Community Food Systems : Working towards Sustainability and Satisfying Human Needs

Sammanfattning: Abstract: A community food system (CFS) can assist a community in satisfying human needs while also working toward a principle-based understanding of sustainability. Utilizing a whole-systems perspective and the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development, we identify generic satisfiers of human needs (as defined by Max-Neef: Subsistence, Participation, Identity, Idleness, Creation, Freedom, Affection, Understanding and Protection) that are affected by a CFS. Then we identify specific leverage points within the community food system that most enhance those generic satisfiers. By implementing strategies developed around those leverage points, a community food system will provide opportunities to meet Human Needs and help a community move toward sustainability. In doing so, the CFS can have a significant ―ripple effect‖ within the community, and on into society, that serves to support movement towards a sustainable future.