Local foods

Buy Local!

The Consortium for Ecological LivingBrianna Farver, Andrew Hathaway & Rebecca Snow

In need of a Sustainable Definition…

Our definition vs. UVM Dining Services

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• Proximity– distance between various components of the

food system (consumer, producer, supply& distribution)

• Efficiency– Transportation: methods of transit, travel

distances– Methods of farming & production

• Seasonality/Regional-I-T-Y– Recognize limits and capability of your region

What is Local?

Why Local?

Community food systems vs. Globalized food system

• Local & Community Systems Address:

– food security– Proximity– self-reliance– sustainability



Proximity & Efficiency

• Travel distances & Back hauling– Most states purchase 85-90% of their

food from outside sources

• Methods of Production– Local systems= relationships

• Face to face discussions about how your food is produced

– Ecologically sound practices, use of GE, antibiotics and synthetic inputs





• This inefficiency only applies to foods in our own country’s borders!

Think about how much energy is used to produce, export, import, and then transport foods from Mexico, Asia, Canada, South America, etc.

www.localharvest.org

• Most produce in the US is picked 4 to 7 days prior to being shipped

• on average, food travels 1300-1500 miles before its sold

A community perspective



• Recognizing community in the food system is a must!– a community recognizes its responsibility to

collaborate with regards to the production, processing, distribution and consumption of its foods

– emphasis on strengthening (or developing) the relationships between all components of the food system.

– While the aim of community food systems is not total self-sufficiency (where all food is produced, processed, marketed and consumed within a defined boundary)

Self-reliance –the degree to which a community meets its own food needs

Develop your local economy• create direct links between farmers and

consumers• shorter distance between partners,

reduced resources for transportation• stronger community economies

promote job creation & re-circulate financial capital in the community

• Every dollar you spend locally is equivalent to spending $7.00!

In 1991, Dr. Stewart Smith illustrated that the farm share, the money going to the farmer/producer sector in the agriculture system, declined from 41% to 9% between 1910 and 1990

A Holistic Approach

• Optimized health (human and ecological)

• Reduced risk of diet-related chronic diseases

• Dietary change that complements the seasonal availability of foods produced and processed by the local food and agriculture system

• increased enjoyment of food among community members

I’ve got the power!

• We voice our values with our purchasing power– What you choose to

purchase determines what commodities are provided in your community





• Many producers, growers and farmer donate harvest surplus to community members in need

• When we offer our support, the recognition comes full circle

Reaching Out



Environment

Local foods