A Community-Based Food System

Interest in local foods is increasing throughout the United States. Leaders in the Martinsville, VA, region realized this growing awareness could help foster a community-based food system, thus contributing to the economic, social, and environmental stability of local farms and neighborhoods. This report defines a local food system, assesses the Martinsville region’s setup, and highlights many potential health, economic, and synergistic outcomes that result from building a vibrant community-based food system. www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/3306/3306-9029/3306-9029-PDF.pdf