Farm-to-School...or School-to-Farm

[Week 10: Reading Response]


In Vallianatos et al’s “Farm-to-School” article, they investigate the benefits and challenges of locally sourcing food for schools.

What impressed me most about Los Angeles’ “CSA in the Classroom” program is its practicality and effectiveness. Essentially, the program operates within an organized, existing framework (the L.A. school system) and fulfills an ongoing need (food) with a better, healthier alternative. Not only does this new supply for an existing demand benefit the students at the schools in terms of health, nutrition, and education, but it also provides local growers with a reliable source of revenue.

I also noticed that, unlike many other descriptions of projects that explicitly or implicitly advocate one program or approach as “the best” strategy, the authors of this article describe CSA in the Classroom as part of a “toolkit of strategies” (Vallianatos et al 2004, p. 415). I think this mention, though small, is important. It acknowledges that there are many methods toward achieving a more ideal food system.

I was also excited to learn that Kentucky “publishes a list of the growing seasons of thirteen different fruits and twenty-three different vegetables available for the more than fifteen districtwide farm-to-school programs in that state” (p. 416). Like Tallahassee, Louisville (which I mention in almost every blog post) has growing momentum around food issues. Though the article primarily discussed the “farm to school” movement, I’m also interested in “school to farm” initiatives. Projects like Louisville’s Food Literacy Project are examples of urban spaces that provide farm-based classroom experiences, teaching education curriculum requirements (math, science, history, etc.) in the context of agriculture. In the case of the Food Literacy Project, the farm also supplies fresh food to local restaurants and neighborhood organizations, and offers paid farm apprenticeships for high schoolers during the summer months.

Week 10 Blog

The first thing that popped out to me while reading this week’s readings is that inner-cities or urban areas suffer from a lack of supermarkets and grocery stores because these businesses prefer to be in the suburbs where the demographics are usually more wealthy and there is more space to create larger stores. Larger stores that utilize large lots of land house more departments, products, services were able to push smaller stores and food businesses such as bakeries and butcheries out of business, and this makes since, these larger stores are able to use their size to better regulate their food distribution, as well as make grocery shopping more convenient for shoppers. And now it has become the mission of the food systems planner to create infrastructure or space needed to distribute fresh produce to inner cities and areas that need it the most. I noted in Winne’s chapter on farmers markets that residents knew that their low-income neighborhood was not regarded the way wealthier neighborhoods are when it comes to access to healthier foods, and instead of having a Whole Foods, they more likely have convenient stores.

However, farmers markets are a great tool for planners to bring the food distribution of healthy foods to food insecure places like these, and the number of farmers markets has definitely grown over time. However, the supermarkets are still the main source of food for most households, so I am thinking that in order for farmers market to meet a greater customer base, they too must attain more infrastructure to support them. In order to do this though there need to be in increase in local farm space as well as a larger distribution system to support it. There would have to be a great culture shift to allow this to happen, such as the growth of local farming, better public transportation, policy that subsidize players in the healthy food distribution system. And another thing I do not get is that food companies today and in the past heavily use images of farms, happy farmers, and fresh produce to market their products, yet in reality their products are not made the way the images on them depict them too. But still, they are able to sell these products that aim this idea, I want to ask, how can planners market fresh produce and farmers markets as successfully as top products to make their claim in their food distribution system? 

Planning for Food Distribution - Farmers' Markets

Three of this week's readings examined farmer's markets and their role in local and regional food systems. Mark Winne's chapter on farmers' markets examines what factors go into creating successful markets that serve both the needs of small farmers, who are seeking a profitable outlet for their produce (and facing a variety of challenges in the current, globalized food system), and consumers, including those with little income. Winne notes the tendency of markets to be most successful when they are profitable for the farmers, or, in other words, when these markets have access to wealthier consumers, and that many markets placed in low-income neighborhoods to address food insecurity are unsuccessful without subsidies such as funds from the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) (Winne, 2008). Winne also points out that those farmers' markets that successfully serve the needs of low-income communities typically also require the efforts of socially motivated organizations and individuals in addition to subsidies (Winne, 2008). This reading also offers some statistics on farmers' markets in the mid-2000s, including that over a third of these markets nationwide are sponsored by local governments, and that around two-thirds were involved with the FMNP (Winne, 2008).

