The Movement- Morgan

The Local Market Model

The farmers market fosters an elemental form of human exchange. The communal and cultural gathering around food in the mainstream is largely lost at the hand of transnational global food networks and the homogeneous super market model. Countering the globalized form of food production and distribution hinges on a consumer population that assumes responsibility and engages in conscious choices for the source and practices of their food production. This seems to be one of the largest statements for the ‘locavore’ movement: engage in this alternative network to access food based on transparency and trust with a vested interest in local community and land. It has been awesome to see this movement alive in the Davidson community. Knowingly or not, members of the CSA and consumers at the Farmer’s Market are assuming the role Carlos Petrini recognizes as, ‘coproducers’ (Shiva, Vandana (Ed.) 2007. Manifestos on the Future of Food and Seed. Cambridge, MA: South End Press.). Coproduction is based on the relationship between consumer and producer. The consumer assumes the burdens and responsibilities of their farmers while farmers make a commitment to quality for the consumer and the land.

Food communities

Petrini also recognizes the ways that alternative food networks are living reminders for the meaning of community. Among fast paced lives and distanced forms of communication, the farmers market and communal gathering around honest food bring us together. There is a lot to be lost in forgoing cooked meals and food in a social context. These things are coming alive for us as interns, and I know as the summer goes on I have so much more to experience!