What is it about?
This study explores why people choose to buy food from local food-buying clubs, community-driven groups that let members purchase fresh food directly from local farmers. We found that regular club members tend to care deeply about sustainability, quality, and supporting their community, while occasional buyers are often motivated by food quality alone. By understanding these different motivations, local food initiatives can use targeted messages to engage more people and encourage sustainable choices. This research offers insights for communities and policymakers looking to strengthen local food networks and support sustainable food systems.
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Why is it important?
Our study is one of the first to examine in-depth the distinct motivations behind varying levels of commitment to local food-buying clubs. Unlike general studies on local food consumers, this research focuses specifically on community-driven clubs, which have grown in popularity as consumers seek ethical and sustainable food choices. With increasing awareness of the environmental and social impacts of food systems, this work provides timely insights for communities, policymakers, and advocates aiming to expand local food networks. By highlighting strategies to attract and retain different types of customers, our findings could help scale sustainable, resilient food systems globally.
Perspectives
From my perspective, this study reflects the growing importance of community-centered food systems and the unique ways that individuals connect with local food. Working on this research, I was particularly struck by how deeply some consumers internalize values around sustainability and community support, transforming local food buying into a powerful statement of personal and environmental responsibility. This work underscores that local food-buying clubs are more than just purchasing channels—they’re spaces where people build meaningful connections with their food sources and their communities. My hope is that these insights will inspire more initiatives that empower people to support local farmers, reduce their environmental footprint, and enjoy high-quality, sustainable food.
Professor Imre Ferto
Centre for Economic and Regional Studies, Hungarian Academy of Sciences: Budapest
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: What makes a devoted local-food-buying club customer?, Heliyon, November 2024, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40030.
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