In this Edition: Local Food Systems

Getting Smart! April 2010

19 April 2010

This month’s issue of Getting Smart! is focused on local food systems and urban agriculture. Smart growth can help address inequities in local food systems by creating walkable neighborhoods where a range of food options are within walking distance or residences and workplaces and by setting aside land for urban gardening and agriculture. Urban agriculture, in turn, can help reduce food imbalance and increase access to fresh and healthy foods, as well engage residents and revitalize communities.

Mari Gallagher and Lindsay Rosenfeld’s article, the first in this issue, examines issues related to food deserts in urban areas. Gallagher and Rosenfeld discuss what food balance and food access are and why they are important. Smart growth can help provide the kind of balance necessary to ensure that all residents of a community have access to healthy foods.

The next article, by Amy Souza, focuses on community food systems and the role planners can play in creating these locally-based, sustainable food systems. Souza discusses the role of community food assessments and food policy councils in creating the framework for local food systems.

The final two articles in this edition provide case study examples of the benefits urban agriculture programs can have for communities. Alvina Lin’s article focuses on Oakland Based Urban Gardens (OBUGS) – a program that seeks to engage local youth in gardening, food preparation, and entrepreneurial activities, including selling OBUGS produce and crafts at local farmers’ markets. Rebecca Dobrinski’s article discusses how the Jones Valley Urban Farm in Birmingham, Alabama, has helped revitalize several neighborhoods.

There are some great new smart growth resources this month, and a number of interesting conferences and events over the next few months, so be sure to check out the “New Resources” and “Upcoming Events” sections.

Happy reading,

Anna Read, Editor