Gillespie et al. discuss the role of farmers' markets in local and regional food systems, referring to them as "keystones in building more localized food systems" (Gillespie, 2007). This article focuses on four functions of farmers' markets that create and support local food systems. The first of these functions that markets serve is raising awareness of local food by making it more visible to consumers through sales in public spaces. Farmers' markets are generally seasonal and occur on a regular basis, and this often draws media attention (on seasonal openings of farmers' markets, for instance), especially when events are also held at the markets. Also, due to the location of many markets in downtown public spaces, many people passing by are exposed to the availability and idea of purchasing local foods (Gillespie, 2007). The second function is that of encouraging the diversification of products offered by farmers. Rather than relying on only a few standardized, commodity items, selling directly to consumers can lead farmers to branch out to different crops, taking advantage of the demand for specialty products, such as certain types or varieties of vegetables or value-added products, and this can also attract new groups of consumers to farmers' markets, such as immigrants seeking culturally appropriate fruits and vegetables (Gillespie, 2007). This diversification can build resiliency within the food system and for farmers who may be able to extend growing periods and be less affected by price fluctuations or crop failures (Gillespie, 2007). The third function of farmers' markets is incubating small business, which is also discussed in the Morales reading. Farmers' markets have relatively low-risks and few barriers for individuals attempting to start up a business. Farmers' markets can also be a source of human capital and training, both informal and in some cases sponsored training and educational programs (Gillespie, 2007). Selling at farmers' markets may also allow producers to create valuable business relationships, such as with local chefs who appreciate their produce, or households who develop some degree of loyalty to their business. The fourth function discussed by Gillespie is that farmers' markets create environments combining social and economic interactions, creating "civic spaces", where ideas as well as money may change hands, and where many diverse groups of people may come together and interact where they otherwise might not (Gillespie, 2007). Gillespie et al. end the article by noting that most of the farmers' markets that perform all of these functions and build local food systems are not formed by accident. Like the markets discussed in the Winne chapter that successfully serve low-income communities, these farmers' markets require a large amount of organizing and effort by groups and individuals who are actively pursuing some goal of community development (Gillespie, 2007).

In the Morales article, the discussion revolves around business incubation in public markets in general, focusing on the question of how individuals get involved in selling at markets, and how public markets can facilitate the creation and expansion of businesses. The author provides archival data and literature exposing the importance of public markets to cities and city-dwellers, especially new immigrants and low-income residents, who can benefit from the low entry barriers of such markets as well as the affordable products they provide. Morales then looks at individual accounts of those starting businesses at Chicago's Maxwell Street Market. Morales found that both individual factors, such as the desire for greater autonomy in employment, and structural factors, such as discrimination or the inability to access formal labor markets, influenced those creating businesses at the market (Morales, 2009). In general, the article emphasizes the low barriers to entry provided by the public market to potential business owners, the way that this allows people to experiment with their business plans, and the importance of this for immigrants, women, and people of color who face a variety of challenges when it comes to obtaining employment and starting a business through other, more costly and risky avenues such as a conventional storefront (Morales, 2009).

Local Means to Solve National Issues

The readings for this week point to one (or two) clear paths towards achieving more sustainable distribution methods as a part of achieving a comprehensive food system network. In particular, the readings focused on food markets and farm-to-school programs as solutions to the issues surrounding the distribution chain in today's food systems. Winne's article, "Closing the Gap," offered comedic relief to tell the story of the history of farmer's markets in the U.S. The superfluous measures of regulation surrounding the first farmer's market in Hartford, as told by Winne, provided a self-deprecating perspective on the management performance of local government in the face of something new and unfamiliar. Even still, the message at the center of the readings was clear: farmers markets provide fresh, local, and affordable produce to residents.



