Introduction………………………………………………………………………………..3
Chapter One: Rural Decay…………………………………………………………….......5
The Story of Gardner……………………………………………….......................5
In Depth Look at Rural Decay………………………………………………….....8
Population Decline………………………………………...........................9
Education………………………………………………………………...13
Health…………………………………………………......……………...14
Income, Poverty, & Unemployment …………………………………….15
Decline in Goods & Services……………………………….....................17
Environment……………………………………………………………..18
Chapter 2: Agriculture……………………………………………………………….......20
Why Focus on Agriculture……………………………………………………….20
Population & Economy…………………………………………………………..22
Societal Issues……………………………………………………………………25
Environment……………………………………………………………………...27
Chapter 3: Solutions………………………………………………………………….......34
Shift in Thinking & Acting………………………………………………………34
Policy’s Role……………………………………………………………………..43
Implementation of Local Food In Gardner………………………………………46
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………….51
Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………..53
