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Local food systems and sustainable communities

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

Gail W. Feenstra
Gail W. Feenstra
Affiliation:
Analyst and nutritionist at the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, University of California, Davis, CA 95616; e-mail: gwfeenstra@ucdavis.edu.
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Abstract

The long-term health of a community's food system is an important indicator of its vitality and sustainability. A logical and appropriate way to revitalize a community is by the development of a local food economy. People throughout the United States are designing and implementing sustainable, local food systems that are rooted in particular places, aim to be economically viable for farmers and consumers, use ecologically sound production and distribution practices, and enhance social equity and democracy for all members of the community. This paper reviews the existing literature on local food systems, examines a variety of strategies and initiatives that are currently underway, and identifies steps that community kaders and citizens can use to develop their own local food systems. Finally, I suggest what research is needed to support these community efforts.

Keywords

community economic developmentfoodshedfood policy councilsregional food guidesfood self-reliancedirect marketingcommunity food security

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Type
Articles
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American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 12 , Issue 1 , March 1997 , pp. 28 - 36
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1997

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