The number of farmers' markets in the United States continues to grow, suggesting an increasing interest in community food systems. Yet, little conclusive research has been conducted to characterize farmers' market customers. The purpose of this literature review is to more definitively examine the current farmers' market consumer base established in published research studies. We explore demographic factors as well as motivations and barriers for farmers' markets shoppers. Based on current

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... arch, it is clear that an assortment of complex and interrelated factors influence an individual's choice to shop at farmers' markets and that a more consistent data gathering method is needed. A food system encompasses all people and processes related to food, including agricultural production, processing, packaging, distribution, marketing, consumption, and disposal. 1 In an effort to rethink the modern configuration (ie, conventional agriculture), a growing number of individuals are engaging in more localized and community-based food systems (or what is often referred to as a foodshed) in lieu of a larger, more industrialized Abstract and anonymous conventional structure. 2 Whereas the modern conventional food system broadens food cycle inputs and outputs to a global scale, a community-based food system is conceptualized as one where all of the components are localized to a particular place. 3 Community food systems ultimately aim to attain food security (for individuals as well as entire communities), relational proximity, self-reliance, and sustainability. 1