Greater effort needed to move local, fresh foods beyond 'privileged' consumers

An Indiana University study that looked at consumers who buy locally grown and produced foods through farmers markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs found that the venues largely attract a “privileged” class of shoppers.

“Our findings present a need for broadening local food opportunities beyond the privileged, higher-income consumer through alternative payment plans and strategic efforts that make fresh foods accessible to a diversity of people,” said James Farmer, assistant professor in the department of recreation, park and tourism studies in the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington.