Chapter 7 Flashcards
Three conceptual ideas for local food systems
Community food systems - a wholistic approach to create a self-reliant and independent food system
fully integrated food systems - connecting producers to consumers
civic agriculture - food production within communities
Community food systems in action
Farmers Markets
Community Gardens
Food Policy Councils
Define: Community food system
promoting sustainable food production, processing, distribution, and consumption to enhance the environmental, economic, and social health of a place. A locally-based, self-reliant food economy.
Farm-to-table initiatives include … & provide benefits such as
farmer’s markets.
Farmers that know their consumers and community members are less likely to use harmful chemicals.
Community members that know the producers are more likely to support farmers during times of need.
Community gardens help address public health issues, while acting as catalysts to jumpstart changes in the ecosocial system.
Because of their power, they are sometimes referred to as …
“urban tipping points” as they can reverse cycles of urban decay through the community engagement that they promote.
Benefits of community gardens include
access to fresh foods, physical activity, enjoyment of nature, educational opportunities of gardening, cooking, and nutrition. Cultural & intergenerational diversity.
The direct, quantifiable benefits of community gardens are…
lacking because they are hard to measure. This makes it difficult to convince policymakers to provide funding, land, or water for them.
Food Policy Council definition
citizens and government getting together with the purpose of examining their state or local food systems.
FPC’s help address issues because…
They include diverse stakeholders that address questions that are typically left unexplored.
Important members in FPC meetings include:
food processing & distribution representatives chefs and restaurant owners food access and antihunger advocates faith organizations diversity representatives educators community gardners government officials - ag, transport, public health, cultural affairs
Limitations of the Brundtland definition for sustainable development
Use of “development” suggests a focus on growth rather than maintenance of existing systems. The current focus is also much more environmentally and economically focused, and social aspects are left wanting.
McKenzie’s definition of social sustainability
a positive, life enhancing condition within communities, and a process within communities that can achieve that condition.
Social Sustainability indicators
equity of access to key services
intergenerational equity
A system of cultural diversity and integration
Widespread political participation
Intergenerational awareness systems
Community responsibility for social institutions
etc…
Socially sustainable communities are…
equitable, diverse, connected, democratic, and provide a good quality of life for all.
Key principles of social sustainability
equity, diversity, interconnectedness, quality of life, democracy and governance
