Community Empowerment Matters

(Image of an Urban Farm: Listened in Creative Commons , taken by Flickr User TCDavis)   Concerns about food scarcity, health, the environment, and our economy have led many to seek out locally produced and marketed food. Food grown in one’s own community can supply jobs to local residents, provide a consistent supply of high quality, seasonal products, and keep more dollars in the area. However, food production is intensely regulated by federal, state, and even local governments to protect the public from potential health concerns. This article will describe a few of the primary concerns for individuals involved in selling locally grown vegetables, fruits, and other raw produce. Whether you are operating a farm, selling food products at farmers markets, or preparing food dishes in a restaurant, these rules will be important when local food is involved. Although this is not an exhaustive list of issues to consider, it will cover some of the most important, including: rules for selling w

  2022 has been a difficult year for many Americans.   The United States, like much of the world, continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic and the many issues it has spurred.   In May 2022, the Pew Research Center reported that, according to recent research, U.S. citizens reported that inflation was the most important issue facing the country.   Inflation, by definition, measures “the overall impact of price changes for a diversified set of products and services.”   As inflation rises, purchasing power declines.   In more practical terms, an increase in inflation means you can buy less with the same amount of money than you could previously.   That effect is likely why so many Americans list inflation among their top concerns today.     Making the aforementioned results even more concerning is the fact that they were released before inflation even peaked in the U.S.   This past June, the inflation rate reached as high as 9.1%.   As the fall season approaches, it is still hovering nor