Why Social Associations Matter to Food Systems
Social associations and membership organizations don’t just influence the food environment, they help structure it. A robust mix of social associations—such as civic groups, fitness centers, sports organizations, political organizations, labor unions, business groups, and professional associations—creates multiple pathways for food needs to be met while also supporting the growth and sustainability of local food cultures. High rates of social associations helps communities reach more people and meet more food-related needs. Low rates of social associations may make it harder for a community to know about, connect to, and address issues related to food security.