Many of us treasure family recipes passed down through generations, like great‑grandma’s red beans and rice or potato salad. But there’s something we might not realize: climate change is changing the very foods we eat. Rising levels of carbon dioxide in the air are robbing staple crops like rice, wheat, and beans of their nutrients. A recent study shows that these crops now contain significantly fewer vitamins and minerals than they did just a generation ago.
This decline in nutrition can have serious health implications. Foods that once provided essential nutrients are now linked to higher risks during pregnancy and developmental issues in children. In short, even if your plate looks the same, it’s not giving your body what it needs to be healthy.
Ashley Webb, an urban farmer from New Orleans, emphasizes the importance of knowing where our food comes from. She believes that understanding our food systems is crucial, especially as nutritional quality declines. “This is another reason why we need to be thinking more about our food,” she says.
The issue is particularly critical for Black Americans, who already face significant health disparities rooted in systemic racism. Experts worry about an epidemic of “hidden hunger,” where people are consuming enough food but lacking essential nutrients. Notably, Black women, especially during childbearing years, are more likely to be iron deficient compared to their white counterparts. Additionally, research indicates higher rates of anemia among Black adults and zinc deficiency in Black preschoolers.
However, Webb also sees hope in urban farming. Growing food locally can lead to more nutrient-dense options since crops are often picked closer to ripeness and cultivated in controlled environments. “If you grow it yourself or get it locally, it’s going to be more nutrient-dense,” she notes.
A study revealed that as carbon dioxide levels rise, plants grow faster but lose essential nutrients. Over the years, key nutrients in crops have decreased by an average of 4.4%, with some nutrients dropping by as much as 38%. Ironically, while nutrients diminish, caloric content can increase, contributing to obesity rates. This is especially concerning given that Black Americans already struggle with nutrient deficiencies.
Adding another layer of complexity, researchers found that harmful substances, like lead, might be increasing in crops as well. This is particularly alarming for Black farmers who often work near polluted areas, potentially affecting the quality of what they grow.
Despite these challenges, some urban farmers strive to reconnect communities with the earth. Yancy Comins, whose farm in California was shaped by environmental disasters, believes that understanding our connection to nature encourages better practices. “If we start taking care of our natural environment, we can see the connection,” he says.
Environmental scientist Sterre ter Haar calls for more awareness regarding food and nutrient security. “Food security means more than just filling stomachs. It also means ensuring people get the nutrients they need,” she explains.
Alarmingly, while scientists raise flags about declining nutrition, recent U.S. farm policies have taken steps backward. A new Farm Bill cut funds crucial for promoting climate-resilient practices and relaxed regulations on air pollution from farming equipment. Joanna Slaney, from the Environmental Defense Fund, warned that these changes could harm public health.
For advocates of food justice, reclaiming ancestral agricultural practices—like crop rotation and composting—holds promise. Leah Penniman, co-founder of Soul Fire Farm, emphasizes the wisdom of these traditional methods, which have sustained communities for generations. At Soul Fire, participants learn not just to farm but also to build sustainable food systems to support neighborhoods lacking access to fresh produce.
Community-led efforts can pave the way to better nutrition. “It’s definitely a survival strategy when you create your own farm or grocery store,” Penniman asserts. “We can’t rely on others to do it for us.”
