Chapter 12, Problem 1CR

To determine

The definition of a food desert and summarize the benefits that the growing power farm has brought to its community. Also describe the way in which the farm showcases the three scientific principles of sustainability.

Answer to Problem 1CR

A food desert is an urban area where people do not have the accessibility to grocery store and good food resources. Growing power farm utilizes solar energy and solar water heater for the growth of plants. It leads to the production of organic food products. Such organic products are sold in the market at modest prices.

Explanation of Solution

Food desert can be defined as an urban area, where people have little or limited access to nutritious food resources and grocery stores. About 23.5 million people live in food deserts in the United States. The peoples living in such areas depend on convenience stores and fast food restaurants for food from restaurants. However, they provide high calorie processed food. Those types of food result in obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

A growing power farm utilizes solar electricity and solar water system for the production of various crops. This farm produces 150 different types of crops. It also produces organically raised turkey, chickens, goats, and honey bees and the nutrients of farms are recycled in a creative method. For instance, wastes from farmed fish are used as nutrients for the growth of some crops. Thus, the growing power farm clearly represents the scientific principles of sustainability.

In addition, the products from farm are sold locally at growing power farm stands all over the region and to restaurants. Also, they provide the facility for weekly deliveries of organic produce at modest prices.