Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development

Improving nutrition in Massachusetts emergency food systems

2026-05-11T17:48:07+00:00

Introduction

Massachusetts faces a worsening food insecurity crisis: 37% of households were food insecure in 2024, up from 19% in 2019, with four regional food banks serving 882,000 people (Greater Boston Food Bank, 2025). Yet quantity alone does not ensure health. Food pantry clients consume diets high in processed foods, with Healthy Eating Index scores up to 20 points below national averages (Simmet et al., 2017), and face elevated rates of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease (Eicher-Miller, 2020). Massachusetts bears over US$41.4 billion in annual chronic disease costs; preventing just 1% of new diabetes cases statewide would save an estimated US$66 million annually (American Diabetes Association, 2025; Massachusetts Department of Public Health, n.d.). . . .

Growing food and radical hope in Glasgow

2026-05-07T15:58:28+00:00

First paragraph:

In the Practice of Collective Escape: Politics, Justice and Community in Urban Growing Projects, Helen Traill gives us a personal tour through the social complexities of community growing projects, accompanied by the rich insights of her ethnographic work over six years in Glasgow, Scotland. She follows two community growing sites during the Brexit transition and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her analytical lens weaves the work of authors who have navigated topics of inclusion and exclusion in the Commons, negative and positive freedom, social justice and political activism, and the overall benefits and challenges of urban agriculture projects. The author illustrates her claims with illuminating stories and choice quotes from gardeners and the wider community connected to the case studies. Truly, reading this as a researcher who has spent both a fair amount of time with my hands in the soil in urban growing projects and behind the desk reading about them (studying public health benefits and governance challenges), Traill’s book stands apart as an illuminating examination of an infrastructure feature increasingly accepted as a net positive in cities. Yet, these gardens are rarely critically looked at as Petri dishes for individual and community transformation, which this book does through examining concepts of inclusion, individual escape, and political activism. . . .

Atsalugpiaq awareness: Food agency of cloudberry subsistence to support Indigenous food sovereignty

2026-05-04T22:24:29+00:00

This study examines food agency of atsalugpiaq subsistence practices in the Indigenous community of Kuinerraq, Alaska. Food agency is the capacity of individuals or communities to define and achieve food and diet-related goals. While past research literature has limited the theoretical scope of food agency to cooking and consumption, this study expands the concept to encompass provisioning, addressing a theoretical gap in the literature. Through participatory co-developed research led by Nalaquq LLC, oral histories with Alaska Native community members identify new components of food agency: ethics, science and knowledge, and autonomy. These findings build upon and extend the existing framework of food agency that emphasizes individual skills, attitudes, and structural barriers, and offers a more holistic understanding of the drivers of food security in rural and Indigenous communities. Kuinerraq is committed to carrying forward yuugnagpiallerput (living a proper Yup’ik life) in response to environmental and social change to ensure their future generations’ prosperity. The study highlights that efforts to build food security must center on supporting cultural enrichment, relational values, and lived practices rather than relying solely on externally imposed metrics and theoretical concepts.

“It’s not just about groceries”: Understanding perspectives on a planned food co-op in West Charlotte, North Carolina

2026-05-01T02:11:38+00:00

Food insecurity is a serious issue in the U.S., particularly in communities that have experienced long-standing disinvestment and racial segregation. In historically Black neighborhoods in West Charlotte, North Carolina, supermarket redlining and urban neglect have contributed to limited access to affordable, healthy, and culturally relevant foods. In response, the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition (WBNC), a local nonprofit, developed the Three Sisters Market, a planned community-owned food cooperative (co-op) designed to address food insecurity, promote economic development, and serve as a community gathering space for West Charlotte residents. While community-owned food co-ops present a promising solution by expanding access to affordable food options in areas where no grocery store has been sited, there is a significant gap in research documenting resident perspectives on co-ops, particularly those planned in historically marginalized Black communities. To address the gap, this study used a community-engaged research approach in partnership with WBNC to explore local perspectives on the planned West Charlotte co-op. It aimed to answer the questions: (1) How do residents perceive community food co-ops; (2) What are the perceived benefits and challenges of a co-op in West Charlotte; (3) What services, attributes, and amenities do residents consider important for the success of the planned co-op. We conducted 34 semi-structured interviews with West Charlotte residents and local workers, and individuals from surrounding areas. Thematic analysis revealed both opportunities and concerns, that most participants were unfamiliar with food co-ops but would “very likely” shop there after learning more. Participants prioritized fresh produce, culturally relevant foods, and ready-to-eat healthy meals. They also envisioned the co-op as a hub for cooking classes, health education, and social connection in general. Concerns about the co-op’s ability to sustain itself financially, affordability, and transportation access underscored the importance of inclusive planning and engagement. This study contributes to food justice and co-op development literature by centering resident voices and offering practical insights for community-driven food access solutions in historically marginalized communities.

