Foodie In Florence: Food Systems and our Community

A hot topic in classes this week has involved discussions on what a food system is and what makes it more or less sustainable. From the way our food is made to transportation and distribution, the system can be globally focused and unsustainable or local and highly sustainable.

With the numerous farmers markets sprouting in Clinton and along the shoreline (and the US!) we can meet many of our food needs on a regular basis without venturing to the supermarket! The idea of a community based food system can become Clinton's sustainable food system.

Let us cover what a sustainable food system is. I like to define it as a holistic approach to agriculture that nurtures the environment, is locally based, and has a valued relationship to the community.  

Here's why Clinton's community based food system is so beneficial to us.

As a whole, we're consuming less fossil fuels. Do you think that the farmers at Scott's Orchard are using the same amount of  fuel as companies such as Dole? I think not! Our produce is also traveling a miniscule distance!

Farmers along the shoreline create safe and healthy products. Without industrializing the process of growing fruits and veggies we don't need to worry about disease outbreaks or that our meat and poultry is jacked up on antibiotics. We are also led into seasonal eating when produce is the freshest and most nutritious!

Small scale farming uses many alternative practices that give back to the environment. Pesticide use if any at all, is a fraction of what's used in big industries, many types of crops are planted to allow variety, and farming practices recycle nutrients to be given back to the soil. Lastly our air, land, and water are kept clean due to less agricultural pollution. Overall, small scale farming helps keep our environment in balance.

What a community based food system offers that supermarkets don't are   values that can't be included in the price of our goods. This system allows us to develop meaningful relationships with our producers, connect us to our environment, and insure food health and safety into our lives.

Where are you shopping this week?

Buon Appetito!