Green By Ellen Smirl Analysis

Farmer’s markets are places where farmers sell food directly to consumers. They range in size from a handful of tables in a park to over a hundred acres. They are characterized by many different vendors each selling their own produce. Farmers markets are like flea markets except for food. They have risen in popularity over the past decade. They are often a great source of fresh food and a way to support a local economy. Some people say they are offering fresh food to everyone, some even say they are saving the planet. Are these overblown claims? I will examine two articles that offer differing critiques of certain claims about farmer’s markets.
“Eat Local Organic Food if You Like, but Don’t Kid Yourself that it’s ‘Green’” is written by James Delingpole. In it he argues that local food is less sustainable that industrialized agriculture. He enjoys the exclusivity of the farmer’s markets but he mocks them and says that they are “killing the planet.” (Delingpole, 2012). “Social Justice Deficits in the Local Food Movements: Local Food and Low-Income Realities” is written by Ellen Smirl. In it she argues that although local food is better it is not accessible
Ellen Smirl’s article starts to bring up actual stories, experiences, and strategies to address her concerns. She discusses Neechi Foods, an “Aboriginal owned and operated worker co-op in Winnipeg’s North End” (Smirl, 2012). They are focused on educating people on what is available and how to cook and eat it. She recommends the example of an organization called Winnipeg’s North End Food Security Network (NEFSN). NEFSN, according to Smirl, “takes a holistic approach to meeting the food needs of community members through efforts that include conducting outreach and information sharing, addressing issues of food accessibility, putting on workshops that teach food budgeting and nutritional education, teaching cooking skills and establishing food standards policy.” (Smirl,