Buying Local in a Recession

[Simon]

The cost of raw materials such as corn, wheat, and crude oil for US producers was up significantly in January, after declining the previous month, according to the Labor Department’s Producer Price Index, or PPI. Your first thought might be, “Well, I don’t buy any corn, wheat, or crude oil.” Perhaps not. But corn’s chief use in this country is to feed livestock. Wheat is the building block for hundreds of food products. Crude oil is refined into the diesel and gasoline used by the vehicles that transport goods to your grocery store or market.

Inflation at the raw materials level filters through to finished goods. That was evident in the January PPI report, which showed a 1.7% increase in food prices — the ones you pay at the store. Indeed, you may have noticed that the cost of a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread now hovers around $4. Paying $50 for the same bag of groceries you got for $40 last year is disconcerting, because your paycheck probably hasn’t increased that much.

But do these creeping signs of a squeeze actually change purchasing — and noshing — behavior? If prices continue to spiral upward, how will they affect the overarching consumption patterns of American eaters? Will devotees of all things organic change their collective tune in favor of the cheaper, pesticide-filled foodstuffs of our youth? Will the so-called localvores abandon their self-induced mandates and eat things that were (gasp) grown 500 miles away?

Full article here: http://humblegourmand.com/features/buying-local-recession/

What do you think will happen to our consumption patterns when food prices rises (even for us in the rich world)?

[only_green_no_gray]

What do you think will happen to our consumption patterns when food prices rises (even for us in the rich world)?

I think the first consequence will be the increase in the number of poor people. Other consequence may be the collapsing of social security due the increasing number of people that need help

[Trulyana]

Food prices have already been on the increase in the last 20 years, I thought it would have been obvious by now. And as you know, the outcomes and effects are quite obvious. Higher increase in productive manufacturing, due to the demand in higher needs in the food production, thus equating a much more regulated market, continous decentralised policies, increasing the economic restructure of cities and towns, farmers will probably cease to exist, as supermarkets continue to pressurise farmers into their demands. It's an endless list of problems, that goes on and on, and I don't think it's worth talking about. The real worth is in the action, of making it so that these things won't take over people's minds, and their natural means of way of living.

[Simon]

Food prices have already been on the increase in the last 20 years, I thought it would have been obvious by now. And as you know, the outcomes and effects are quite obvious. Higher increase in productive manufacturing, due to the demand in higher needs in the food production, thus equating a much more regulated market, continous decentralised policies, increasing the economic restructure of cities and towns, farmers will probably cease to exist, as supermarkets continue to pressurise farmers into their demands. It's an endless list of problems, that goes on and on, and I don't think it's worth talking about. The real worth is in the action, of making it so that these things won't take over people's minds, and their way of living. This is already happening though. People are being so controlled in the end, that they give in.

What is it you find negative? That farmers will "cease to exist" and all the other things you mentioned. Or that people is worrying about future problems like this? I dont really follow you... :blink:

[Trulyana]

What is it you find negative? That farmers will "cease to exist" and all the other things you mentioned. Or that people is worrying about future problems like this? I dont really follow you...

I don't find anything negative. I'm pointing out the real truths, in what is going on in our world today.

The major points highlighted from that paragraph are:

Higher increase in productive manufacturing, due to the demand in higher needs in the food production, thus equating a much more regulated market, continous decentralised policies, increasing the economic restructure of cities and towns, and end of natural farming.

[Chimney Balloon]

I tell ya what! Higher food prices have effected my grocery spending already.

Living in the Midwest US gives me plenty of access to local famers markets that are overflowing with local produce. I am not vegetarian but in the summer my diet is largly fruit and vegetables becasue they are cheap at farmers markets and they are healthy.

I am a big sweet corn fan!

[GoGreen]

In Australia, Farmers markets are actually saving some from going out of business.

With the major shopping chains squeezing every last dollar out of them, many have got to the point of giving up on supplying to chains altogether. This has created a new revenue base for many.

Markets are growing over here. People are becoming very aware of some of the practices large supermarket chains use to keep their fruit and veg for long periods of time. 6 months in cold storage for apples, etc and questions over what pesticides are used during growing are creating a growing demand for local, fresh produce. Do we pay more for buying local? No, not really. Because they are now so popular, farmers are able to sell more and offer better deals.

Another interesting thing we have noticed is the development of city farms. I would consider joining if one is built closer to where we live.

Of course, this is Australia and I appreciate things are very different for our friends in the US at the moment. Still, couldn't similar schemes really benefit local farmers in the US?

[Simon]

In Australia, Farmers markets are actually saving some from going out of business.

Another interesting thing we have noticed is the development of city farms. I would consider joining if one is built closer to where we live.

City farms? Never heard abut it, sounds interesting, what is that?

[GoGreen]

City farms? Never heard abut it, sounds interesting, what is that?

They are plots of land located in and around cities that are cultivated by communities to grow fruit and vegetables.

Everyone contributes from buying seed to preparing land and picking when grown. The produce is then distributed evenly to those who are in that community.

Something similar to this is in my local city of Perth, although the model is a little different: http://www.cityfarmperth.org.au/new_lite/about.html

I hope more of these pop up over time. Perhaps one day people will start doing this type of thing in the suburbs or in their backyards. It was like that when my grandparents were kids. Kind of cool :)

[Simon]

They are plots of land located in and around cities that are cultivated by communities to grow fruit and vegetables.

Everyone contributes from buying seed to preparing land and picking when grown. The produce is then distributed evenly to those who are in that community.

