By: Courtney Simich

A “local food system” is widely recognized as farmers selling directly to consumers within their community through farmers’ markets, local businesses or to schools according to the United States Department of Agriculture. The USDA also reports that organic food sales make up roughly 4% of food sales in the United States. Even though it makes up a small portion of food sales, it is a vast and booming industry today. But, not all can eat local and organic. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States the factors that cause organic food to be more expensive include limited supply, production costs, and the distribution chain for organic foods is inefficient compared to that of conventional foods. But, eating organic and local supports the local economy and local environment as stated in an article published by Michigan State University. Within the Eugene community Ambrosia Farm, FOOD for Lane County’s Youth Farm, and Groundworks Organics have dedicated their existence to bringing restaurants and consumers local, fresh, and organic foods, detailed on the Local Harvest website.

A passion for eating local in the Eugene community began roughly when the current farmers’ market was established in 1970, according to the Eugene Saturday Market. The three factors that encouraged the opening of the market were Eugene developing a large number of artisans, an increasing amount of local produce with no central outlet, and downtown being in need of a “makeover”, the Eugene Saturday Markets states. Eugene coined the name Saturday Market for the state of Oregon. From the opening day forward all other Saturday Markets in Oregon had to include the name of their community in front of the title.

The future of local eating in Eugene is focused on education and accessibility. The poverty rate in Eugene is roughly 24% and the household median income is slightly above $43 thousand as reported in a profile by Data USA. This doesn’t allow for everyone in Eugene to be able to incorporate local and organic foods into their diet. Local farms, such as FOOD for Lane County’s Youth Farm, plan to educate the youth of today so they grow into residents of the future that aim to eat a local diet and support the plethora of local businesses that Eugene has to offer, as stated on the Food for Lane County website.