According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), there were 7,175 farmers markets operating throughout the US by mid-2011 – that’s a 17 percent increase from 2010. And through its database, it’s easy to find a nearby market. For example, New York City has 25 within a five-mile radius, Los Angeles has 51 in a 10-mile radius, and Chicago has 75 within a 20-mile radius.
New York City’s Greenmarket, part of GrowNYC, has been extremely influential in promoting regional agriculture and bringing fresh, local food to the New York masses. It is the largest and most diverse outdoor urban farmers market network in the country with 53 markets comprised of more than 230 participating family farms and fishermen. The movement has also protected 30,000 acres of farmland from development – a major issue caused by urban sprawl.
American Farmland Trust
According to the American Farmland Trust, an astounding 91% of our fruit and 78% of our vegetables are produced in urban-influenced areas. Unfortunately, that excessive demand can wreak havoc on farmlands. American Farmland Trust also reports that from 1982 to 2007, the US population grew by 30 percent, and during that same time period, developed land increased 57 percent. Urbanites have attempted to counter these negative impacts and encourage sustainability by growing their own food in gardens.
Community gardens are an instrumental component to First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move initiative, which is designed to “raise a healthier generation of kids.” One tool through the American Community Gardening Association (ACGA) helps you find community gardens in your city, which are especially abundant in urban areas...
Read more by Elissa at http://mycityway.com/blog/2011/11/14/cities-expanding-fresh-food-access-in-leaps-and-bounds/