Are local food and the local food movement taking us where we want to go? Or are we hitching our wagons to the wrong stars?
I agree with the researchers when they suggested to the local food activists and advocates considering the use of multiple methodologies to explore the integration and recuperation of local food into diverse and redundant place-based practice. It is important to not approach the local food movement just as one method for solving complex social issues. It is easy for many people to gain tunnel vision when advocating for the local food movement. For example, many people join the local food movement assuming that “local” automatically implies both organic and sustainable notions and practices. Previously, organic and sustainable definitions have played a major role in the growth of the local food movement. The local food movement comprises the philosophies and objectives of the organic and sustainable food movements, but it is not dependent upon them. For example, chickens raised about ten miles from your home may fit the criteria for “local”, however, they may be raised in brutal conditions and may be fed hormones and corn to make them grow faster and fatter.
Some great things that I believe come from the local food movement is that it puts people back in touch with an understanding of where our food comes from and therefore, an appreciation for the providers of our foods. This movement also gives gratitude and community fellowship certainly helps to foster growth in the local food movement. However, some may argue that the economics of imported food certainly fueled the trend away from local food for several decades. The concealed prices of inexpensive food such as, processed and sweetened foods that are derived from corn and soy, are finally being reveal to the public. As a result, the economic implications of cheap food are now one of the driving forces in the local food movement.
According to Michael Pollan, a local food advocate, and author, he suggests that the local food movement has substantial social implications. Being able to talk directly to your farmer and build a noteworthy relationship is a positive factor to the local food movement. As the local food movement continues to grow in the U.S. it replicates a sense of community, identity, and human interaction that I feel has been lost due to the technological and food globalization era. The local food movement has also allowed for new innovative spaces to develop within communities such as farmer’s markets, community gardens, and small local businesses.
Lastly, it has been brought to my attention that the local food movement can possibly have a larger carbon footprint than imported foods. According to the USDA, eating foods that are in season and eating organic and less processed foods can further reduce one’s greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, not everyone is into eating restricted diet that is limited by what I growing in season. I believe that local food has the capability to keep local land in production and local money in the community often costs less than conventionally produced food, and builds community relations.
Some great things that I believe come from the local food movement is that it puts people back in touch with an understanding of where our food comes from and therefore, an appreciation for the providers of our foods. This movement also gives gratitude and community fellowship certainly helps to foster growth in the local food movement. However, some may argue that the economics of imported food certainly fueled the trend away from local food for several decades. The concealed prices of inexpensive food such as, processed and sweetened foods that are derived from corn and soy, are finally being reveal to the public. As a result, the economic implications of cheap food are now one of the driving forces in the local food movement.
According to Michael Pollan, a local food advocate, and author, he suggests that the local food movement has substantial social implications. Being able to talk directly to your farmer and build a noteworthy relationship is a positive factor to the local food movement. As the local food movement continues to grow in the U.S. it replicates a sense of community, identity, and human interaction that I feel has been lost due to the technological and food globalization era. The local food movement has also allowed for new innovative spaces to develop within communities such as farmer’s markets, community gardens, and small local businesses.
Lastly, it has been brought to my attention that the local food movement can possibly have a larger carbon footprint than imported foods. According to the USDA, eating foods that are in season and eating organic and less processed foods can further reduce one’s greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, not everyone is into eating restricted diet that is limited by what I growing in season. I believe that local food has the capability to keep local land in production and local money in the community often costs less than conventionally produced food, and builds community relations.
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