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The resilience and viability of farmers markets in the United States as an alternative food network: case studies from Michigan during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wentworth, Chelsea; Warsaw, Phillip; Isaacs, Krista; Traore, Abou; Hammon, Angel; Lewis, Arena.
  • Wentworth C; 965 Wilson Road, East Fee Room A214, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA Office of Medical Education Research and Development, Michigan State University.
  • Warsaw P; 480 Wilson Road Room 326, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA Department of Community Sustainability, Michigan State University.
  • Isaacs K; 1066 Bogue St Room A278, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University.
  • Traore A; 480 Wilson Road Room 326, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA Department of Community Sustainability, Michigan State University.
  • Hammon A; 480 Wilson Road Room 326, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA Department of Community Sustainability, Michigan State University.
  • Lewis A; 1066 Bogue St Room A278, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University.
Agric Human Values ; : 1-16, 2023 May 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2320407
ABSTRACT
This paper examines the resilience of farmers markets in Michigan to the system shock of the global COVID-19 pandemic, questioning how the response fits into market goals of food sovereignty. Adapting to shifting public health recommendations and uncertainty, managers implemented new policies to create a safe shopping experience and expand food access. As consumers directed their shopping to farmers markets looking for safer outdoor shopping, local products, and foods in short supply at grocery stores, market sales skyrocketed with vendors reporting selling more than ever before, but the longevity of this change remains unclear. Our data collected via semi-structured interviews with market managers and vendors, and survey data from customers from 2020 to 21, suggest that despite the widespread impact of COVID-19, there is not sufficient evidence consumers will continue to shop at farmers markets at the rates they did in 2020-21. Furthermore, reasons consumers flocked to farmers markets do not align with market priorities for increased food sovereignty, as increased sales alone are not a sufficient driver for this goal. We question how markets can contribute to broader sustainability goals or serve as alternatives to capitalist and industrial modes of agricultural production, problematizing the role of markets in the food sovereignty movement.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Case report Language: English Journal: Agric Human Values Year: 2023 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Case report Language: English Journal: Agric Human Values Year: 2023 Document Type: Article