Common Market is a regional food hub whose mission is to increase the availability of local, sustainably grown farm food throughout Philadelphia and surrounding areas. This case study provides an in-depth look at Common Market's growth and development, including efforts to build financial sustainability.

Addresses urban agriculture efforts focused on serving low-income communities and communities of color. Shows how projects can improve access to healthy, affordable food for low-income communities and improve residents' health. (2011)

Highlights a number of innovative strategies to help address the food access challenges and provides guidance for attracting fresh food retail into underserved communities. (2011)

Details the challenges associated with starting and sustaining farmers' markets in low-income communities of color, as well as some of the successful strategies that have been used to overcome those challenges. (2011)

Offers residents, policymakers, business leaders, and advocates ideas and strategies for improving small stores in underserved communities. (2011)

Strategies and resources for improving air quality in homes, in schools, and outdoors. (2008)

Focuses on four tools -- Grocery Store Dev., Corner Stores, Farmers Markets, and Urban Ag. and Community Gardens -- that help communities increase their access to healthy, fresh, affordable food. (2011)

Examines the correlation between the health of nearly 40,000 Californians and the mix of retail food outlets near their homes finding that people living in neighborhoods crowded with fast-food and convenience stores but relatively few grocery or produce outlets are at significantly higher risk of suffering from obesity and diabetes.

Shows that although our food system is unhealthy and unsustainable, successes driven by residents and advocates are cropping up  -- proving that the movement for equitable access to healthy food is gaining strength every day.