This edited volume builds on existing alternative food initiatives and food movements research
to explore how a systems approach can bring about health and well-being through enhanced
collaboration. Chapters describe the myriad ways community-driven actors work to foster food
systems that are socially just embed food in local economies regenerate the environment and
actively engage citizens. Drawing on case studies interviews and Participatory Action Research
projects the editors share the stories behind community-driven efforts to develop sustainable
food systems and present a critical assessment of both the tensions and the achievements of
these initiatives. The volume is unique in its focus on approaches and methodologies that both
support and recognize the value of community-based practices. Throughout the book the editors
identify success stories challenges and opportunities that link practitioner experience to
critical debates in food studies practice and policy. By making current practices visible to
scholars the volume speaks to people engaged in the co-creation of knowledge and documents a
crucial point in the evolution of a rapidly expanding and dynamic sustainable food systems
movement. Entrenched food insecurity climate change induced crop failures rural-urban
migration escalating rates of malnutrition related diseases and aging farm populations are
increasingly common obstacles for communities around the world. Merging private public and
civil society spheres the book gives voice to actors from across the sustainable food system
movement including small businesses not-for-profits eaters farmers and government. Insights
into the potential for market restructuring knowledge sharing planning and bridging
civic-political divides come from across Canada the United States and Mexico making this a
key resource for policy-makers students citizens and practitioners.