THE ECONOMIC PAMPHLETEER: The need for radical changes in community development policies

2026-05-01T02:04:28+00:00

First paragraphs:

This is the final installment in a series of Economic Pamphleteer columns advocating radical changes in government policies. Previous columns have made the case for changing policies that affect farming and food production. This column focuses on additional policy changes needed to revitalize communities—both rural and urban. When I began writing this series, it seemed as if the current political turmoil had created an opportunity for changes that would not have been possible earlier. With growing cultural division and social dissent, it appears we are nearing a time when radical changes in government policies will no longer be optional but necessary. Anything less may be too little, too late.

I concluded my previous columns with policy proposals to empower people to create more sustainable agri-food systems locally, within their communities. People in like-minded food communities could then form networks to create bioregional, national, and global sustainable food systems. Over the years, I have become convinced that community-based food networks are the key to creating sustainable food systems. I believe the same is true for economies and societies. Authentic sustainability begins with committed individuals but grows within and among caring communities. Government policies can not create sustainable communities, but radical changes in community development policies could replace current obstacles with opportunities. . . .

IN THIS ISSUE: Righting systemic food and farming inequalities

2026-04-08T02:18:43+00:00

First paragraph:

The spring 2026 issue of the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development brings together a set of contributions that, while they are open-call and not in response to a specific call for papers, collectively examine how food systems are governed, how access and equity are structured, how agroecological transitions unfold, and how knowledge systems and cultural values shape transformation. Across its entire content, the issue reflects a strong throughline of systems thinking, place-based analysis, and an expanding recognition of the wide range of ways of knowing and acting within food systems. . . .

From geographical indication protection to food sovereignty

2026-04-07T17:48:30+00:00

Local food is the consequence of a combination of cultural and physical environment conditions. The distinctive qualities of sub-Saharan African local food are threatened by national agricultural policies that emphasize export crops. Protecting local food offers a path to food sovereignty for rural communities. Geographical indication (GI) labeling protects distinctive local food. This case study examines Gari Sohoui, a processed form of cassava, originating from Savalou District (or Commune) in central Benin. Based on fieldwork, the study explores to what extent GI protected Gari Sohoui can foster local communities’ food sovereignty. The primary actors involved in this food system, farmers and processors, were surveyed through in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews and participant observations. Interviews revealed that labor constraints for weeding present the most important challenges to production. In the absence of practical agroecological alternatives to manage weeds, growers use herbicides that are widely accessible because of the country’s agricultural development strategy. While GI protection of Gari Sohoui in central Benin promises to foster social cohesion, generate substantial economic gains, and promote transition to agroecological practices, the widespread use of herbicides in the case study villages threatens to undermine the status of Gari Sohoui. GI protection for Gari Sohoui empowers local communities to take control of their food systems, especially women, through preservation and valorization of local knowledge while contributing to their food sovereignty.

VALUE CHAIN COORDINATION COLUMN: Turning supply chains into value chains

2026-04-07T17:26:22+00:00

JAFSCD is delighted to share this inaugural column on the topic of value chain coordination. We define VCC as the development of relational infrastructure—networks, information channels, and partnerships—that support thriving and sustainable regional food economies. JAFSCD also announces a new series of program, policy, and practice briefs focused on value chain coordination This series aims to synthesize the current knowledge on coordinating values-based food supply chains into concise, high-impact, practitioner-focused briefs. The series and associated articles are being curated by a JAFSCD Value Chain Coordination Editorial Circle made up of the scholars and practitioners below, who will also jointly produce this quarterly column.

