| dc.description.abstract | Food systems are essential for both global environmental sustainability and food security. However, they are major contributors to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and are the primary driver of biodiversity loss. This research examines the regional food system of the Charlotte Metropolitan Area (CMA) specifically focusing on the role of small farms in the regional food system. In addition, the study assesses food insecurity in Mecklenburg County and develops new methodologies for locating Low-income, Low-access (LILA) areas. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study identified 494 small farms in the CMA region and 4,387 food selling establishments in Mecklenburg County. Data was collected from farmers markets vendor list, Google Maps Places API, and a nutritional tracking study involving local residents using the MyFoodRepo app. The findings indicate that while small farms are a potential source of fresh, nutritious produce, food insecurity persists. Inadequate access to affordable, healthy food disproportionately affects low-income communities, particularly in LILA areas. The study also highlights the limitations of existing methodologies for identifying LILAs and proposes a more granular approach to accurately locate food-insecure households. These insights underscore the need for policy interventions that support small farms, improve food access, and promote the distribution of affordable, nutritious food throughout the region. | |
