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.