TODAY the wide divide in the United States between the upper and lower classes is staggering. Although the wealth disparity separating these classes seems hard to alter, there are movements popping up around the country that are attempting to lessen this economic inequality.
For me, the concept of supporting local businesses as a way of putting money back into local and state economies, thereby funneling money into the working middle class rather than the rich upper class, is definitely a start. Embracing smaller enterprises such as those involved in the emerging local food movement will help to bridge the wide economic gap, even if the effort to change public thought and initiate positive action is great.
One Saturday morning I visited the Charlottesville City Market, near the Downtown Mall. This community-based market brings together residents and University students who share in the experience of buying locally grown food. What is wonderful about the market is the atmosphere is fosters, which makes it "a great social place" according to Cecile Gorhan, a member of the non-profit fund-raising and activism group Market Central Inc. Eric Betthauser, another volunteer, said that there is a big value placed on local food because it provides economic security, job security for local people and respect for the health of the land.
One local farmer, Wally Parks of Broadhead Mountain Farm, told me people like to see the connection between their food and from where it comes. He proudly stated that most of his produce is picked the day before the farmer's market. "Fresh is our niche," he said, beaming with enthusiasm for his part in the community. "When you see the farm and what they believe, you want to support them," Gorhan said. Though there are many facets to the local food movement, there are a few that stand out as viable means to combat the country's alarming economic inequality while harnessing a greater community of people from all different walks of life and varied economic backgrounds.
First off, the local food movement provides economic growth because the impact of buying food from a local business allows the money you spend to continue to circulate locally. This supports and aids the farmers who produce the crops in a sustainable manner so they can use the money they earn back to buy things they need for or on their farms. "It is not like Wal-Mart where you buy an apple and have no idea where your money goes afterwards," said Emily Manley, the communications and outreach manager of the Local Food Hub.
The movement is inspiring because people are united in the belief that having a choice to make informed decisions for their own lives is power. At the same time, community relationships that evolve among
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