Local Foods Resiliency and Local Food Acces

Local food production and consumption generates a strong connection between farmer and consumer. The shorter distance between farmer and consumer increases access to and affordability of nutritious, fresh produce in the neighbourhood. At PIF, we believe that creating strong local food systems will result in increased availability and accessibility of fresh and nutritious produce – for the benefit of everyone in our community.

The covid-19 pandemic disrupted existing supply chains within the food system and severely limited food access in many neighbourhoods. For this reason, local sources of fresh produce are now considered essential food sources for families and local communities. In the Houston-area, the occasional flooding and its consequences for food access point to an urgent need to build resilient food systems that are embedded in local food production and local food consumption.

Small-scale farmers are deeply passionate about their land and their community and are already rolling up their sleeves and doing the hard work to cultivate healthy, connected, resilient communities. Farmers should be supported in a way that enables them to continue growing healthy and culturally-relevant food to their local communities. Encouraging local food infrastructure such as farmers markets, community supported agriculture, and community gardens is also a means to strengthen local food resilience and broaden food access in their neighbourhoods.

Check out our farmer markets stands here or learn more about how you can take action to improve local food resilience!