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Partnership with
Builders Initiative and
Walton Family Foundation

In partnership with Builders Initiative and Walton Family Foundation, we conduct research and evaluation to make an impact on food and agriculture, environmental health, community, and nutrition.

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About Builders Initiative

Builders Ini­tia­tive invests in and col­lab­o­rates with non-prof­its, busi­ness­es, and oth­ers work­ing towards sus­tain­able solu­tions to soci­etal and envi­ron­men­tal chal­lenges. While working with peo­ple and orga­ni­za­tions, they aim to help build a more humane and healthy plan­et with the goal of cre­at­ing a brighter, more equi­table future for every­one. Their community work includes amplifying the efforts of those on the ground who are work­ing towards equi­table access to resources and oppor­tu­ni­ty through­out urban and rur­al com­mu­ni­ties across the Midwest.

About Walton Family Foundation

The Walton Family Foundation (WFF) is a family-led organization committed to tackling pressing social and environmental challenges with both urgency and a long-term perspective. Committed to creating access to opportunity for individuals and communities, their vision encompasses a world where everyone can achieve their full potential with the right resources. WFF is committed to the pursuit of effective solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today.

 
 

Health and Environmental Impacts of Midwestern Specialty Crops 

A Landscape Analysis to Inform Future Work 

GRETCHEN SWANSON CENTER FOR NUTRITION'S ROLE:

The Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition collaborated with Builders Initiative and Walton Family Foundation to conduct a landscape analysis of the health and environmental impacts of specialty crops in the Midwest. The analysis explored specialty crop production, such as fruits and vegetables, and their potential to improve both human health and environmental sustainability.

Background

Monoculture in the U.S. food system poses risks to both human health and the environment. Monocropping depletes soil nutrients, contributes to chronic diseases, and relies on fossil fuels, exacerbating climate change. Transitioning to specialty crop production offers a solution, diversifying agriculture and promoting human health through increased access to nutritious fruits and vegetables.

Our focus on the Midwest, a major agricultural hub, explores the disproportionate share of acreage between monocrops and specialty crops, aiming to inform initiatives by the Builders Initiative and Walton Family Foundation.

Our executive summary infographic below highlights our four recommendations: