The Boston metropolitan area has acres of blacktop rooftops that are not only vacant spaces among prime real estate, but that are contributing to environmental problems such as the urban heat island effect and combined sewer overflows. Higher Ground Farm’s Founding Farmer, John Stoddard, will discuss why rooftop farming can be part of the solution to dietary issues, food security issues, and environmental issues that urban areas commonly face. John will also tell the story of how he and his business partner, Courtney Hennessey, started Higher Ground Farm, Boston’s first commercial roof farm, and the challenges in starting an unconventional, mission-driven business.
John Stoddard, MS is a Founding Farmer of Higher Ground Farm, Boston’s first commercial green roof farm. As an environmentalist and food lover, he has focused his career on promoting sustainable food systems. In addition to running Higher Ground Farm, John is a Healthy Food in Health Care Coordinator for the global non-profit organization, Health Care Without Harm, and works throughout New England on facilitating local and sustainable food procurement for health care institutions. John began his career in the waste reduction field, working with institutions and municipalities to decrease their landfill bound waste, and moved to environmental health work, addressing toxics in the environment. He earned his Master of Science from Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition specializing in the Agriculture, Food, and Environment program.
Lunch & Learns occur every Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. Everyone is welcome. Food will be provided on a first-come basis. Lunch & Learn attendance is required for students enrolled in ENV0095 Special Topics in Environmental Studies with Colin Orians.
RSVP: http://highergroundstoddard.eventbrite.com/
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