Bridging Inequity Through Farmer's Market Mobility: Food Access Barriers and Alternative Food Systems in Kingston, New York

Abstract

Low-income communities in the United States face disproportionately higher levels of food access barriers than other demographics in the country. Flawed public transportation systems, high cost, inefficient government food assistance programs, and structural exclusivity have created a food system that is largely inaccessible for many low-income individuals. This project demonstrates existing inequity in our food systems and illustrates the ways and which it is experienced by low-income demographics. It describes ways that geographic and physical space, economics, policy, and socio-cultural components impact food access experiences, and the ways these components impact choice and decision-making. While the existing system is unjust and inequitable, alternative food systems can create and foster equity and resiliency. This project illustrates existing exclusivity in alternative food systems, while advocating for their necessity in creating broad systematic change. They must be redefined and recreated as inclusive, community systems, and through this, they have the potential to foster community, create resiliency local food systems, and increase equity. This project uses Kingston, New York as a case study to examine existing barriers and the potential for farmer's markets and urban farms, such as the Kingston YMCA Farm Project to mitigate food access barriers.