appendix a:
next steps towards a local food system There is already a strong impetus within Northampton to expand local food cultivation and consumption. Many existing programs and organizations have contributed to this effort. The list below suggests three degrees of involvement required to invest in various projects. The list contains the prototypes for feeders, hubs, and policy recommendations suggested throughout the four districts and in the discussion of system-wide functions. Each project proposed in this document is categorized as 1) an easy way to get involved with something that is already happening, 2) a potential project where the pieces are in place but require leadership to initiate, and 3) a project that will require visionary, long-term dedication to achieve.
get involved: it’s already happening… FeederS Small-Scale Backyard Gardens: • Grow an intensive backyard garden at your home Growing food at the home garden scale is the easiest way to expand local food production.
Garden at Service Net’s Grove Street Shelter: • Volunteer to tend and expand existing garden, organize other volunteers, or begin a program that teaches gardening skills to shelter residents. People in between homes are often also food insecure, and have the least access to fresh nutritious vegetables, making this project a priority.
Smith College Student Community Garden: • Develop a relationship with the college to expand the current garden area to provide community garden space for public cultivation. Existing demand for community garden space is high; Smith College could support this type of community development.
Bean/Allard Farms: • Build support for Grow Food Northampton to acquire some or all of the farmland and identify possible farmers.
hubS Food Hub at the Tri-County Fairgrounds: • Lobby the Fairgrounds Redevelopment Corporation to integrate local food infrastructure into the Berkshire Design Group plan. This is a time-sensitive project, with redevelopment currently underway; the public voice in support of local food processing needs to be expressed immediately.
diStributioN Pedal People: • Get involved with this bicycle-powered distribution and compost collection organization. Business is already in operation, and joining the effort will help reduce the rate at which the landfill is filled and increase the amount of compost in town.
Feed NorthamptoN appendices
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