LQB said:
At least in this area, there are sources for much better foods - I've had to do some serious local searching, and in doing so, found many locals are unaware of sources in their own region. And I think you are right - many are not willing to pay a premium for the better small farm-foods. But in many cases, it seems that they have not come to an understanding of the urgent need to do so. And there is a growing group that cannot afford the premium price.
I wonder if people in your area would be interested in starting a food coop. I belong to one, and I've seen it grow from just a few members to well over 10,000 active members - and that's not counting all the people who were members and dropped out.
If everyone comes together and buys in bulk, the prices go down. That's how our coop started - very small. Everyone put in an order, and then came in at a designated time to pick it up. Now, no one pre-orders, and people shop whenever they want as they would in a regular supermarket. Work shifts are required and only members can shop. In the beginning, it was very primitive and small, now, in addition to a place to buy food, it has also become a community center that offers childcare when members shop, workshops, cooking classes, lectures, movies, clothing swaps, classes in nutrition and health, dances etc. There is a shift that works in a community garden, and another that works in a soup kitchen. Every month there is a General Meeting, there are elections for certain positions, and there is a paid staff which receives a decent salary, health care, and pensions.
It's a good way to build community, keep prices down, and share information and skills. If you, or anyone else is interested I can follow up. Our coop has a mentoring program for communities that want to start their own Food Coops. If you or anyone else is interested, I can speak to the coordinators and PM the information to you if that's okay with the Moderators.