Kathryn Barr, Associate, SupplyChange
Patrick Baur, Associate Professor, University of Rhode Island
Analena Bruce, Assistant Professor, University of New Hampshire
Andrew Carberry, Project Manager, Wallace Center at Winrock International
Eric DeLuca, Consultant, Food Finance Institute
Laura Edwards-Orr, Senior Agricultural Marketing Specialist, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, Local and Regional Food Division
Anaya Hall, Postdoctoral Scholar, The Food Connection at the University of Kentucky
Heather (“H”) Nieto-Friga, CEO, SupplyChange
Ashton Potter, Executive Director, The Food Connection at the University of Kentucky
Elliott Smith, Consultant, Kitchen Sync Strategies
Jodee Smith, Executive Director, FARMWISE Indiana
Ye Su, Assistant Professor, Lincoln University of Missouri
Dawn Thilmany, Professor, Colorado State University
Kamran Zendehdel, Research Branch Chief, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, Local and Regional Food Division

* * *

At a moment when food systems stakeholders are navigating supply chain disruption, market consolidation, and increasing climate-driven risk, questions of how best to retain or expand benefits for small and midsize farms and food businesses are increasingly urgent. Across various geographies and markets, value chain coordination (VCC) has emerged as a critical lever for addressing these challenges. In this inaugural column, we introduce VCC—a concept that bridges many concerns of JAFSCD readers—and suggest a few topics the series may address. We also provide some context on the first brief, which focuses on how VCC offers a pathway to address challenges associated with institutional purchasing and harness this strategic opportunity to support regional and sustainable food producers.

Impact of conflict on Lebanon’s food industry

2026-04-03T20:51:26+00:00

Against the backdrop of compounded crises, economic collapse, COVID-19, and violent conflict, Lebanon’s food system has become increasingly vulnerable. This study examines war’s impact on Lebanon’s agri-food small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the backbone of its food industry and economic resilience. This study evaluates the impact of war on operational aspects and identifies key recovery priorities by employing a quantitative survey of members of the QOOT cluster, Lebanon’s leading agri-food business network. The results show widespread disruption, with significant challenges in financial performance and market access. Other major concerns include supply chain disruptions, workforce issues, and infrastructure damage. Key business needs identified include emergency financial assistance, alternative market and supplier connections, enhanced workforce safety, and infrastructural support. The findings reveal vulnerability in Lebanon’s agricultural sector due to geopolitical shocks and the urgent need for emergency responses focusing on resilience, diversification, workforce protection, and infrastructure. This research guides humanitarian and development efforts to safeguard food security and economic sustainability.

Virginia independent food retailer perceptions of their role in planetary health promotion

2026-04-03T20:22:40+00:00

Healthy food retail initiatives have been common approaches to promote nutrition security in the U.S.; however, they have under-emphasized planetary health promotion, despite the close connections of healthy earth systems to ensuring nutrition security. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of independent food retail owners and managers about their role in planetary health promotion, identify potential planetary health promotion practices, and describe barriers and facilita tors to implementation. Twelve semi-structured interviews, informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) 2.0, were conducted with independent groceries, cooperatives, and on-farm store members of Virginia Fresh Match, a statewide fruit and vegetable incentive food retailer network. Descriptive inductive codes and a priori barrier and facilitator codes from CFIR constructs were used by two independent coders to describe and categorize the data. Results showed that retailers had a range of interest in planetary health promotion, with cooperatives including planetary health in all business decisions, farm stores primarily focusing on agricultural practices, and grocers most interested in those practices that aligned with profit potential and customer expectations. Among all retailers, amenability to planetary health practices varied by community context. Planetary health practices included: agricultural practices of suppliers, bulk offerings, energy usage, food miles, local foods, animal source protein reduction, and waste reduction. Profit potential and alignment with customer expectations were the most important consideration for retailers to implement any planetary health practice and were barriers and facilitators depending on practice and community context. Partnerships and other external supports were identified as facilitators for planetary health promotion. The results can inform future research that investigates differences in retailer-preferred practices across contexts, explorations of how to frame planetary health messages to align with customer expectations, and tailoring of implementation strategies.