Document Type

Honors Thesis

Major

Anthropology, Sociology

Advisor(s)

Michael Haedicke, Cindy Isenhour

Committee Members

Stephanie Burnett, Mary Camire

Graduation Year

May 2024

Publication Date

Spring 5-2024

Abstract

Food insecurity is a problem in the state of Maine, with recent data concluding that just under 150,000 Maine residents were food insecure. In a state with 155 farmers’ markets during the summer growing season, an intersection between the local food movement and food security efforts may prove fruitful in increasing access to nutritious and healthy food for low-income Mainers. While farmers’ markets are typically associated with an air of exclusivity, they have the potential to provide access to the fresh fruits and vegetables that are often lacking in food-insecure households. The Brunswick- Topsham Land Trust Farmers’ Market is the focus of this case study, as well as its SNAP program and accompanying incentive programs that aim to increase food access for low- income Mainers. Through a series of semi-structured interviews with key organizers, farmers, and consumers, it was found that this program was effective in increasing affordability for low-income shoppers. While affordability is a key factor in food insecurity, several other barriers such as location, transportation, and stereotypes were identified through my discussions as remaining at the BTLTFM. The ability of an individual farmers’ market to meaningfully engage with the multiple factors that exasperate food insecurity is limited. However, it can be concluded that partnerships between the local food movement, food justice movements, and specialized community action groups may work to create an effective support system for low-income households.

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Food Security Commons

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