Biodiversity
What kinds of wildlife are attracted to urban farms? (Multiple answers)
Birds, butterflies, bees, rodents or other pollinators.
What is vertical farming?
Vertical farming is the practice of growing crops in stacked layers.
What is the urban heat island effect?
The tendency for cities to be warmer than surrounding rural areas.
What is food apartheid?
Food apartheid is the lack of access to fresh, healthy food in low-income communities, leading to poor health outcomes.
Where is urban-grown food consumed?
Urban-grown food is consumed where it is produced.
How does urban farming contribute to the preservation of biodiversity in urban areas?
It creates habitats for pollinators and other wildlife, supporting biodiversity within cities.
What are some different methods of vertical farming?
Hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic systems.
How does urban farming help reduce the urban heat island effect?
By increasing green spaces in cities, which can help cool the environment.
What types of local organizations can benefit from urban-grown food? (Multiple answers)
Churches, schools, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and local restaurants.
What types of urban spaces can be used to grow food? (Multiple answers)
Vacant lots, parks, rooftops, landfills, brownfields, medians, warehouses, community gardens, home gardens, or soil-filled containers of various sizes and shapes.
Why is the presence of pollinators important for children growing up in urban environments?
Pollinators bring elements of nature into cities, allowing children to experience wildlife that they might otherwise not see.
What is hydroponic farming?
It is a method of growing plants without soil, often using LED lights to optimize photosynthesis.
What are some environmental benefits of urban farming? (Multiple answers)
Reduced emissions from transportation, recycling of organic matter (composting), improved habitat for pollinators, or increased resilience to supply chain disruptions.
What is "ultralocal" food?
Food grown very close to where it is consumed, ensuring freshness.
Why is it challenging for larger areas to feed themselves through urban farming?
Big cities have large populations and limited vacant land.
What is gained from recycling organic matter into compost on urban farms?
Composting enriches the soil, creating a fertile environment that supports a diverse range of plants.
What is the aquaponic farming system?
It combines fish and plant farming, using fish waste as plant fertilizer and plant-filtered water for fish.
How do extreme weather events impact traditional food supply chains?
Extreme weather events can disrupt food supply chains, making local production increasingly valuable.
What health impacts can urban farming have on local communities? (Two possible answers)
Urban farming can help reduce obesity OR urban farming can support low-income families who cannot get food.
When did the trend of installing rooftop gardens begin in modern times?
In New York City in the 1890s.
How does the localization of food production through urban farming indirectly support biodiversity?
It reduces the need for large-scale agriculture that often requires habitat destruction.
How does an aeroponic system differ from hydroponic farming?
In aeroponic systems, plants are suspended, and their roots are misted with nutrient solutions.
What role can urban farms play during food supply disruptions?
They can provide a reliable, local source of fresh food, reducing dependency on long-distance supply chains.
Why is reconnecting people to food production considered essential?
It changes mindsets and behaviors, leading people to make more informed food choices.
How do urban farms support reentry programs?
Urban farms offer reentry programs that provide job training and skills for the formerly incarcerated.