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Contact

University of Idaho Extension, Payette County

Mailing Address:
16 S 9th St
PO Box 10
Payette, ID 83661

Phone: 208-642-6022

Fax: 208-642-6034

Email: payette@uidaho.edu

Web: uidaho.edu/payette

Find us on Google Maps

Community Food Systems

What is a Community Food System?

If you eat, you are part of it! A community food system is a network of people, infrastructure and relationships that grow, harvest, process, package, transport, market, consume and dispose of food and food-related items.

Our community food system shapes how people get the food they need to stay healthy. It also helps food-related jobs and businesses to thrive. It shapes regional food security and access, agricultural-related economic development and public health.

What is a community food system? Components  include production (grow, harvest, pack), which feeds into processing (individuals and businesses) and distribution & transportation (local, regional, global). These feed into food access components of marketing and markets & purchasing, then to food choices (preparation & consumption). Finally, waste recovery & nutrient cycling flow back into production.
Adapted from: Shri, C.; Williams, C.E; Wilkins, J. & Eames-Sheavly, M. 2011.

What’s happening in the Southwest Treasure Valley Community Food System?

The Payette Valley Food Connection is a group of inspired community members working hard to provide the region with fresh fruits and vegetables from local producers.

Community Food System Assessment Process

UI Extension, Payette County is collaborating with surrounding counties through a participatory process that takes a big picture look at our regional food system including production, consumption, distribution and waste. The assessment process includes planning, data and information gathering, actions and implementation.

The overall goals of the assessment are to:

  • Develop an understanding of the existing state of the local food system in relationship to public health, economic development and quality of life.
  • Identify economic development opportunities related to agricultural production resulting from gaps in the local food system and market venues.
  • Document community food system assets (i.e., Distribution and aggregation options, infrastructures, knowledge, etc.) and possible projects in anticipation of applying to state and federal programs designed to strengthen local/regional food systems.

To learn more about the assessment process, contact payette@uidaho.edu or 208-642-6022

Sources 

  • Shri, C. Center for Environmental Farming Systems
  • Williams, C.E, What is a Food System? Idaho Summit on Hunger and Food Security, Oct. 2014 Invited Presentation
  • Wilkins, J. & Eames-Sheavly, M. 2011. Discovering the Food System, Cornell University, Departments of Nutritional Science and Horticulture
 

Contact

University of Idaho Extension, Payette County

Mailing Address:
16 S 9th St
PO Box 10
Payette, ID 83661

Phone: 208-642-6022

Fax: 208-642-6034

Email: payette@uidaho.edu

Web: uidaho.edu/payette

Find us on Google Maps