Community Food Systems

The Community Food System Program promotes thriving, just and resilient place-based food systems. We support community organizations, Tribal partners, local governments, small-scale farms and food businesses, and community gardens.

Community food systems refers to the interconnected network of food production, distribution, and consumption within a local community. Community food systems extension involves outreach and education efforts to strengthen and enhance these systems. Key components include education and training, support for local food production, establishing farm-to-table connections, addressing food access and equity issues, promoting community engagement, advocating for supportive policies, integrating technology, emphasizing environmental stewardship, and conducting regular evaluation and assessment. The goal is to create a resilient, sustainable, and equitable local food system that benefits both producers and consumers while fostering community well-being.