Throughout this entire semester we've been learning about food systems on a macro, micro, local and international level.
But the real change starts from the ground up; how are local food systems implemented in a way that they'll grow, become mainstream and be sustainable for the community residents and local farmers?
Wal-Mart trying to save millions of dollars a year in fuel costs by buying food that's local isn't necessarily good if they're underpaying small producers.
Planning a local food system requires a multitude of players and partnerships from the local community and the government to get it working and benefit people.
Initiatives from the local government that can improve the local food environment are passing zoning laws that don't restrict urban agriculture, fund community garden groups and organizations to maintain them, farm to school programs that get healthy food in school cafeterias while providing education, organize public transit routes to get to community gardens and farmer's markets and fund local food projects.
Planning and community cooperation are what really start the food initiative and change government laws and procedures. Through community groups getting involved to make a difference and pursuing to get people more access to fresh, local produce is what's the most important.
Laws that encourage healthy lifestyles, community gardens and create an emphasis on locally grown can foster social ties between producer to consumer and throughout the neighborhood.
More and more cities are incorporating urban agriculture in city planning as it helps revitalize communities, foster community unity and provide access to fresh food.
Although, a strong food council is important in inspiring to create change, help locals and create opportunities for stronger local food networks, I think that the local food system can only grow so much.
Not everyone is going to buy from farmers markets as it is much more convenient to go to the big chain grocery stores and buy organic potatoes there instead of on a Saturday morning when the market is open. The commercialization of farmers markets can also render them useless if they're only selling "luxury" to higher income brackets if there are none to help provide access to the people less fortunate.
Farmer's markets count for only 1% of national food but that's still a billion dollars yearly.
Local food is growing more important as more and more people are becoming educated about big-box corps and their nutrition.
I agree we have learned a lot of valuable information in the course of this semester. A large part of cooperation, revitalization, and unity involve open communication within our community. Now that we are given this knowledge, it takes implementation from inviting friends to educational documentaries at the SLC or guest speakers at seminars. It involves participating in well-rounded, educational conversations regarding worldly matters and concerns to us.
ReplyDeleteAs such an integral part of our lives, food affects everything. From addressing food insecurity which leads to hunger in some cities, to transportation leaking pollutants from transporting unripe fruit that has been sprayed with pesticides, injected with other species DNA, and creating an informal economy for illegal immigrants to work in - food is consuming. It is all consuming in every aspect that we live in.
I agree we have learned a lot of valuable information in the course of this semester. A large part of cooperation, revitalization, and unity involve open communication within our community. Now that we are given this knowledge, it takes implementation from inviting friends to educational documentaries at the SLC or guest speakers at seminars. It involves participating in well-rounded, educational conversations regarding worldly matters and concerns to us.
ReplyDeleteAs such an integral part of our lives, food affects everything. From addressing food insecurity which leads to hunger in some cities, to transportation leaking pollutants from transporting unripe fruit that has been sprayed with pesticides, injected with other species DNA, and creating an informal economy for illegal immigrants to work in - food is consuming. It is all consuming in every aspect that we live in.
Farmer's markets are very inconvenient for a lot of different families across the United States. For example, a low-income family may not shop at a local framers market because the prices may be too expensive for there family to afford. Another family may not shop a farmer's market because the markets may not produce enough food to feed their family. It may be more beneficial for a big family (family of 7) to shop at Costco for BJ's in order to feed their family on the daily bases. Also, some people may argue that they would rather shop at the grocery store, because they have sells, markdowns, and ability to coupons on store items. However, a farmer's market would be idea for a person whom lives by themselves and just has to worry about providing for only them.
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