Last month, we asked you to rethink our food system for the long haul. We focused on efforts to build a stronger local food system (such as New Hampshire’s Local Food for Local Schools Purchasing Incentive Pilot Program) and a more resilient food system (through permaculture projects led by Earthcraft Design LLC and others).

If you missed that article, please read it here.

In this month’s article, our food system focus continues—as does Eat Indie Local Month, a month-long nationwide celebration throughout August. We’ll rethink our future through fair and regional food systems—the networks of people, animals, resources, and processes that grow and bring food from the farm to your plate.

Why Envision a Fair Local Food System?

A fair local food system ensures everyone has access to the healthy food produced in our region, and that the people who grow, transport, process, and prepare our food receive fair compensation and respect.

“We create economies based on solidarity and cooperation that benefit and empower all food workers and consumers, where everyone is a valued decision-maker,” said Slow Food International’s website (slowfood.com). “Social equity through fair working conditions, inclusivity of all peoples, ethnicities, and genders, as well as equal access to food, water, and land, is key for the future of our food systems.” 

Building a Fairer Food System in Practice

In partnership with The Community Kitchen, the Monadnock Food Access Alliance runs the Monadnock Mobile Food Pantry Initiative, hosting pop-up farmers' market-style events that provide fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, pantry goods, and other local resources to community members in need.

“Healthy eating is often viewed as a personal choice, but it's important to recognize that access to nutritious foods can be heavily influenced by issues of equity,” said the Monadnock Food Access Alliance’s website. “Economic factors, such as income levels and food prices, play a significant role in what options are available to people. For some, the cost of healthier food choices may be prohibitive, leading to a diet high in cheaper, processed alternatives that can negatively impact health. Thankfully, the Monadnock Food Access Alliance is working to change that.”

Why Envision a Regional Food System?

We talk a lot about local food systems, but it’s also important to focus on regional food systems. A regional food system is more resilient, as weather, climate, and other challenges may, at times, limit our food supply at the local level. Ultimately, we call for fair trade between local food systems to create a robust regional food system.

“A regional food system weaves together the entire network of food production, processing, distribution, and consumption, creating a network of shorter supply chains, seasonal eating patterns, and meaningful connections between food producers and consumers,” said Glenwood’s website, a center for regional food and farming based in Cold Spring, NY. “These systems support local economies, minimize transportation distances, and deliver fresher food while honoring regional food cultures and traditions. Focusing on food systems at the regional scale is crucial because they build resilience against global supply chain disruptions and climate-related challenges, while giving communities more control over their food supply.”  

Building a Stronger Local Food System in Practice

In 2022, New Englanders ate only 4% of the food produced in New England. In response, seven states formed the New England Food System Planners Partnership to collectively pursue the New England Feeding New England goal of having 30% of all food produced in New England eaten in our region by 2030.   

“Together, we can improve on food system development efforts in each New England state in order to strengthen local farms and food businesses, be less dependent on a global food supply, and expand access to agricultural land so more of the food consumed here can be produced here,” said Leah Rovner, Project Director of the Partnership’s New England Feeding New England project. “Every state and every New Englander must play a role in stabilizing the food system, making it less vulnerable to outside disruption, and creating jobs and economic return in the process.”

More Monadnock Region Food and Farm Updates

Before we wrap up this month’s article, here are a few more Monadnock Region local food and farming updates.
 
The Cheshire County Conservation District rolled out its new Farm Equipment Rental Program, which provides low-cost farm equipment rentals to local farmers.  The rental program saves farmers money, and many of the equipment pieces are no-till or low-till to further support soil health. The new process uses software to streamline rentals for both farmers and staff. Learn more.  

Monadnock Food Co-op plans to open a second store in the former Rite Aid building at 14 Peterborough Road in Jaffrey. Much like the Keene location, the store will include a complete selection of pantry staples, bulk items, beer and wine, wellness and more. A large cafe will offer house-made sandwiches, sides and salads, baked goods, and grab-n-go options for quick, healthy meals. Renovations will begin in spring 2027, and an opening in early 2028. Follow along for updates.

Find more local food near you! Check out the Monadnock Grown Coalition’s updated Monadnock Grown Local Food Guide at mgcoalition.org. Discover local farm products, food producers, services, restaurants, and businesses who support our local food economy. The Monadnock Grown Coalition is also looking for a dynamic, community-minded director and coalition-builder to lead coordination efforts that support a thriving, sustainable, and equitable food system in our region. The application period is open until September 21. Learn more. 

Thank you for choosing local, regenerative, fair, and regional food during Eat Indie Local Month and every day!