How do local food initiatives promote good nutrition?
Local food initiatives such as those featured in the Community Food Security section promote good nutrition in a variety of ways. In many instances, these projects are providing sources of healthy food in under-served areas or “food deserts” where healthy food is otherwise inaccessible. Local food initiatives also provide excellent educational opportunities by heightening people’s awareness of where their food comes from and leading them to ask other questions about the food they are eating. Local food initiatives often introduce people to new types of foods and new skills in food selection and preparation. Additionally, fresh foods straight from the farm tend to taste better. If people find that they enjoy the taste of fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods made accessible through local food initiatives, then they are more likely to increase their consumption of them.