Farm-to-school programs offer a multifaceted approach to relieving the broken food system. Intended to support local farmers, and minority farmers in particular, as well as targeting dietary issues in youth, the farm-to-school program is both ambitious and entirely sensical. It is only logical, and equitable, that children should receive healthy foods to eat, but also to learn from. Initiating food education within the school system is a necessity in creating a dialogue around healthy foods and healthy cultures. Farmer's markets and farm-to-school systems appear to be the biggest initiatives in tackling the food crises that our nation faces, in the absence of institutional change. Taking small strides, such as these, is the answer to a lack of major policy response to the broken food system. Instead of addressing issues head-on by dismantling or at least heavily regulating the major food corporations, those who take the future of our nation's health seriously have turned to these alternatives. In some ways, it is difficult to maintain these programs as "innovative" to the food system, as they are the most pure and authentic iteration of our interaction with food. Yes, farm-to-school programs should be highly regarded, but why hasn't it always been in place? The mechanization of farming and mass production of agriculture completely disrupted the farming system, and planners and food-enthusiasts have been trying to reverse its effects for 30 and 40 years through programs such as these.

Week 10 Reflection - Planning for Distribution

            Planning for distribution through, for example, farmers markets takes months to organize and carry out successfully. People organizing it must collaborate and come to an agreement with each other prior to. In addition, farmers markets can bring a significant cash flow to the local community that didn’t exist prior. In Winnie’s article, I was glad to learn that small farms in Connecticut have increased by 20% since 1970, while large farms have declined. While it is evident that small farms continue to increase as consumer choices become more educated, I was confused to find out that fast food restaurants continue to increase 7% annually rather than decrease. Perhaps this why low-income neighborhoods continue to be plighted with issues of cheap fast food versus more expensive fresh groceries, the two clash.

            In regards to low-income neighborhoods, “Farm‐to‐school: Strategies for urban health, combating sprawl, and establishing a community food systems approach” mentions health issues such as obesity among children that most commonly occurs in low-income neighborhoods. While fast food industries do play a influence their lives, it can also be argued that zoning regulations contribute to these issues. Children are placed into schools based on zoning regulations for their neighborhoods. Those living in low-income neighborhoods are hypothesized to live in bad neighborhoods according to an urban economic theory. Thus, if children live in low-income areas, then they are perpetually stuck in the cycle of bad neighborhoods that are targeted by fast food areas. Zoning forces them to attend schools that are in their area and because they may not have funding to support farm to school programs, their lunch items are limited to processed junk. Although this may be a stretch, does anyone think zoning affects a child’s opportunity for better access to locally grown fresh foods in education institutions?

10

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 

1. Serve as places that are attractive to neighborhood residences, as they promote a higher quality of life and encourage sociability.
2. Promote the use of vacant lots through urban design and place making
3. Address concerns relating to health, environment, and ecological concerns.
4. 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). 

Week 10, TED Talks and the Planners benefit

The Pothukuchi article once again brought up the importance that is the role of the planners in developing the food system. Specifically she says that many public officials wondered whether it was part of their mission. The public sector, more specifically the planner in local government, has the ability to work toward incentivizing grocery stores to develop in certain areas, to incentivize and provide resources for farm to school, and to help organize farmers markets. All of these articles allude to the fact that planners play the role in spatially creating the food system and helping to guide its existence within their jurisdictions. Although as we discussed toward the beginning of the semester, there are a lot of other factors at play that affect the choices of individuals working within the food environment, I think there is no doubt that the planner has a foundational role in shaping it.

I watched a Ted talks in another one of my courses that was by a woman named Majora Carter. She lives in the Bronx and saw all of the blight, the lack of healthy foods, and the many other inner-city environmental justice issues that made it difficult to get to fresh food and enjoy being outside. The downfall that was expressed within our class and is now a recurring comment with her movement, is that she was able to bring money back into the Bronx to create some green spaces and help through a few avenues, but in order to truly get anything done she was charging high prices for people to come in and talk with her. In a city that is already low income but has a lot of individuals that want change, it’s not very advantageous to have the changemaker be privatized and costly, and therefore inaccessible to the greater community.

These articles and a few of our previous ones really highlight the advantage that planners can have in this instance, Planners can act a liaison between multiple platforms, whether private or public. There is also much more accessibility when planners are already connected to various industries and have more power to help create incentives for grocery stores or farmers markets. In my opinion, the best option would be having that champion and resident (such as Majora Carter) work with local planners to create a solution that is accessed on all fronts.

Although the example isn't perfect, I feel that it really highlights the differences in what can be accomplished by the planner versus local private entities.

https://www.ted.com/talks/majora_carter_s_tale_of_urban_renewal?language=en