Exploring Food Provisioning as a Gendered Act within Alternative Agrofood Movements

Food provisioning remains a largely gendered act in the United States, despite the rise in egalitarian marriages. Allen and Sachs (2007) have suggested that this gender gap could apply to participants of alternative agrofood movements, a group commonly viewed as ideologically progressive and post-materialist. This reproduction of gender inequality is inconsistent with movement rhetoric about addressing issues of justice through reform of the food system. Further, those interested in food system localization often promote the use of whole foods, rather than processed foods, and aim to extend the local food season through activities such as canning, drying, and other forms of food storage; because of this, women participating in alternative food movements could be spending even more time in gendered food acts compared to those outside of the movement. Female participants in alternative agrofood movements could therefore be experiencing even greater demands compared to women outside of the movement, and thus more inequality and strain. On the other hand, such women could find even greater enjoyment and empowerment in their activities as food provisioners, based on their involvement in the movement. This paper explores theories which help us understand these gendered acts as a source of inequality and strain versus a source of empowerment and enjoyment.