good food derived from a resilient and just food system is critical to a healthy, robust community. The food system includes all food–related activities involving the production, processing, transport, and consumption of food. Programs, policies and advocacy efforts that impact some or all of these elements can contribute to a better—or worse—food system. A systems approach provides a framework in which to identify and understand levers for action that can improve healthy food access for all and ensure equity across the system for those that produce, those that distribute, and those that consume food.

In this country, many leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, are diet-related; more than one-third of American adults and 17 percent of children are obese and highly vulnerable to early-onset chronic disease. The cost in hardship, years of potential life lost, medical cost, and lost productivity represent billions of dollars to society each year. Communities challenged by poverty and high unemployment rates are vulnerable to higher rates of diet-related illnesses and the costs are even more devastating. In high poverty communities, hunger and food insecurity are an additional health risk. And, when poor access to healthy food options combine with limited household income, many families struggle to put enough good food on their tables to ensure a healthy and productive life.