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Local Producers & Healthy Foods
Also good for vibrant community life
There was a time when most agriculture was a part of the local economy. There is a growing recognition that growing food locally benefits farmers, eaters, the community and the earth. The food is fresher and purchasing food directly from local farmers multiplies economic life in the community several times over, simply because the dollar remains in the locality longer. Family farmers also tend to be better stewards of the land, at least compared to industrial mega-farms.
Food procurement by institutions is a way to build and enhance the local economy. Local food procurement keeps the food dollar closer to home and it builds a living local economy. The food is fresher, more nutritious and healthy. Indeed, there are a host of reasons why local food consumption should be practiced and encouraged.
The Spring 2006 magazine issue of Catholic Rural Life gives considered attention to food procurement. A number of articles describe ways to support farmers, human health and a richer community life.
After circulation of this magazine issue, we received additional information about local food systems. Please click into the following two items:
Food for thought ...Correspondence from Chef/momz
[Two mothers in Milwaukee create a nutritious food service for two local schools.]
Rome, Italy: A Model in Public Food Procurement
[This is an eight-page "briefing report" about a remarkable school food system in Rome and what the United States can learn from it. Adobe Acrobat is required to download and open this paper.]
NCRLC sees a food revolution in motion. We believe all of us can join together in changing the food practices of our community institutions.
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