Sustainability: Consumer Demand Fueling Change

Nonetheless, we are arguably in the midst of what might be called a “foodshed moment.” Public consciousness around sustainable food has been growing, spurring demand for food that is the product of a substantially different type of food system. While not every aspect of the change is measurable, those that are show significant growth. For example, the increase in farmers’ markets in the United States has been dramatic: between 2010 and 2011 there was a 17 percent increase in the number of farmers’ markets, to 7,175. The dollar value of retail sales of organic food totaled $26.7 billion in 2010, up 7.7 percent from 2009. Around the country grocery stores sell locally grown produce. Community gardens are appearing in urban centers. Universities are creating programs of study in food studies and policy. Concern for affordability has become an important aspect, as systems that are truly healthy, just, and equitable in the long run, are accessible to all who choose them. Nonprofit groups, two examples of which are Wholesome Wave and Just Food, have committed resources toward improving food access.