Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
2757558897_f3b24e994c.jpgSouth Bronx Greenmarket. Photo: Susan Donovan

Streetsblogger rex commented earlier today that we may be headed for what he termed a "Grapes of Wrath kind of economy" -- one in which businesses prosper by paring down inventories to bare essentials while doing what they can to make themselves more accessible to the car-free masses.

Another key element to such an economy could be locally-grown food, available at farmers' markets -- the subject of this week's featured StreetsWiki article. In this entry, Streetsblog regular Susan Donovan writes:

By reducing the distance that food travels, fewer fossil fuels are usedand fewer greenhouse gases are released. On average, an American mealtravels 1,500 miles to reach the dinner table. Farmers' markets alsoavoid some of the costly packaging found in some stores. Many farmers'markets are accessible by foot or bicycle, providing another way toreduce your carbon footprint.

Ironically, as demonstrated in Upper Manhattan earlier this year, easy access can be a double-edged sword in neighborhoods where some consider parking more precious than fresh food. After all, Tom Joad didn't walk to California, now did he?

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Money for Something: Funding OK’d, But Details Missing For ‘Dept. Of Sustainable Delivery’

The mayor got the Council to sign off on $6.1 million for the long-awaited “Department of Sustainable Delivery." But what's it mean? No one is talking.

July 1, 2025

Incoming Albany Mayor Could Help Safe Streets Movement Statewide

The state capital is built for the car and that is how it is experienced by our lawmakers. But could that change under a new mayor? Here's hoping.

July 1, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Another Child Sacrificed to the SUV Edition

Stop de kindermoord! An 8-year-old boy killed by an SUV driver is the latest victim of America's obsession with big cars. Plus other news.

July 1, 2025

DOT Testimony: Removing Bedford Ave. Bike Lane Will ‘Reduce Safety’

"Removing the protected bike lane won’t remove cyclists — it will only make the street less safe," the DOT said. "The city risks legal liability for knowingly reducing safety on a Vision Zero priority corridor."

June 30, 2025

Hochul Signs Speed Camera Reauthorization, Enforcement Continues Through 2030

Stating a clear fact that scores of state legislators reject, Hochul said, "Speed cameras save lives and keep New Yorkers safe."

June 30, 2025

Cyclists Tell Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo: The Bedford Ave. Bike Lane is a Lifesaver

A judge will decide the fate of the Bedford Avenue bike lane on Tuesday. Streetsblog offers some user affidavits.

June 30, 2025
See all posts