Forty percent of U.S. adults have “extremely easy” or “very easy” access to locally grown food like fruits, vegetables, and meats. One in seven adults say they are unsure of where to find locally grown food in their community while another one in seven say this access is not easy. Park and recreation agencies strive to improve access to these nutritious sources.

Twenty-one percent of park and recreation agencies administer or manage farmers markets and 45 percent of agencies operate community gardens.   

Key Findings

• 73% of U.S. adults say it is easy for them and their families to find locally grown food including 2 in 5 (40%) who find it extremely or very easy.
• However, not all feel they can easily get locally grown food, demonstrating the need to increase access and awareness in struggling communities. More than 1 in 4 (28%) U.S. adults say they are unsure of their access to locally grown food or it is not easy for them and their families to find locally grown food.
• Black (71%) and Hispanic (65%) adults are less likely than their White counterparts (76%) to say it is easy for their families to find locally grown food.
• Lower income households (making less than $35K (66%) are also less likely than the average U.S. adults (73%) to say it is easy for their families to find locally grown food.