What we are seeing here is the opposite of localization. It is the
continued consolidation of the retail food distribution network. We are
still in the cheap energy era, thanks to the global recession. P&C will be
replaced by the new Walmart supermarket, probably at the expense of the
Tops market. None of this will change until transportation costs rise
markedly. I'm hoping local producers can hang on until that happens.
Joel
At 08:40 AM 11/23/09 -0800, you wrote:
I heard yesterday about Top's market being in Chapter 11 bankruptcy
proceedings for the past two years - and that the P&C markets are facing
the same thing and may be closed by February '10.
Went to sleep last night fretting that I don't know how to harvest seeds
to the following year's planting; can foods; even plan a garden so that we
can feed the Level Green household through the winter. AND feeling very
blessed, as I finally drifted off, to live in a community where these
skills are generously shared with all willing to take the time to learn.
Which I haven't been so far - but am now!
What happens if Tops & P&C close - to all the low-income folks who count
on being able to walk to get food ? would locally-owned, smaller groceries
distributed throughout the area be fiscally viable? can we think about
CSGs - community-supported-grocery-stores?
The Danby and Varna markets couldn't make it. Seneca FAlls has a
locally-owned food store but it's struggling.
It seems that localization has caught up with us, much sooner than I, or
any but the most prescient of us, expected.
When I used to hear 'food insecurity' I thought of the Sudan. Now I think
about the senior housing at East Hill. Very sobering.
LEVEL GREEN - fostering sustainable community through collaborative
initiatives in hospitality, education and the arts, in the 150 year-old
democratic spirit of the Danish Folk School. 1519 Slaterville Road,
Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 339-9472
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_______________________________________________
For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please
visit: http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/
RSS, archives, subscription & listserv information for:
[email protected]
http://lists.mutualaid.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainabletompkins
Questions about the list? ask [email protected]
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