Food, Health & Agriculture

Farmers Market

The Sierra Club Agriculture Committee Mission: To educate people about the issues involved in modern food production; encourage people to think about the environmental impacts of their consumption choices and make more sustainable food choices that can regenerate the earth and sea. To request information or apply for membership in the Santa Barbara-Ventura Agriculture Committee, complete this form.

SOME SOLUTIONS to protect our land, water, air and resources, support our local farmers and improve our health. Think LOVE* -- love food that loves you and our planet.

L = Local (and luscious) – Choose fresh food produced locally; Savor food and eat mindfully.
O = Buy Organic when possible to reduce toxic chemicals in our soil, air and water. Healthy soil produces healthier food, uses less water and holds more carbon.
V = Vital and Vibrant -- Substitute more colorful plant foods for animal sources; enjoy a variety of plant foods; more diversity equals a healthier microbiome.
E = Ecological – Choose foods that protect our natural resources. Reduce intake of all meat, especially meat and dairy from animals raised in Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO). Choose healthier sources of animal protein from animals raised on smaller farms with access to pasture and are raised without unnecessary chemicals.

The Sierra Club's TRUE COST OF FOOD campaign is spreading the word about hidden costs in mass-produced food and about alternatives that are kinder to the planet and better for us.

The environmental problems caused by our eating habits can be solved—but only if a great number of consumers make an effort to solve them. Knowledge is power!

Want to learn more about where our food comes from? Watch the film, "At the Fork"

Great Resources for More Sustainable Food

Local Resources

www.sbfarmersmarket.org – Santa Barbara farmers markets
www.sbpermaculture.org – Santa Barbara Permaculture
www.meetup.com/Santa-Barbara-Food-and-Farm-Adventures - Farm and food outings
www.ediblesantabarbara.com - Magazine that promotes local food resources

Santa Barbara CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture)

Farm Cart Organics - Farm in Carpinteria and buys from a variety of farms that delivers in north and south Santa Barbara and Ventura County; has add on specialty food www.farmcartorganics.com/
Plow to Porch - Buys from a variety of farms and delivers in Santa Barbara Countywww.plowtoporch.com/
Something Good Organics - Farm in Santa Ynez that delivers to Santa Barbara County; has add on specialty food www.somethinggoodorganics.com/
Dare 2 Dream Farms - Farm and farm stand in Lompoc that delivers to North Santa Barbara County; has add on specialty food www.dare2dreamfarms.com/
Local Harvest Delivery - Buys from a variety of farms that delivers in South Santa Barbara County; has add-on specialty food www.localharvest.deliverybizpro.com/
Sunrise Organic Farm – Farms at 7 different locations with Farm stand in Goleta; pickup and delivery www.sunriseorganicfarms.com

Local Meat

www.ranchosanjulianbeef.com – Rancho San Julian – grain & grass fed beef; options for grass fed exclusively and monthly purchase
www.motleycrewranch.com – small animal farm in Lompoc
www.casitasvalleypastures.com/ - small farm in Ventura
www.oldcreekranch.net – Old Creek Ranch – Grass fed & finished beef, lamb in Cayucos
www.hearstranch.com - Hearst Ranch – Grass fed & finished beef
www.morrisgrassfed.com – Morris Ranch – Grass fed & finished – San Juan Bautista

Local Seafood

www.kanaloa.com – Kanaloa market
www.sbfish.com – Santa Barbara fish market
www.gethookedseafood.com – Community Supported Fishery

National Resources

www.foodprint.org – food choices for environment, people and animals
www.ewg.org – Environmental Working Group – Climate change and the environment; creators of the Dirty Dozen
www.seafoodwatch.org – sustainable seafood info
www.vrg.org – vegetarian recipes and resources
www.eatwellguide.com – Links to national CSA, farms, restaurants.
www.slowfoodusa.org – Slow Food USA
www.civileats.com – food and environment policy and farm information
www.healthandenvironment.org – collaborative on health and the environment
www.grist.org – Climate Justice Information

Some of Gerri French's favorite books on sustainable food

Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan

Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

If you have suggestions for additional resources please contact gerrifrench@cox.net

Santa Barbara Group