The annotated bibliography provides current research and outreach on structural racism in the U.S. food system for the food system practitioner, researcher, educator, and advocate. Our intention is to update this resource on a recurring basis. We suggest it be used as a companion resource for training or education sessions on structural racism in the food …

WSDA was tasked through legislative proviso to explore the barriers and challenges underrepresented farmers and ranchers face, with the goal of identifying opportunities to support more diverse representation within the agriculture community in Washington state.
Of all the important issues underrepresented farmers and ranchers elevated for this report, there is a single common theme connecting them; that community and community networks are essential foundations to the success of farmers and ranchers. This also means, that community connection, inclusion, safety, and belonging are key components necessary to improve equity for underrepresented farmers and ranchers in Washington.
This report is one small step toward shaping a more equitable future where farmers and ranchers from every race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical ability, social status, and creed can access the resources they need to thrive within Washington’s agriculture sector. In this envisioned future, farmers and ranchers who have experienced marginalization are included at the decision-making table, feel understood by policymakers, and are able to access holistic, equitable, and effective support that aligns with the languages they speak, the cultures they come from, and the identities they hold.

A Process for Value Chain Development

An overview of the role of institutions in building equitable regional food systems

Elliott Smith of Kitchen Sync Strategies outlines the concept of institutional investment in equitable food systems through explaining some of the conditions that make it necessary and defining some terms.

What institutions need to know to move beyond procurement policies and build partnerships for an equitable food economy

This article highlights examples of institutions investing in their local food systems

Toward Market Cities: Lessons on Supporting Public Market Systems From Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Toronto This report includes background on the Market Cities Initiative and its research efforts to date, summaries of the three partner city’s findings and recommendations, and broad takeaways for other cities looking to strengthen their market systems or leading their own Market City …

This report outlines a plan for key legislative changes, public and private investments, infrastructure improvements, and partnerships to improve the food system in New York …

The purpose of this project
is to develop a roadmap for cities to create innovative, resilient and productive local and regional food systems that deliver
near-term benefits and sustainable value.

This report chronicles the impacts of Rutgers Food Innovation Center’s broader social mission and catalogue its efforts to achieve these …

Healthy Food and Small Stores A report on innovations to improve access to nutritious, affordable food in small stores—including corner stores, bodegas, convenience stores, fuel-based retail and rural grocers—a key factor in access for underserved communities. Year …

Harvesting Opportunity – The Power of Regional Food System Investments to Transform Communities A collaboration between the Federal Reserve and USDA, this report focuses on regional food systems as a means for enhancing economic opportunity. Year …

Growing Local – A Community Guide to Planning for Agriculture and Food Systems This guide is meant to help community members work with local governments to advance plans and policies to support agriculture and food production, and provide access to healthy food to all community members. Year …

Equitable Food Oriented Development Brown Paper Equitable Food Oriented Development (EFOD) is a development strategy that uses food and agriculture to create economic opportunities, healthy neighborhoods, and explicitly seeks to build community assets, pride, and power by and with historically marginalized communities. Read the Brown Paper written by the EFOD …