Rural communities have always played an important role in the production and processing
of food for the nation. Today, the U.S. produces nearly $300 billion worth of agricultural
products per year.
Over the past century, the U.S. food system has transformed drastically. Technology
and social changes have made agriculture vastly more productive, while requiring
fewer Americans to live or work on farms. Food prices have steadily declined for
decades, while our choices at the supermarket have increased. The bounty of our
current food system does not always produce a healthier population, environment,
or rural economy, however.
Concerns about recent spikes in food prices, the environmental outcomes of industrial-style
food production and processing, emerging inequities in food distribution, and public
health problems associated with consumption patterns have led to new ideas our food
system. In particular, local and regional food systems have been re-emerging within
the American food system as communities and consumers test out what they hope are
sustainable ways to move food from farm to table.
Through research, policy analysis, and partnerships, the RUPRI Rural Futures Lab
explores the opportunities and challenges for rural people in the local and regional
food movement, and food systems in general.
OUR WORK
This Foundation Paper takes a wide-angled look at the U.S. food system, including
differences between local, regional, and larger scale food systems. It explores
what research and on-the-ground examples tell us about the benefits and drawbacks
of the different types of food systems. Throughout the document, it suggests possible
impacts on and opportunities for rural America.
Food Policy Briefs
Food Access (links not yet available)
Institutional Food (link)
Food Production (link)
Distribution(link)
These briefs were written for the Greater Kansas
City Food Policy Council. Each brief looks at a different issue related
to the food system and suggests regionally appropriate policy actions.