Our national food system is complex and wasteful. The average plate of food travels 1,500 miles to reach our tables and over 4 million tons of food is wasted each year. According to the National Institutes of Health, the adverse environmental and health effects of pesticides are becoming increasingly clear. On a positive note, there has been impressive growth in farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture (CSAs), and other outlets for farmers to sell wholesome, unprocessed products directly to consumers. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service has noted a sharp increase in local food sourcing by restaurants, retailers, and regional distributors.
Achievements to Date
- Multiple weekly Farmers’ Markets (June – October)
- Farm to School Network provides local produce during growing season
- Increased access to local foods by local groceries
- Some local restaurants are sourcing local food and local beers
Challenges Ahead
- Ensuring the viability of local farming and local food infrastructure
- Promoting the benefits of locally-sourced food
Benefits of local food infrastructure
- Local food is fresh, tasty, and nutritious
- Supports community health
- Supports local farmers and builds local economies
- Local food systems generally mean less energy consumption, emissions and food miles
- Supports genetic and ecosystem diversity
- Preserves open spaces
- Growing vegetables at home is more cost effective than buying and helps lower income families gain affordable access
2030 Plan Goals*
- 10% of Fairfield residents growing some sort of food at home
- Local produce/ingredients sourced by 25% of Fairfield restaurants (when available)
- School gardens at 80% of Fairfield schools
- Ensure availability of locally grown food choices at all supermarkets
- Support and solidify Fairfield Farmers’ Markets
- Expand food rescue program
- Classes on composting, square foot gardening, raised beds – at least annually
- Baseline survey and comparison with surrounding/similar towns
- Create more community garden plots
- Support “Farm to School” organizations
*Some goals are ambitious and may need more time to achieve target participation rates; others can be achieved sooner. Work on all goals should begin as soon as possible.
How do we reach our goals?
- Baseline survey and benchmarking with surrounding/similar towns
- Educate the community on benefits of local food and food rescue
- Establish food sourcing guidelines for grocery stores and restaurants
- Develop a comprehensive food rescue program to reduce waste
- Encourage restaurants to source local produce/ingredients (when available)
- Encourage grocery stores to feature locally produced food
- Offer free classes on composting, square foot gardening, raised beds
- Foster community garden plots
- Encourage schools to cultivate school gardens
- Expand involvement with “Farm to School” network
| FOR MORE INFORMATION |
| Seven Generations Ahead |
| National Farm to School Network |
| Food Rescue US |