| This dissertation explores the concepts of food security and sustainable food systems through the lens of a case study of two Wisconsin Counties, Dane and Milwaukee. While movements for food security are concerned with providing assurance that all people have adequate food available at all times, movements for sustainable food systems are concerned with the ecological health of the resource base, the economic viability of farm enterprises, and the environmental sustainability of the food system from production through processing, distribution and consumption. An emerging approach, the community food security approach, attempts to integrate the goals of food security and environmental sustainability. This dissertation tests whether there is intersection between the two concerns, and if so, at what junctures.; Using theoretical concepts from social movement theory and theories of the state and market, I explore the importance of framing, mobilizing structures, and political opportunities as they influence food security work. Additionally, I question the respective roles of the government, the private sector, and civil society. These concepts are explored through qualitative research methodologies including interviews, participant observation, and analysis of printed materials. Food security advocates and practitioners within the two counties were interviewed, and organizations that have food security or meeting the food needs of the poor in the context of sustainable food systems as their primary concerns were included in the analysis.; The conclusions from this research indicate that new and innovative programs are emerging that attempt to bring sustainability concerns into food security programs, and that, for some advocates, the framing of food security increasingly considered the long-term sustainability of the food system. However, food insecurity is a consequence of poverty; as such, in order to truly remedy the problem of food insecurity, advocates must work to end poverty and discrimination. By integrating the concerns of environmental sustainability and economic justice, movement organizations have the opportunity to mobilize concerned citizens toward formation of a social movement to build sustainable food systems. |
