries. Colorado’s new Community Food Grants support all qualifying emergency food assistance providers with funding, specifically the procurement and distribution of healthy, culturally relevant foods in communities, while also championing local agriculture. The Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger administers the grant program, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Human Services. Both food pantries and food banks are key partners in addressing hunger across Colorado. With these funds, food pantries can acquire and distribute food directly to individuals and families as aligned with community needs and priorities. Similarly, food banks can buy food in bulk and distribute the entirety of their grant purchases to the 1,200 food pantries in their agency networks. This 2024 - 2025 funding opportunity is only open to food pantries; the Blueprint has already awarded food banks with their portion of the funding. Requests can range from $5,000 - $50,000, with a total of $1 million available for food pantries. The online application closes on Friday, September 6, at 5 p.m. MST. We intend to notify applicants about funding decisions by Tuesday, October 15. https://lnkd.in/gJNUaHvw

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In my latest feature report for Agriculture Dive, I look at a fascinating new book on regenerative agriculture and the women leading the charge.

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Animal Outlook's latest undercover investigation into Foster Farms--California's largest poultry producer--exposes egregious cruelty towards chickens being loaded for slaughter. Our video footage, released yesterday, reveals: ·  Chickens run over by forklifts: Footage shows multiple instances of live birds being hit, run over, and even reversed back over to crush them a second time by forklift operators. ·  Physical abuse: Foster Farms workers are seen throwing, kicking, and mishandling chickens in ways that appear to violate animal cruelty laws. ·  Inhumane conditions: The footage also depicts chickens living in squalid conditions, including extreme heat, mud floors, rotting corpses covered in maggots, and cages that trap and injure birds. Animal Outlook has presented the video and legal analysis to the Fresno County District Attorney's office and is requesting criminal animal cruelty charges be filed against the perpetrators of this abuse, including Foster Farms as a corporation. According to its website, Foster Farms supplies major grocery outlets including Walmart, Kroger, Target, and Albertsons. Watch the full video here:

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Food sovereignty is more than just having access to food: 🌱 It’s about empowering our community to cultivate and sustain our own food sources. The need to reduce reliance on external food sources became even more clear during the COVID pandemic when they were even less predictable. In response, the Native American Advancement Foundation acted swiftly to ensure our community had reliable access to nutritious food. Growing our own traditional food benefits the community by: → Ensuring our community has access to fresh, healthy produce. → Reconnecting with our heritage and passing on cultural practices. → Creating spaces where the community can come together, learn, and support each other. NAAF’s food sovereignty model provides food and fosters a sense of community. They also serve as educational platforms where children and adults can learn about sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and the importance of traditional foods in a healthy lifestyle. - - #nativeamericanadvancement #naaf #foodsovereignty 🌽 Join us in supporting food sovereignty. Your donations help us expand these vital programs, ensuring that our community remains strong and self-sufficient. To learn more and share a donation, click here: https://lnkd.in/guXPA937

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This shall be a very good catalyst especially for we the food producers who believe that this is the only way we can preserve our ecosystem and protect the biodiversity loss.

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Food pantries can #transform #neighborhoods if they recognize the importance of gathering data to assist those in need. The data they currently miss could unlock opportunities for more #sustainableliving.

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Monthly Tip from our Donor Outreach Blueprint (if you sign up you get them each month and I have to say they are GOOD!) This month's Donor Outreach tip is to have concept notes ready to send. Do you have short, concise concept notes at your disposal? If not, it's worth writing up a few high level concepts based on what priority programs you need funded over the next 6-12 months. By having high level descriptions at the ready, you can share them with donors in an email or even over a zoom call. This allows the donor to react quickly and for you jointly to determine if there's a fit. The end result? You want to get that call scheduled. Encourages the donor to ask for more information. Let me know if you are working towards this! Also you can access our Donor Outreach Blueprint on our Resources page!

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Great first day of AZA's inaugural Animal Wellbeing Summit! Key takeaways include the importance of prioritizing staff wellbeing to ensure animal wellbeing, finding common ground to form broader coalitions (doesn't mean you have to agree on everything), and utilizing "the power of &" to find compromise. (beignets too!)

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