Double Up Food Bucks : Incentivized Alternative to Industrial Agriculture

Abstract

This thesis was largely developed from preexisting literature and the author’s experience with a food assistance incentive program, Double Up Food Bucks, as an intern at the Kalamazoo Farmer's Market. The research explored draws from scholars' insights on details that contributed to the greater network of industrialization of the agriculture industry as well as the rise of alternative food movements in the United States. Some of the details that will be extrapolated upon include: long distance transportation, labor relations, mechanization and chemical advancements. The progression to industrialized agriculture is significant as it sheds light on the 'middlemen' involved in present day consumer and producer relations in food production. As consumers have been increasingly removed from the source of their food products, the quality of food has decreased immensely. Furthermore, hunger and poor nutrition rates are higher than ever, indicating the lack of access to healthy foods. On the contrary, this paper delineates alternative food movements and their effects on local economy, small and mid-scale farmers, and the health of families. Namely, Double Up Food Bucks, a Michigan based food incentive program, is explored in detail due to its success of providing access to quality healthy foods for individuals who would otherwise not have access.