In New Orleans, food has long been a central part of community life, and when Louisiana farmers faced a severe drought in 2023, they turned to each other for support. Sprout NOLA, an organization that works with small-scale farmers, convened growers to share knowledge and needs, leading to the creation of the Louisiana Farmers Climate Convening. Now an annual event, it highlights how climate, food, and health are interconnected challenges requiring integrated solutions.
At a recent Grantmakers in Health webinar, Sprout’s Mina Seck joined Arianna Mack from Cleveland’s Environmental Health Watch to discuss community-driven approaches to climate change, health, and food security. Both organizations are part of Kresge’s Climate Change, Health & Equity initiative, which emphasizes breaking down traditional philanthropic silos. Mack noted that issues like environmental justice, economic justice, and food systems cannot be separated, and their work in Cleveland’s Buckeye neighborhood reflects this integrated approach.
Environmental Health Watch’s Eco Village Buckeye initiative began by gathering community stories before expanding into housing, climate resilience, food access, and cultural identity. The organization also hosts FreshFest Cleveland, an annual event that draws more than 15,000 people to celebrate arts, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, showing how culture and food can drive equitable development.
In New Orleans, Sprout provides resources such as grants, loans, classes, and cooperative support for farmers. Its community garden along the Lafitte Greenway fosters trust and dialogue about climate challenges, while also serving as a hub for food access. During SNAP cuts and immigration enforcement in 2025, Sprout distributed $98,000 worth of food to 3,800 households, much of it sourced from local farmers, demonstrating its flexibility in responding to urgent needs.
Philanthropy, according to Seck and Mack, must adapt by investing in long-term, coalition-based strategies that reflect the interconnected nature of community challenges. Funders should prioritize patience, humility, and support for people as much as for programs, allowing communities to lead.
Looking ahead, Sprout is developing the New Orleans Food and Urban Agriculture Plan to integrate food and farming into the city’s climate framework. Environmental Health Watch is preparing to open a cooperative farm stop in Cleveland and expand its Healthy Homes Electrification Model to improve air quality and reduce energy burdens. Both organizations stress that their work is ongoing, rooted in community trust and collaboration, and designed to build resilience that transcends traditional categories.
