Spending involves making a choice about the kind of future we want to have. It is a direct reflection of our values and can be a powerful force in determining the quality of life in a community. When large institutions such as schools spend, they can have a direct impact on local economies. The more dollars circulating locally, the greater the number of community linkages and the greater their strength.  These linkages are the building blocks for a healthy local economy and provide the foundation for economic sustainability.

EFP is working closely with noted economist Dr. Viki Sontag to track the San Juan Island project and provide important data that demonstrates the impact of geographic preference and its impact on local economies. What we are witnessing in the emergence of the local food economy is changing the idea of what makes for healthy economies – from growth-based on commoditizing resources to community stewardship of resource flows.  In the emerging local food economy, we see the promise of a sustainable future.  But this web of relationships needs to be strengthened and expanded to change the bigger picture of an increasingly unsustainable food system. 

Dr. Sontag has conducted extensive research on this subject and has issued a report on local food economies.  To read Dr Sontag’s important and groundbreaking work go to: Why Local Linkages Matter: Findings from the Local Food Economy Study.