Joan Dye Gussow, a pioneer of the local food movement, passed away at the age of 96 on September 22, 2017. Gussow was a professor emerita of nutrition and education at Teachers College, Columbia University, and was known for her advocacy of eating locally sourced, seasonal food.
Gussow was passionate about the importance of sustainable agriculture and the impact of food production on the environment. She believed that eating locally grown food not only benefited individuals’ health but also helped reduce carbon emissions associated with transporting food long distances.
In the 1970s, long before the local food movement gained mainstream popularity, Gussow and her husband Alan led by example, growing their own vegetables in their backyard and shopping at local farmers markets. She wrote extensively on the subject, including her influential book “This Organic Life: Confessions of a Suburban Homesteader,” which chronicled her experiences living a sustainable lifestyle.
Gussow was a vocal critic of the industrial food system, advocating for a return to smaller-scale, more environmentally friendly farming practices. She believed that supporting local farmers and eating seasonally not only promoted better health but also strengthened local communities and economies.
Throughout her career, Gussow inspired countless individuals to rethink their relationship with food and to consider the impact of their dietary choices on the planet. She was a tireless advocate for sustainable agriculture and a true pioneer in the movement for eating locally.
In her memory, many continue to carry on Gussow’s legacy by supporting local farmers, eating seasonally, and advocating for a more sustainable food system. Joan Dye Gussow may be gone, but her impact on the local food movement will continue to be felt for years to come.