Access to Markets

Improving access to healthy food in this country means making the necessary changes in our policies and approaches that will pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable food system. Research continues to show that inequitable access in many rural and urban areas in our nation is a major contributor to health disparities. Furthermore, the lack of healthy food retail hinders community economic development in neighborhoods that need private investment, activity hubs, and jobs.

Resources

Local Harvest - A nation-wide database of farmer’s markets, family farms, and other sources of sources of sustainably grown food.

The Food Trust – A non-profit started in 1992 that has successfully built farmer’s market, farm-to-school, and corner store programs that have transformed the food landscape in the community in which they operate.

Articles and Reprints

Wal-martization – Destruction of the Global Community

In this article written by Mike Callicrate from St. Francis, Kansas, he explains how we as a country have drifted away from a fair and equitable system of trade, and that unless we can find our way clear to build a more robust market established for small, sustainable farmers, this market will continue to be dominated by a handful of corporate giants. Mike is a cattle feeder and outspoken advocate for competitive markets, family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.