A3.2 Food system assessments
Encourage growth of local markets through market research and assessment of our ability to feed ourselves from regionally produced foods.
The American Planning Association’s “Community Food System Assessments” (2015) discusses the history of the idea, offers advice, and provides links to a number of local examples.
“Community-Based Food System Assessment and Planning” is a guide, based on projects in Appalachia funded by the USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, that helps communities conduct their own food system assessment and provides them with guidance on planning the development of a local food system. The Powell River Community Food Assessment is an example closer to our ecosystem.
The CDC’s website has links to a number of other resources, and some research articles.