Opportunities and Constraints for Creating Edible Cities and Accessing Wholesome Functional Foods in a Sustainable Way.

Bibliographic Details
Title: Opportunities and Constraints for Creating Edible Cities and Accessing Wholesome Functional Foods in a Sustainable Way.
Authors: Świąder, Katarzyna, Čermak, Dražena, Gajewska, Danuta, Najman, Katarzyna, Piotrowska, Anna, Kostyra, Eliza
Source: Sustainability (2071-1050); May2023, Vol. 15 Issue 10, p8406, 28p
Abstract: Malnutrition, food security and food safety will remain major global issues as the world's population grows and the consequences of climate change prevail, so we need to rethink how we grow and source food to create sustainable systems for future generations. Edible cities, as innovative solutions to use public spaces for urban food production, can bridge this evident gap between the present and the future. The aim of this review was to analyze the opportunities and constraints for creating edible cities and accessing wholesome functional foods in a sustainable way and explore existing solutions that can be strengthened. We can grow food in urban environments using ideas such as controlled-environment farms (CEAs), home food gardens on balconies, roofs and terraces, underground farming and foraging. As citizens become more aware of complex foods with nutritional benefits, we should take this opportunity to teach them about edible wholesome functional foods and how they can be grown instead of using plants. There are still many constraints such as pollution, a lack of government support and the economic aspects of urban farms that need to be resolved in order for edible cities and access to functional foods in them to become the standard worldwide. The goal is worthwhile as citizens would benefit from climate control, reduced resource consumption, a safer food supply, improved mental and physical health, reduced malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies and connected communities that share knowledge and resources to further innovation and welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Sustainability (2071-1050) is the property of MDPI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Complementary Index
More Details
ISSN:20711050
DOI:10.3390/su15108406
Published in:Sustainability (2071-1050)
Language:English