The term “food system” encompasses the complex web of activities involving the production, processing, distribution, consumption, and disposal of food. Understanding this system is crucial, as it directly impacts our health, environment, and communities. At Carolina Farm Trust (CFT), we are dedicated to strengthening local food systems in the Carolinas, ensuring they are sustainable, equitable, and resilient.
Understanding Food Systems
A food system involves every step food takes from farm to table, including:
- Production: Growing crops and raising livestock—the foundation of food systems. This stage includes everything from small family farms to large industrial operations.
- Processing: Transforming raw ingredients into consumable products, such as turning wheat into bread or milk into cheese.
- Distribution: Transporting food to markets, stores, or directly to consumers. This stage often involves complex logistics that impact food accessibility.
- Consumption: The act of purchasing and eating food, shaped by cultural, economic, and personal preferences.
- Disposal: Managing food waste and packaging, which has significant environmental consequences.
These interconnected stages form a system that affects every aspect of our lives, from what we eat to how we live. A well-functioning food system supports environmental sustainability, economic vitality, and social equity. However, when this system breaks down, the consequences are far-reaching.
Challenges in Modern Food Systems
Modern food systems face numerous challenges, each contributing to the growing need for reform:
- Environmental Impact: The food sector is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with 19% of food-related emissions stemming from transportation alone. The reliance on semi-trucks crisscrossing the country to deliver food exacerbates CO2 emissions. Transitioning to locally sourced foods can dramatically reduce these emissions while supporting local economies.
- Food Deserts: Food deserts are areas where affordable, nutritious food is difficult to obtain—remain a persistent challenge. According to the USDA, an estimated of 86.5% of households experienced food insecurity in the United States in 2023. Beyond this, access to fresh food is limited for 40.5 million Americans living in USDA-designated food deserts nationwide. These areas disproportionately impact low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, highlighting systemic disparities that have long been overlooked. Addressing these food deserts is critical to ensuring equitable access to nutrition and creating healthier, more resilient communities.
- Economic Disparities: Small and mid-sized farms often struggle to compete with large agribusinesses. These family-owned operations face rising costs, limited market access, and an uneven playing field due to subsidies favoring large-scale commodity crops like corn and soy. This imbalance not only threatens the livelihoods of small farmers but also undermines the diversity of our food supply.
- Health Concerns: The rise of highly processed, calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods has contributed to an epidemic of diet-related illnesses. Over 42% of U.S. adults are obese, with diet-related diseases like diabetes and heart conditions on the rise. Many of these issues stem from a lack of access to fresh, nutritious food in underserved areas.
- Global Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fragility of global food supply chains. Disruptions in production, transportation, and labor led to shortages and price hikes, emphasizing the need for robust local food systems that can withstand global crises.
What Local Food Systems Can Achieve
Instead of relying on food shipped thousands of miles in CO2-emitting trucks, communities could source nutritious food from nearby farms. This shift wouldn’t just cut emissions—it would revolutionize the way we think about food.
Local food systems would:
- Reduce Environmental Impact: By sourcing food locally, we significantly decrease the carbon footprint associated with transportation. This simple shift could eliminate a substantial portion of food-related emissions, helping to combat climate change.
- Foster Healthier Communities: With greater access to locally grown fruits and vegetables, communities can break free from the cycle of processed foods and diet-related illnesses. Fresh, nutrient-dense food leads to better health outcomes and improved quality of life.
- Strengthen Food Sovereignty: Food sovereignty—the right of communities to control the way food is produced, distributed, and consumed—is a critical component of equitable food systems. Prioritizing locally farmed, healthy foods empowers communities to reclaim control over their food, reducing dependency on external systems.
- Build Resilience: Local food systems create stronger, more self-reliant communities. By supporting nearby farms, we ensure that food remains accessible even during global supply chain disruptions.
- Address Food Deserts: Prioritizing local agriculture directly combats food deserts by making affordable, nutritious food available in underserved neighborhoods.
A Vision for the Future
When local food systems thrive, they benefit everyone. Farmers are empowered to grow and sell their produce sustainably. Communities gain access to fresh, affordable food. The environment benefits from reduced emissions, and future generations inherit a resilient, equitable food system.
At Carolina Farm Trust, we envision a world where every individual has access to healthy, locally sourced food. By focusing on food sovereignty and prioritizing local agriculture, we’re building a system that serves people and the planet. Together, we can redefine how food is grown, distributed, and valued—and create a future where everyone has a seat at the table.
Support our mission by donating today. Together, we can transform our food system for generations to come.
