A collective effort to reorganize food systems to be more localized. This involves prioritizing the production, distribution, and consumption of food within a geographically limited area. For example, communities supporting farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs exemplify this approach, fostering direct connections between producers and consumers.
Emphasizing food sourcing from nearby regions carries several advantages. It can bolster local economies by keeping revenue within the community, reduce transportation distances and associated environmental impacts, and promote greater awareness of food origins. Historically, localized food systems were prevalent before industrialization and globalization led to more extensive, often less sustainable, food supply chains.