Ch. 13
There is a growing interest in building local food systems. Local food systems offer several
benefits to communities, including improvements in food security, economic development,
health, environmental quality, and civic life. There are some common obstacles, such as cost,
convenience, processing, meeting demand, health standards, and the loss of public space.
What is local? It can be defined by geography, although it will vary by individuals. It can be
defined by social relationships—where most people have friends and acquaintances. And it can
be defined by environment—such as a natural area, which might include watersheds or
bioregions.
Farmers’ markets have proliferated in recent years. Most farmers participating tend to be
small. Most markets are self-sustaining and have developed innovative strategies to become
more accessible to low-income residents.
Culinary tourism is defined as the pursuit of unique and memorable eating and drinking
experiences. This would include things like a visit to a winery or food festival. One prominent
example of culinary tourism is the effort in Door County, Wisconsin (Kingdom So Delicious).
The program promotes local food through lodging, dining, and other retail establishments in
the region. In a survey of local retailers, approximately one-fourth of the fresh food was
Discussion Questions
Ch. 13
1. What does “green” mean to you? Try to develop a final definition that synthesizes
everyone’s answer. What are some examples of green products, green technology, and green
businesses?
2. The growing green economy has made products and services for sustainable lifestyles
accessible for many people, but certainly not for all people or for all communities. Often, those
benefiting from access to these products and services are unaware that this access is a
3. Evaluate the potential of the local food movement to form the basis of community
development programs. What are the critical obstacles to building a local food system, like a
farm-to-school program? Respond to the criticism that local food programs are directed
primarily to wealthy families.