Food Insecurity and the UT Microfarm
GEO371T students learned about the UT Microfarm, the University of Texas at Austin’s first student-led organic and sustainable urban farm. Alicia Rusthoven, GEO371T student, works at the farm and gave the class an interesting look into farm management and goals the farm seeks to accomplish. For instance, a 2020 survey found that 42% percent of UT students experience food insecurity. The UT student population is only 8% away from being 50% food insecure, which means UT has a problem. In response, the UT Microfarm has partnered with UT Outpost, a free food and professional clothing resource for students by donating their organic produce to increase student accessibility to fresh, healthy food. On a larger scale, the UT Microfarm seeks to address larger health issues caused by food deserts – obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and even increased risk of cancer. Change starts with action, and the UT Microfarm encourages everyone to take action through volunteering for the good of all.
![Alicia Rusthoven Right And Her Coworker At The Ut Microfarm Conv](https://www.esi.utexas.edu/files/Alicia-Rusthoven-right-and-her-coworker-at-the-UT-Microfarm-conv-edited.jpeg)
![Img 1962 Speaker Marc Doudert Opening His Talk About Mitigating Urban Hear In Austin.](https://www.esi.utexas.edu/files/IMG_1962_Speaker-Marc-Doudert-opening-his-talk-about-mitigating-urban-hear-in-Austin.-800x600.jpg)
![Img 1963 Marc Coudert Explaining How Community Members Input Was Necessary To Go Forward With Decisions](https://www.esi.utexas.edu/files/IMG_1963_Marc-Coudert-explaining-how-community-members-input-was-necessary-to-go-forward-with-decisions-800x600.jpg)
![Img 1965 Marc Coudert Addressing A Question From An Ej Class Student.](https://www.esi.utexas.edu/files/IMG_1965_Marc-Coudert-addressing-a-question-from-an-EJ-class-student.-800x600.jpg)
![Img 1967 Dr. Jay Banner And Marc Coudert Conversating How Science And Local Goverments Could Be More Transparent With One Another To Benefit The City As A Whole.](https://www.esi.utexas.edu/files/IMG_1967_Dr.-Jay-Banner-and-Marc-Coudert-conversating-how-science-and-local-goverments-could-be-more-transparent-with-one-another-to-benefit-the-city-as-a-whole.-800x600.jpg)
![Img 2422 Alicia Rusthoven (middle) Pictured With Locally Grown Produce At The Ut Microfarm](https://www.esi.utexas.edu/files/IMG_2422_-Alicia-Rusthoven-middle-pictured-with-locally-grown-produce-at-the-UT-Microfarm-edited-800x600.jpeg)