How the San Antonio Food Bank is Farming the Future
In this episode, we’re taking you to Mission San Juan, a historic site within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, where the San Antonio Food Bank is doing something extraordinary. The Food Bank isn’t just a warehouse; it’s leading the way in sustainable agriculture by growing its own food on over 50 acres of farmland. With crops like nopal cactus, figs, and amaranth, they’re tackling food insecurity, building climate resilience, and preserving Texas' agricultural heritage. I sat down with Mitch Hagney, Director of Food Sustainability, to discuss how farming on historic land helps us prepare for the future while honoring the past. From leveraging ancient acequia irrigation systems to planting drought-resistant crops, there’s so much to learn here. Join us as we explore the innovative ways the Food Bank is creating a sustainable food system, empowering communities, and inspiring a deeper connection to the land. 📺 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to San Antonio Food Bank's Unique Farming Initiative 00:55 Meet Mitch Hagney: Director of Food Sustainability 01:37 Historical Significance of Mission San Juan 02:59 The Farming Initiative at San Antonio Food Bank 04:30 Collaboration with National Park Service 07:18 Challenges and Benefits of Farming in San Antonio 10:56 Innovative Farming Techniques and Crops 22:41 Volunteer Involvement and Community Impact 29:42 Challenges of Growing Peaches in Texas 30:51 Adapting Peach Orchards for the Future 32:51 Innovative Irrigation Techniques 33:32 Introducing the New Fig Orchard 35:20 Exploring San Antonio's Food System 36:56 Urban Agriculture Opportunities 43:50 Organic vs. Conventional Farming 49:25 Water Management in Agriculture 52:09 The Future of Agriculture in San Antonio 01:00:26 Conclusion: Building a Resilient Food System 🔔 Missed Part 1? I interviewed Eric Cooper, CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank to explore how their organization feeds over 105,000 people every week. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xVYM... 💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to spread the word about this important work! #sanantonio #sustainability #foodbanks #TexasAgriculture #urbanfarming #NopalCactus #climateresilience #organicfarming #texashistory #communityimpact #missionsanjuan