Using Networks To Build Collaborative and Equitable Food Systems

This brief focuses on local food systems as vehicles for collaboration and racial equity among multiple stakeholders and networks. Local food systems are widely regarded as go-to examples for fostering rural-urban and farmer consumer connections, but they require significant investments in stakeholder networks and the institutional infrastructure necessary to sustain and expand them. Examples of statewide, regional, and national initiatives are given to illustrate the power of networks to foster deeper levels of collaboration and reciprocity. The vital roles of Minority Serving Institutions and Cooperative Extension are highlighted.