Well. That's different.

[libertango]

Over at the Freakonomics blog at the New York Times, they have a post with an odd sensibility: "Is Locavorism for Rich People Only?"

My just-posted comment:

*^*^*

"(I)f there’s one thing you do not see at the farmers’ market, it’s socio-economic diversity."

Speak for yourself, James.

I realize it's anecdotal, and I realize it's a single data point. But my observation at my local farmers' market (in Kent, WA) is there is indeed socio-economic diversity. If anything, I'd say the market appeals to both rich and poor -- but it's the McDonalds/Walmart/solidly middle class who don't turn up. (This is somewhat reminiscent of the old Punch cartoon of a movie with a poster about being funny "for young and old," and we see grandfather and grandson laughing, with a befuddled parent.)

I've been ascribing this to the middles' preference for processed "convenience" foods, precisely because they may perceive fresh foods as a sign of recent immigration (a la Asian grocery stores), or poverty. Like you, though, I have no empirical data to support the idea.

Comments

[farmgirl1146.livejournal.com]

At the Poulsbo Farmers Market, I see people of many ages, backgrounds, and socio-economic levels. Locavorism may not be attracting the lower middle class yet, but it will because it is less expensive to buy at many farmers markets than some grocery stores. It is individual. Washington State is working to bring food stamps to farmers markets and farm stores(the ability to accept them). Currently, farmers can take some WIC checks and some "seniors" checks. They aren't much, however.

[bibliofile.livejournal.com]

I recently heard a news piece (probably on NPR) about farmer's markets and how lots of people who get food stamps use the markets when possible. This would have been in the last week or two, and the story focused on markets in DC.

I think that WHEN you go to the market may also affect who you see there. I remember noticing the vastly different sorts who were riding the train at different times of the morning. YMMV.

[bibliofile.livejournal.com]

Subtext, of course: Looking at food stamp usage is one thing that can be tracked, and it very possibly is.

[farmgirl1146.livejournal.com]

I agree. In WA State, the food "stamp" (it's a debit card really) usage is cumbersome.

BTW, I am told that only $0.10 of every $1.00 of fresh food cost at Safeway is the food.