Why Buy Local?
Local vs. Industrial
INDUSTRIAL
RAverage American Food Footprint=5.2 global acres per person
RAverage World Food Footprint= 1.9 global acres per person
RLarge-scale, monoculture cash-croppingà loss of crop and livestock diversity, increased vulnerability to pests, disease, climate changes
RAgricultural production contributes toglobal warming by adding
o CO2 from fossil fuel use, forest clearing, etc.
o Methane from livestock, rice cultivation, burning of agricultural residues
RMost fruits and veggies sold in supermarkets are grown and chosen for their ability to withstand industrial harvesting equipment and extensive travel, not for taste.
RIn order to travel long distances, much food is picked while stillunripe and processed with preservatives, irradiation, and more after transport to “ripen” it and keep it fresh longer
LOCAL
RAgriculture could potentially act as a carbon sink (absorbs released carbon), through “greener” farming practices that build up organic carbon in soil instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. These practices are realistic for a smaller-scale farm
RSustainable farming substitutes organic nutrient sources for chemical fertilizers
o Safer, healthier methods
o Improve soil quality
Shrinks energy footprint
Food Facts
RSince 1961, the tonnage of food shipped between nations has quadrupled, while the human population has only doubled
RAn average food item in the U.S. travels 1500 miles
ROf the 10-20% of the food system’s fossil fuel energy used by agricultural operations,
o 40% is indirect energy consumption (producing chemical fertilizers and pesticides)
o 25% diesel fuel (transportation)
o 35% other uses (ex: irrigation)
RA study in England comparing two versions of a meal, one with locally grown ingredients and one with imported ingredients, discovered that the imported meal would produce 650 times the amount of CO2 as the local meal due to transport
RFruits and vegetables shipped from various far-away states and countries spend as many as 7 to 14 days in transit before arrival in a supermarket
RIt’s estimated that we currently put almost 10 kcal (eq. to 1,000 calories) of fossil fuel energy into our food system for every 1 kcal of energy we get as food
Buying Local in Ann Arbor
Some Alternative Options
COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA)Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is an arrangement or partnership made between community members and a particular local farm. In a CSA farm, consumers can purchase seasonal "shares" which entitle them to weekly food allowances. Shareholders visit the farm or another pickup location at a scheduled time every week to get their food. Some CSA farmers may even deliver to your door.
FARMERS MARKETS
Farmers markets come in many different sizes and forms, providing a wide range of opportunities for both the consumer and the farmer. For one thing, farmers markets are a very convenient way to purchase local goods. Producers from around the area will bring their produce to a centralized location on a periodic basis throughout the growing season. Consumers have the opportunity to browse the goods and shop around for the best quality.
FOOD COOPERATIVES
Co-ops are member-owned retail businesses dedicated to serving the community by providing the highest quality grocery items at the best value. They are typically owned by members (you) who pay fees to use co-op services. Most times you can buy from a co-op even if you are not a member, but membership usually provides multiple benefits.
Community Farm Kitchen
3007 Geddes Ave.
www.communityfarmkitchen.com
Ann Arbor Farmers Market
315 Detroit Street
May Through December: Wednesday & Saturday, 7 A.M. To 3 P.M.
January Through April:Saturday Only, 8 A.M. To 3 P.M.
www.a2gov.org/market
Bello Vino Marketplace
2789 Plymouth Rd.
www.bellovinomarketplace.com
People’s Food Co-op
216 N. Fourth Ave.
www.peoplesfood.coop