Week 10

The readings this week focused on food and markets. The two major themes from the readings were the social and economic benefits of local farmers' markets, and the benefits to farmers and children when Farm to School programs are implemented.

The Farmers' Markets: Bringing the Food to the People, Farmers' Markets as Keystones, the Pothukuchi (2005) reading, and the Morales (2009) reading all focused on farmers' markets. The readings discussed the idea that farmers' markets have been overrun by large supermarket chains. These supermarket chains are locating outside of city centers, which makes the food inaccessible for low income areas. This made me feel that "white flight" prompted "food-flight," or the movement of food from the inner city to the suburbs with the affluent white people. This concept brings the ideas of the food and justice readings we had in week four.

This week's readings also discussed other ways in which the supermarket takeover have negatively impacted the food system. One of these negative impacts is that "local food system infrastructures have become more fragmented and homogenized (Farmers' Markets as Keystones, N.D.)." In other words, a regional area only has one element of food production infrastructure, such as a production plant, as opposed to all processes taking place simultaneously in the same location. Another negative impact of the movement of supermarkets out of the city center is that there are now fewer and smaller stores in low-income areas, which means that food stamps are able to purchase fewer items because the prices tend to be higher in smaller markets.

The Eschmeyer (N.D.) and Villiantos, Gottlieb, and Haase (2004) readings discussed farm to school programs, and the associated positive impacts. Farm to school programs provide local, farm-fresh food to schools. This concept benefits both farmers and school children. Farmers are able to make money they would not otherwise make by reaching out to a new, local customer, and the children gain access to fresh, healthy foods. The benefit to children is especially important considering the rise in childhood obesity. Farm to school programs have shown to lead to different food habits for kids such as increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, decreased consumption of unhealthy foods, and a willingness to try healthier options. What I really liked about some of the farm to school programs was the incorporation of parent education about healthy food choices. It is very important for parents to be involved with their children's food choices.

How can we further educate parents on healthy eating and its importance?
Are there any ways not discussed in the readings that municipalities could encourage local farmers' markets?