Something similar to this is in my local city of Perth, although the model is a little different: http://www.cityfarmperth.org.au/new_lite/about.html

I hope more of these pop up over time. Perhaps one day people will start doing this type of thing in the suburbs or in their backyards. It was like that when my grandparents were kids. Kind of cool

That is really nice! Kind of like the swedish "Kolonilott" (=allotment). But those are more small gardens with a tiny little house you can use during the summers.

[GoGreen]

What a cute house!

I really wonder whether it might get back to this. Perhaps people with bigger yards will be able to create mini farms and sell to their local community. I would certainly support that type of action. Of course, Government Departments would probably try and create red tape via the need for licences, food standards, etc.

[MollyMormon]

I shop the farmers markets. There is a farm very close to my house but I just don't really like them. They are rude and I don't know how they grow their crops. I prefer to go to the farmers market where I can choose from different growers, even organic farmers. We spend so much money on toys and T.V's and cars and crap yet we are cheap when it comes to food. People will buy cheap, processed junk from Walmart then buy a big screen plasma with tivo. At least in the States. I choose to feed my family well. More people are starting to plant gardens and even raise chickens. I love my chickens. I am not rural. I live in a house with a yard. I hear the chicken raising is becoming big in Europe as well.

[Anita Gross]

Dear Green Bloggers:

Buying foods in a recession can be difficult however, I still need to share with all my green friends how I got in the best "amerishape" of my life!

Read on Green Bloggers.....Here is a valuable green diet tip for all......The best way to lose weight, tone up, and help lower your blood cholesterol level is to eat less saturated fat,carbs,and begin to control your current weight with walking or do another physical activity for at least 30 minutes each day. This plan is based on these simple steps and amerishape.com has taken the guess work out of figuring this out on your own.

Use up at least as many calories as you take in.

Be physically active.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week, if not all.

Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods.

Eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits.

Choose whole-grain, high-fiber foods.

Eat fish at least twice a week.

Eat less of the nutrient-poor foods.

Limit how much saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol you eat.

Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat.

Select fat-free, 1 percent fat and low-fat dairy products.

Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet.

Cut back on foods high in dietary cholesterol.

Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars.

Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt.

If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation.

Follow the American Heart Association and amerishape.com recommendations when you eat out.

Read the nutrition facts label and ingredients list.

Avoid use of and exposure to tobacco products.

Regards,

Anita Gross

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I Love The AmeriShape Program!!

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Love this Amerishape program!!!

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It Works!

…..Hey AmeriShape by the way, 2 more lbs. last week!!!! Fasting blood sugars are normal or near normal EVERYDAY. I can’t believe how simple and easy this is for me. Tell the person that developed this program, he’s almost a God! I’m so glad I found this website, I believe it’s going to save me from having to go on diabetes meds as long as I keep eating this way and exercising. Trust me even Weight Watchers didn’t work for me………

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In 1 months time

So from March 28th of this year to April 28th, yesterday; I faithfully stayed on the diabetic diet that Dr. Rubin had sent to me AND I mean faithfully. Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday I went to my loca gym and I must say it’s paid off thus far. Cuz umm well it’s Tues now, [i work nite shift, so following this diet was even harder], but Monday I got weighted & measured AND…………………DRUM ROLL: I’ve lost 12 inches & 14 1/2 pounds!!!

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Thank You

I will never be able to thank you enough for developing and maintaining this nutritional plan. On January 1, I weighed 217 lbs (I’m 5 ft tall) and would have been entirely happy if the only two foods on earth were chocolate and Pepsi. Within less than a week of starting this program, I had absolutely no dependence on either. I’ve lost 37 lbs and will be celebrating by playing in one of my favorite tennis tournaments in June. I stopped considering your program a diet a couple of months ago. It is and will continue to be a part of my life.

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Amost There !

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- Peggy

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Motivated For Success

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Thanks again AmeriShape.

Ann Phillip

- Ann

Body Challenger

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KIT NEWELL

-

KUDOS AMERISHAPE

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- Bill

Great Job !

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- Ann

Revolutionary Program—AmeriShape

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- Diane

Thanks AMERISHAPE

HI, I WANTED TO THANK YOU AMERI SHAPE FOR THE BOOKLET !!!!!!! I AM GOING TO TAKE IT WITH ME TO MY DOCTORS APPT. MONDAY,, I BELIEVE MY DOCTOR WILL LET ME FOLLOW THIS PLAN, IT SEEMS TO BE ALOT LIKE MINE ANYWAY I JUST HAVE LIMITS ON CARBS. AND INCREASED PROTEIN YOUR PLAN SOUNDS A LOT EASIER TO LIVE WITH ON A CONTINUING BASIS THAN THE ADKINS . SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND I WILL LET YOU KNOW THE OUTCOME OF MY DOC. VISIT.

- ALISA

[beekeeper]

To answer first question !

Nothing will happen to me I grow almost all food at home. What I don't grow I just trade with other farmers around me.

In the winter I do sprouts and have fresh vegetables every day actually. When I get enough of little sprouted salads I just go into the basement and take out some glasses of stored vegetables.

1 square meter is enough for one year vegetables for one person ! You just have to rotate vegetables and take care of that square meter and you are all good. Spinach is really easy to grow and you can freeze it ;)

[mountainhiker]

To answer first question !

Nothing will happen to me I grow almost all food at home. What I don't grow I just trade with other farmers around me.

In the winter I do sprouts and have fresh vegetables every day actually. When I get enough of little sprouted salads I just go into the basement and take out some glasses of stored vegetables.

1 square meter is enough for one year vegetables for one person ! You just have to rotate vegetables and take care of that square meter and you are all good. Spinach is really easy to grow and you can freeze it

Growing some and finding the best local farmers markets for the rest has proven to be a reasonable solution. Many regular markets are now trying to buy local and organic to save on shipping as well and many of the larger markets have set aside sections so you know you are buying local organic.