Farm-shares may be growing support for local food

It turns out that some people like to eat their vegetables.  And more and more people apparently want access to healthy, locally-grown produce.  Anecdotally, the concept of ”community-supported agriculture” (CSA) is on the rise, and the question is whether this is a fad, or if — combined with a booming interest in farmers markets — it represents the vanguard of real demand for local food. 

The CSA model involves individuals committing to support a particular local farm over a set period of time.  The purchase of a “farm-share” entitles customers to regular delivery of seasonally-appropriate products.  The consumers enjoy the variety and freshness of the food, and the farm benefits from gaining  a reliable set of customers.  The cost of a share is not necessarily inexpensive, but proponents claim it’s not exorbitant either.  It’s a win-win solution that can address any number of challenges, from the availability in some neighborhoods of healthy food options, to the economic challenges faced by many small farms, to the reality that the current model of trucking food thousands of miles across the country is not sustainable.  One woman’s experience as a new CSA convert is nicely detailed in today’s edition of The Washington Post’s Express publication.

This picture is not entirely rosy: If the concept does take off, it will serve to expose the growing scarcity of farms near population centers.  But the CSA trend is worth watching, and could help to put a spotlight on local food issues.

Growing during a recession

Staying on the topic of food, among the few winners during the current recession: McDonald’s. The Golden Arches reported last week that same-store sales shot up 4.3% in July. The company credits its new line of coffees, but count the Associated Press among those who see other forces at work:

“McDonald’s results have benefited from consumers trading down to cheaper meal options amid the recession…”

This isn’t an anti-McDonald’s rant (try the sweet tea — it’s awesome), and you can’t blame anyone for choosing a cheaper option when times are tough.  But it is a reminder that nutritional choices take a hit when incomes are down, and that has ramifications for everyone, especially lower-income residents. Fast-food profits may go up, but waistlines and health care costs continue to grow, too.  Cities can play an active role in providing healthy options, encouraging good ideas such as local food production, community gardens and farmers markets.