Creating a sustainable Central Vermont food system: Is there a role for public planning

This thesis examines the question: What should be the role of public planning efforts in the development of a more sustainable food system in Central Vermont? In order to answer this question, focus groups were held to examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities of and threats to the regional food system. Key informant interviews were conducted to further identify and understand existing issues and potential policy and planning solutions.; Seven key issues were identified for the Central Vermont food system: (1) there is a conflict between preserving prime agricultural soils through Vermont's Act 250 regulatory process and anti-sprawl efforts aimed at centering future development in designated growth centers; (2) there is a lack of in-state processing and distribution resources; (3) Vermont is not prepared for "peak oil" or other potential emergencies that may affect food access; (4) food-related programs and responsibilities are not well coordinated or fully addressed by state agencies; (5) the emergency food system that Vermont relies on to address food insecurity is unable to meet demand and does not solve the underlying problems of hunger and food insecurity; (6) there is a lack of adequate education and awareness regarding food issues and nutrition; and (7) there are several important diet-related diseases, including obesity and diabetes, that are on the rise and relate directly to food choices. There is a clear need for policy and planning initiatives to address these issues, and the regional planning system in Vermont is one critical way communities can plan for an improved food system. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...