Local Food Systems
The Issue
The American Public Health Association defines a sustainable food system as “one that provides healthy food to meet current food needs while maintaining healthy ecosystems that can also provide food for generations to come, with minimal negative impact to the environment; encourages local production and distribution infrastructures; makes nutritious food available, accessible, and affordable to all; is humane and just—protecting farmers and other workers, consumers, and communities.”
Included in a local food system are “farm to where you are” initiatives. As defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), farm-to-where-you-are programs promote the delivery of regionally grown farm produce to community institutions, farmers markets and individuals. Institutions, such as schools, hospitals, worksites and other community organizations, sell and distribute the fresh produce at cafeterias and other onsite dining and meeting facilities. Farm produce is also sold to the public at community farmers markets and packaged for direct delivery to individuals and households through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs.
According to the definition adopted by the U.S. Congress in the 2008 Food, Conservation, and Energy Act, the total distance that a product can be transported and still be considered a “locally or regionally produced agricultural food product” is less than 400 miles from its origin, or within the state in which it is produced. Many Midwest states such Nebraska define “local” as 250 miles or less.
Food Policy Councils
As defined by the Community Food Security Coalition, food policy councils “bring together stakeholders from diverse food-related sectors to examine how the food system is operating and to develop recommendations on how to improve it.” Currently states around Nebraska (e.g., Iowa and Colorado) have active food policy councils, but Nebraska has yet to develop such a structure. The Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition is seeking ways in which the state of Nebraska can move forward in this area.
Research
There is a significant amount of existing research related to traditional food distribution vehicles including grocery stores, supermarkets, schools, restaurants and worksites and their impact on healthy eating. However, limited research has examined the positive impact of local food systems on improving people’s health, as well as building community and improving local economies. The Center is committed to examining how local food systems may be related to health outcomes and behaviors (e.g., increased fruit and vegetable consumption).
Action
Nebraska Food System Assessment
In 2012, the Center conducted a needs assessment of the Nebraska food system. First reviewed was secondary data examining the food environment in Nebraska. The Center then developed and implemented surveys and focus groups to assess consumers’, food producers’ and key stakeholders’ perceptions of and participation with the food systems throughout Nebraska. This assessment also explored ideas for better understanding and improving local food systems to create a foundation for community engagement, implementation and platforms for change related to childhood obesity, food security and healthy food access for Nebraska residents.
Farm to School
The Center led Farm to School efforts in Douglas County through a Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) grant awarded to the Douglas County Health Department by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Local Food Advocacy Groups
Dr. Amy Yaroch, the Center’s executive director, is a Board member of the Nebraska Food Cooperative and Slow Food Omaha.
For More Information
“Promoting a Healthier Next Generation” information and tips for parents, presented by Dr. Amy Yaroch, Center executive director, at Westside Community Schools’ “Food (R)evolution” event in Omaha, Neb.
“Local Food Systems: Concepts, Impacts, and Issues” Read here
American Public Health Association’s Policy Statement Toward a Healthy, Sustainable Food System Read here
Community Food Security Coalition’s North American Food Policy Council Visit Website
Iowa Food Systems Council Visit Website
Local Food News in the Omaha World-Herald:
“Local food push ripe for debate,” May 28, 2010 Read article
“Selling small towns on local grocers,” January 2, 2011 Read article