Introduction and Background Information

In the introduction video, we learned the elements of the food system and the differences between the conventional and local food system. Any time we talk about systems change, the social ecological model comes into play. This framework is meant to help us better understand the relationship between individuals and their social and built environments. Our knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors are influenced by interpersonal relationships, institutional practices, community conditions, and local, state, and federal policies.

So, when people make decisions related to food, they are not made in a vacuum, but influenced by many different factors: our relationships and traditions, what is accessible in the places where we spend most of our time, the conditions of our neighborhoods and communities, and policies that allocate resources and influence what options are most easily available to us. This means that in order to effectively change or improve the food system, we need to develop multiple strategies that target each of these levels of influence.

Social Ecological Model

While there are scientific, governmental, and nonprofit organizations working to advance change at the regional, national, and international levels, resident-led, community-level strategies should not be overlooked. These require place-based knowledge and leadership that local residents can deliver better than anyone else.

While neighborhood-based efforts may seem small at first, they are critical to advancing long-term change. This is because when neighbors build relationships and work together, their small wins help them build confidence and increase their capacity to take on bigger projects and collaborations. With continued momentum, these small neighborhood efforts spiral up into larger initiatives at the institutional, community, and policy change levels.

It all starts by recognizing opportunities in your own community.

To get started, think about the various elements of the food system and which of these you encounter or interact with in your neighborhood or community. Are there people, groups, businesses, or organizations who are directly connected to or have influence in these areas? What small step can you take as an individual? And how might you organize with friends, family, and neighbors to increase your impact?

Elements of the Local Food System

Our next blog post will explore what this actually looks like on the ground in community.

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