Testing and Expanding the Concept of Traditional and Contemporary Localism in Rural Local Food Systems with Ozark Wild Harvesters☆

Abstract

AbstractWhile research shows the potential benefits of local food systems to improve community economy and quality of life, there is a critique that these studies overlook how informal, non‐market food access practices contribute to local food systems, especially in rural places. McEntee promoted the concepts of traditional and contemporary localism in his work with rural food systems, arguing that the motivations of participants define the categories. Using narrative research with wild harvesters in the Ozark Highlands, we propose that while McEntee's definitions are useful for expanding the conversation about why people may choose local food or not, more efforts should focus on valuing and welcoming the broader intersection of priorities and strategies that people use to engage in local food systems in their communities. Promoting a wider portfolio of local food access strategies is important to communicate that there are a variety of ways to participate in localized food systems, some in regular market transactions and some in informal non‐market ways, and that all are potentially valuable in building sustainable food systems in rural areas.