Urban/Community Food

Urban and Community Food Systems recognizes the fact that 85% of all agriculture is in or near urban populations. Most farmers are growing for urban consumers. Twenty-six percent of all transportation on roads and highways involves the movement of food from farm to stores or consumers purchasing food or eating out. Small farms are springing up in the inner city. Farmers' markets - small and large are becoming geared towards urban environments by becoming mobile, increasing the amount of ethnic food sold, or employing youth to sell in some neighborhoods while having a second market in another neighborhood. CSA's or Community Supported Agriculture farms are now dropping off shares in urban locations. Funding opportunities and training & technical resources are changing from traditional forms of funding to include more private resources and organizations. The Pioneer Valley Food System website serve a two-fold purpose. It serves as a resource for anyone involved in food and farming systems at the local, regional, or national level while emphasizing the many programs and resources that make up the Pioneer Valley Food System of western Massachusetts. Once you have entered the site you may chose from the following areas:

• Self Reliance (Emergency Preparedness)
• Farm to School Programs
• Funding
• Policy and Assessment
• Publications
• Resources
• Urban Markets and Gardens

Take me directly to the Pioneer Valley Food System Website.