ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that sustainable consumption researchers should not dismiss the local food movement out of hand, but that we might glean some understanding of how to move beyond consumerism by examining possible shifts in engagement practices in this site of civic action. It looks within the leadership of the local food movement in state, market, and civic spheres to identify subtle shifts in food-related practices cultivating resistance frames, and questioning convivial approaches to social change-and suggest these shifts may offer hope of a transition beyond consumer society. The chapter begins by presenting some background material on the local food movement in Canada. It argues that sustainable consumption scholars should not dismiss local food movements as potential conduits to move beyond consumer society and use the reconfigurationist lens to illuminate evidence to support this position. Ernesto acknowledged that his views are not popular and he feels he has been marginalized from local food politics as result of voicing his opinions.
