Building a Community-Based Sustainable Food System: Case Studies and Recommendations

Abstract

The current global food system, while highly efficient in production, has produced many undesirable social and environmental impacts. Producers’ profit margins have significantly decreased over the last thirty years and agri-business organizations with global networks of production, processing, and distribution now dominate the food industry. Changing economic conditions have decreased the economic viability of small and medium-sized farms, increased fossil fuel consumption, reduced the number of farm-related local business and processing facilities and made the profession of farming less attractive to younger generations. In large part, food production has been removed from our communities, diminishing our collective knowledge of our region and agrarian practices.

While the current food system offers consumers inexpensive food, the amount of processing, lengthy distribution channels, and global trade patterns favor prepared food that is calorie-rich but nutritionally deficient. Another challenge is that conventional food retail sources, such as grocery stores, are inequitably distributed throughout our communities. While middle and upper income neighborhoods have many grocery stores, cities such as Detroit, are often characterized as urban food deserts. In addition to large grocery chains and small markets, farmers markets, community supported agriculture (CSA) programs, and community gardens are emerging food suppliers within our communities that offer benefits for all and may specifically address the unmet needs of low-income residents. The food we eat has direct implications on our long-term health and the existing inequitable patterns of food retail disproportionally impact our poorest residents.

This project intentionally uses the term ‘community-based’ instead of local to emphasize a regional perspective and connect food production with economic and community development. Community-based food production is a viable form of import substitution that may engage diverse residents. Our definition of a community-based, sustainable food system is ‘A food system in which everyone has financial and physical access to culturally appropriate, affordable, nutritious food that was grown and transported without degrading the natural environment, and in which the general population understands nutrition and the food system in general.”

Our research focuses on 15 case studies from across North America. Each case study highlights a specific sector of the food system that incorporates more sustainable practices. Some case studies illustrate innovative methods of production, others demonstrate more efficient ways to distribute food, and some are exemplary methods of processing or waste recycling. The majority of case studies convey ways to strengthen ties to the regional economy, support local businesses, offer new entrepreneurial opportunities, and engage residents. Based on the case studies, we distill short, medium, and long-term recommendations for individuals, community organizations, businesses, and municipal governments.

The focus of this research project was to discover and share best practices in community-based, sustainable food systems for application in other communities. Throughout our research, we have been thinking about Detroit, Michigan in an effort to understand how changes to the current food system could enhance the presence of healthy, affordable food and serve as an economic development tool in the city. In the final section of the report, we discuss the need to conduct a detailed community-based food assessment in Detroit. We note that in a city with 30% vacant properties, urban agriculture is a viable land use when issues of soil contamination are appropriately addressed. We also summarize some of Detroit’s existing food infrastructure and highlight how other Rustbelt cities are removing legal and political barriers to urban agriculture in efforts to advance community-based, sustainable food practices and processes.