Foodie Culture And Farm-To-Table Movement Becoming The Norm In Major U.S. Cities

The rise of a new generation moving into cities has certainly changed the landscape of many urban metropolises across the nation. Now more than ever, young people are paying more attention to what is going on within the culinary academy.

A change in the way people seek food
This is easily evident when it comes to grocery shopping. It used to be the norm that big box supermarkets were where you presented your food. However, the way that people are stocking their fridges and cabinets has taken a new turn. Whole Foods Market has certainly shaped foodie culture in many ways, as they offer more organic and farm-fresh produce than any other major grocery chain. Yet, it’s the small neighborhood market that has actually begun to make a comeback in many urban areas.

For example, The Los Angeles Times reported that real estate experts in the City of Angels are starting to see a rising trend in their condominium sales – and a lot of it has to do with their proximity to stores selling local artisanal foods. Many properties across the city are expanding properties that include merchant-tenants so that residents have easier access to good food and drink.

“As people become more health-conscious, we are seeing a greater number of organic grocers permeate the market,” Richard Riska, a real estate broker from CBRE Group, Inc., explained to the Times.

Clearly, online chef courses may become more local and artisanal in the future. For example, downtown L.A.’s Urban Radish sells a slew of foodie specialties from small farmers. However, the demand is so high for these products, they have taken over an entire warehouse.

Not just in California
L.A. isn’t the only major U.S. city that is on board with the foodie and farm-to-table movement. In other hubs like Chicago, a system called “community sponsored agriculture” – or CSA – has become a popular option for urban dwellers who still desire the comforts of organic farm-fresh goodness for their meals.

A CSA allows the farmer to pluck whatever is growing in season from his or her farm, and the farmer will often put together a weekly bundle of vegetables or meats that typically costs $20 to $40 per week. Many are organic, and most can either be picked up at local farmers markets or delivered right to customers’ doors. According to Northwestern University, there are more than 150 CSAs in Illinois alone, and that number is continuing to grow.

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