from the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development |
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JAFSCD is the world’s only community-supported journal. JAFSCD content is open access (free) thanks to the generous support of our shareholders: the JAFSCD Shareholder Consortium, Library Shareholders, a growing number of Individual Shareholders, and our six JAFSCD Partners: |
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The U.S. Southeast faces an alarming paradox: high rates of food insecurity among its residents despite its agricultural history. The issue is particularly critical in rural areas, where socioeconomic challenges frequently limit residents’ access to fresh, nutritious food.
In a new JAFSCD article, Setting the Table for Rural Food Access: Models from Appalachia and the Deep South, Darwin and colleagues investigate grassroots food access programs that are increasing the availability of locally sourced fruits and vegetables in the rural Southeast U.S.
Gathering insights through document analysis and in-depth interviews with organizers from 12 community-derived initiatives addressing rural food insecurity across Appalachia and the Deep South, the researchers identify four program models to support communities in the development of similar programming: the Charity Model, the Support Model, the Market Model, and the Restructuring Model. In addition to detailing the program models and advice from local organizers, this research uncovers subtle but important differences between programs located in Appalachia and the Deep South—reflecting their divergent, yet parallel, cultural histories of marginalization and resilience.
This research underscores the value of tailored initiatives that leverage the strengths embedded in local communities to address local needs and priorities, offering insights for similar communities seeking to address food insecurity through community-derived action.
Corresponding author Jennifer Jo Thompson can be contacted at jjthomp@uga.edu.
KEY FINDINGS This study identifies four models of community-derived rural food access programs: the Charity Model, Support Model, Market Model and Restructuring Model. They range from providing emergency food to working to transform the local food system.
Each model offers unique strengths and limitations, but they collectively offer robust strategies for addressing barriers to the access of fresh produce in rural America. Differences between programs in Appalachia and the Deep South point to the importance of social and cultural histories in the success of place-based and community-driven initiatives.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICY, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH
This research highlights the value of place-based, community-driven initiatives in addressing local priorities. The authors recommend that external stakeholders prioritize reinforcing the work of local programs and redistributing power (and funding) back to local communities. Further, we recommend additional research to explore the effectiveness and scalability of community-derived programs, along with efforts to facilitate knowledge exchange among program organizers.
This project was funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Needs Fellowship (#2016-38420-25578). SHARE ON YOUR SOCIALS
Rural communities across the U.S. Southeast have organized to improve nutrition access for neighbors in sustainable and culturally appropriate ways. To learn about community-derived models for rural food access, including the challenges and advice shared by local organizers, read the full @JAFSCD article for free: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2024.141.016
#foodaccess #ruralfoodaccess #southeast #communitybasedorganizations #rural |
Photo above: Mississippi has a long tradition of growing sweet potatoes. Photo taken in 2018 in Vardaman, Mississippi, by Amy Christian. |
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From Anna Marchessault's review of Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture: Sustainable Solutions for Hunger, Poverty and Climate Change, by Vandana Shiva: "In a world where industrial agriculture dominates, Vandana Shiva . . . asks a pivotal question: Can we transform our food systems to heal the planet and its people? . . . Shiva weaves together ecological, economic, and health crises as they relate to food, suggesting that the current food paradigm not only allows these crises to persist but actively endorses them." Read the entire book review for free!
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Building Strong Retail Systems for Local Farmers and Local Food
With about one dozen farm stops now successfully up and running and several more approaching launch, we believe now is the perfect time to gather, learn from one another, share best practices, and envision the role we’d like to see farm stops play in our local food ecosystems.
Whether you operate a farm stop already, or think that you may one day want to open one in your community, our goal is to provide content useful to you as you move forward. With that in mind, we are putting together an ambitious slate of local food thought leaders, and planning a full lineup of panels on everything from fundraising and marketing, to farm relations and merchandising, while also leaving plenty of time for networking.
Speakers and panelists include Philip Ackerman-Leist, John Ikerd, Kate Krauss, Debra Tropp, Michelle Miller, Kathryn Barr, and many others. |
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POSITION OPENINGS FROM JAFSCD SHAREHOLDERS |
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NOTE >> Deadline approaching — apply by January 24!
The Food Connection at the University of Kentucky (TFC) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct applied research on value chain coordination (VCC) in local and regional food systems. This is a unique and high-impact postdoctoral researcher position, created in partnership with TFC, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Local and Regional Foods Division (LRFD), and the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development (JAFSCD). The postdoctoral researcher will lead a novel multi-institution research initiative that results in scholarly publications, stakeholder-facing technical assistance resources, and policy recommendations at local, regional, and national scales.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO APPLY |
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The successful candidate will develop and lead externally funded research and extension programs that support and strengthen the viability of the New Jersey agricultural sector and individual farms. Through active engagement with the agricultural community, the Specialist will identify existing and emerging opportunities and needs, conduct applied research to assess what technical assistance and policies would help farmers take advantage of these opportunities, and provide educational outreach in the agricultural community across different scales of operation, commodities, and production systems.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO APPLY |
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The Department of Agricultural Economics, Rural Sociology, and Education (AESE) at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking candidates for an Extension Program Specialist who will conduct Extension programs, develop enterprise budgets, and create and update publications for the Penn State “Ag Alternative” series. The role includes supporting research projects and offering expert advice on risk management. The candidate will effectively build solid connections with stakeholders and their organizations. This position requires a master’s degree plus three years of relevant experience or equivalent work experience.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO APPLY |
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If you are affiliated with a college or university and want to support JAFSCD, now is the time of year when libraries order new journal subscriptions. |
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