Why Civic Participation Matters to Food Systems
Voter participation is key to having an engaged citizenry. Residents feel a stronger sense of contribution to a place when they are aware of and engaging with local government and local decision-makers. High voter turnout doesn’t directly create grocery stores but can impact the conditions that determine which food environments are incentivized and promoted. Communities engaged in decision making through elections are harder to ignore when budgeting, planning, and support for social safety net programs are discussed. Communities with high voter turnout are also often places with food policy councils and community-led food projects whereas communities with low voter turnout may experience fragmented responses to food insecurity and more barriers to change.