Throughout the semester we have discussed multiple facets of local and regional food systems. Although mentioned and frequently brought up, the literature for this week sheds light on a key aspect of food systems planning--distribution. Through farmers' markets, farm to school programs, and grocery store location incentives, communities are able to bridge access issues while connecting with local farmers.
Winne (2008), Morales (2009), and Gilespie et al (2007) introduce farmers markets as spaces that not only provide a space for fresh and affordable food to be sold, but also serve as a space that drive community, social, political, and economic development. As the food system has become increasingly more industrialized Winne (2008) likens markets to "knights in battle against the current food system." Here, farmers and community members create a space to reason, connect, and sell/purchase food local to their neighborhood. Further, Morales (2009) encourages planners to find interest in farmers markets as they
- Serve as places that are attractive to neighborhood residences, as they promote a higher quality of life and encourage sociability.
- Promote the use of vacant lots through urban design and place making
- Address concerns relating to health, environment, and ecological concerns.
- Encourage economic and community development.
Farm to school programs serve as another method of food distribution. Cobb (2011) and Valianatos (2004) discuss farm to school programs as tools to not only increase the health and nutrition of children, but increase the economic health of local farmers as well. Valianatos also discusses how farm to school programs may also be used as tools to curb sprawl through land preservation. This was an interesting point, as I have never thought of how this side of the argument before. So often I hear about the obesity epidemic, that I have never thought about the benefits that farmers could receive from farm to school programs. The literature reinforces that farm to school programs have the potential to establish a strong, local/regional food system.
Although Farmers markets and farm to school programs have boomed in the last thirty years (Winne, 2008) grocery stores remain at the forefront of issues relating to access. Pothukuchi (2005) analyzes the results of a survey with 32 planners discussing the initiatives that are needed to take to encourage grocery stores to locate in underserved neighborhoods. Although the road to incentivizing grocery stores is complicated, there is one central finding "grocery stores are important contributors to neighborhood quality of life (Pothukuchi, 2005).
Great explanation of the benefits of farmers markets in regards to both under-served communities and farmers. Farmers are a key player in farmer's market, and their success is necessary to continue to drive framer's market initiatives. This could mean zoning more land for agricultural use, which could lessen the affects of sprawl which I am glad you mentioned. I would think that should farmers be granted more land in a city for local distribution, that sprawl would still occur, as it would like you mentioned encourage economic development. And when I think of the value that viable local food production distributions, whether it be a farmer's market or development of grocery stores in underserved neighborhoods, I imagine it can increase an area's property values. And I think that economic development is great but I know that with it comes the possibility of gentrification, and if a farmer's market could plausibly allow gentrification to occur in this way, what are some ways planners can prevent the negative aspects of gentrification (resident displacement) from occuring?
ReplyDeleteMelanie, I appreciate your article and the way you connected all the articles. It is great to see how literature supports the capacity for farmers markets and local food initiatives to create local development and nourish the economy as well. With farmers markets, sellers are able to provide a chance to small businesses without the hassle of a permanent location that would need a much bigger startup cost. Additionally, farm-to-school programs open a window for economic opportunity whilst providing healthier foods to the youth, fostering better eating choices from early on.
ReplyDeleteI like that you mention that farmers markets could also be a source of gentrification. And I think planners could protect these areas by providing policies that could create incentives for local enterpreneurs and ensure that the neighboring areas participate more in the developing process. One way to do so is by finding ways to involve the locals in the markets which could create better economic flux for the locality, and thus enhancing the livelihood of the area where the market is settled. Additionally, neighborhood groups could partner with market supervisors to include activities that go beyond food and create social engagement, allowing community participation and giving the power to the people.