Local Food and Community Values

Paper Summary:

The paper argues that local food systems have a net positive impact upon our communities in how these systems support local economies, social structures and community values. The paper explains how local food systems play a critical role in fostering the identity of communities in ways that globalized food production and distribution networks simply cannot imitate. The paper therefore demonstrates how global food systems effectively threaten not only local foods systems but also the cultures that are deeply intertwined with those systems.

From the Paper:

"Few people would challenge, or even be surprised at, the assertion that humans often define their food systems in terms of locality and culture. Indeed, as humans our food systems have traditionally been closely intertwined with local or regional cultures and identities. Norberg-Hodge et al (2002) contend that this closely interconnection associated with local food systems transcends even the food network and yields many associated benefits"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Birkumar, S., Prasad, P., Rai, L.K. (2002). Food Medicinal Plants in the Sikkim Himalayas of India." Asian Folklore Studies, 61,2: 295-311.
• Bisogni, C., Connors, M, Devine, C., and Sobal, J. (2002). "Who we are and how we eat: A qualitative study of identities in food choice." Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 34,3: 128-139.
• Locher, J., Yoels, W., Maurer, D., and Van Ells, J. (2005). "Comfort foods: An exploratory journey in to the social and emotional significance of food." Food & Foodways, 13: 273-297.
• Norberg-Hodge, H., Merrifeld, T., and Gorelick, S. (2002).Bringing the food economy home: Local alternatives to global agribusiness. Halifax, NS: Fernwood.
• Padolsky, E. (2005). "You are where you eat: Ethnicity, food and cross-cultural spaces." Canadian Ethnic Studies, 37,2: 19-31.

More papers on Local Food and Community Values:

• Analytical Essay # 132566 : "Local Food and Its Role in Community"
• Analytical Essay # 132385 : "Importance of Local Food Systems"
• Case Study # 61694 : "Unilever Corporation"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: