Necessity Breeds Ingenuity: Exploring the Sustainable Food Practices of Members of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): An Abstract

Our food practices have been identified as one of the cornerstones of the urgently required transition to more sustainable food consumption (Springman et al. 2016). The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the influence of food supply channels on household food practices. This study sought to explore the household food practices of the members of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), which is an example of an Alternative Food Network (AFN) in Ireland. A practice theory lens was adopted in the current study and a mixed-method approach of ethnographic-style in-depth interviews, non-participant observation and photo food-diaries was used. The case CSA has been operating since 2008 and grew from an ‘ecovillage’ established in the small rural town in Ireland. Thematic analysis distinguished the food practices of acquiring, storing, cooking, eating, disposing which were analysed in relation to meanings, materials and skills associated with them (Shove et al. 2012). The findings of this study suggest that the food practices of CSA members are significantly influenced by the varying availability of seasonal produce throughout different seasons of the year. Interviewees evidently adjust some of their food practices to ensure that they have a balanced and nutritious diet throughout the year and minimise and prevent food waste. Examples include cooking practices such as making pesto’s and soups along with preservation practices such as pickling vegetables, drying herbs, and freezing fruits in order to extend their lifespan and make them last longer. Across the 10 CSA interviews it was evident that the CSA, as a food supply channel, has a positive impact on the sustainability of its members’ food practices. This can be explained by some of the social and cultural characteristics of eco-village and the CSA: empowerment; community; cooking skills; social connections; physical proximity. Seasonally adjusted food practices appear to necessary for CSA members as they have chosen the CSA as a core food supply channel. This is evidently not the case for the majority of consumers in Ireland. The CSA members can therefore provide inspiration to mainstream consumers on a practical level in relation to how they learn to adjust their day to day food practices in a social way and on a higher level in how they adopt sustainability meanings into their lifestyles such as the culture of community spirit and togetherness and social norms that they build around sustainable food practices. On a policy and industry level, examples of mainstream interventions that may foster more sustainable consumption practices include promoting and encouraging: Greater awareness and understanding of local and seasonal foods.Mechanisms to foster social learning and connections.Cultivating households’ culinary competencies in repurposing leftovers.Use of household equipment such as food processers, freezers, and reusable containers.