There is also a scientific reason why you should continue shopping in neighborhood shops (and not malls).

Buying food in the shops and small shops around the house not only helps us to bring more wholesome foods to the table: it also has a positive impact on the environment and can help us carry out a small socio-economic revolution. Now a study tries to prove it


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The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic made us rediscover the pleasure of doing the expenditure in small food shops, shops and local fruit and vegetables. The lockdown periods and restrictions imposed in various countries have led us to avoid those crowded places such as large supermarkets and shopping centers.




Small producers and neighborhood suppliers have come forward, proving crucial on several occasions. A new study conducted by the University of Sheffield has focused precisely on this scenario, which confirmed how important it is to enhance local food systems, not only in times of emergency but always.

The o research project, led by Dr Anna Krzywoszynska, looked at the situation in the UK. Specifically, the study focused on how organizations and businesses in the local food sector reacted between 2020 and 2021 to the difficulties related to the pandemic. The data collected relates to the experience of 12 small businesses and local food organizations.

Local food systems in the UK differ from traditional food systems in several respects. They are based on the cultivation and production of food close to the place of consumption and on the distribution of food through short supply chains (eg direct sales). - explain the English scholars - They also generally use environmentally friendly production methods and adopt business models based on fair wages and contracts.

How the local food sector reacted during the pandemic

Several noteworthy results emerged from the study carried out in Great Britain, namely:

  • local food producers and suppliers have been able to react to the difficulties related to the pandemic, contributing to the resilience of all food systems in the United Kingdom
  • the local food sector offers an ambitious vision that can become an engine of social, economic and ecological transformation in the country
  • there are systemic obstacles that do not allow small businesses to grow

Finally, the team of scholars wondered what were the challenges facing the local food sector.


We have undertaken a review of key publications commenting on the state of the UK food system in the wake of the pandemic (2020-2021). - the researchers clarify - We analyzed 30 publications from the local and mainstream food sector (including the main national food policies published in this period, such as The National Food Strategy). Traditional actors see local food as an addition to the existing food system. On the contrary, local food actors see these foods as essential for a wholesale transformation of the UK food system, capable of increasing resilience, sustainability and social value. The profound divergence between these positions suggests that there is currently little room for dialogue between groups, apart from specific issues, such as public procurement.


There is also a scientific reason why you should continue shopping in neighborhood shops (and not malls).

@University of Sheffield

The reasons for supporting small local producers

Shopping in small food stores is an action that leads to a series of surprising benefits for society, but also for the environment.

Food may be cheaper in supermarkets, but this can lead to higher costs in terms of environmental or social impact. - points out - Anna Krzywoszynska - The local food sector often has better standards in terms of production, trade and labor, so barriers to entry should be removed to allow for the growth of new businesses, for example by offering low-interest loans for startups. -up and better access to land for local food production.

Spend a few extra cents to buy fruits and vegetables at the market or at the small shop in your neighborhood means making a gift to biodiversity and workers (as well as bringing home genuine food and km 0).

Our research shows that a more diverse food system, which includes local food sector organizations, provides resilience that will help protect the nation during any similar future crises. - continues Krzywoszynska - The biggest message we can send with this research is that diversity is needed for resilience, as a simple system will always be vulnerable to shocks such as a pandemic. It is imperative that these lessons are understood by policy makers and that they recognize the value of relocating our food sector, supporting local businesses, not only to survive as an emergency buffer when needed in times of crisis, but to thrive in the long term and improve. the way we access and enjoy food in the UK.



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Source: University of Sheffield

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