Goals of the Project

  • 1. Foster cross sector learning and collaboration across Local and Regional Food Systems (LRFS) sectors.
  • 2. Capture emergent strategies and innovations addressing COVID-19 shocks from LRFS stakeholders and translate those insights into readily accessible resources and educational materials.
  • 3. Assess short, mid, and/or long-term economic impacts and shifts in consumer purchasing patterns, knowledge, or other perceptions relative to LRFS as motivated by the COVID-19 crisis.
  • 4. Investigate systematic or structural shifts within LRFS resulting from COVID-19 disruptions, and leverage research insights to support their long-term success and resilience in a post-COVID-19 world.
  • 5. Empower and strengthen the visibility of Community of Practice Coordinating Organizations (COPCOs) as technical assistance providers to their sector.
  • 6. Increase communications and interactions between on-the-ground practitioners and AMS staff when providing technical assistance to practitioners.

Action Teams

Network of Networks

Our Network of Networks continues cross agency and sector learning, collaboration, and strategic action by convening organizations leading local and regional food system stakeholder networks, university-based researchers, and USDA staff and leadership to share urgent and emergent issues, coordinate strategies and programing, and foster cross-stakeholder communication and collaboration.

Resilience Playbook

To build off the lessons of 2020, our Resilience Playbook team is developing a multi-media strategy kit for food systems leaders so that we can “stay read” for the next disruption. By identifying the strengths and vulnerabilities of local and regional food systems in times of crisis, the playbook will support leaders in developing immediate term, mid-term, and long-term strategies for fostering equitable and resilient food systems. (Team Leads: Annelise Straw and Lilian Brislen)

Data and Metrics

The Data and Metrics initiative is focused on fostering greater data efficacy and literacy across local and regional food systems by engaging project stakeholders in completing a gap analysis of existing local and regional food system data, fostering peer mentorship, and providing technical assistance. (Team Leads: Ashely Chaifetz and Becca Jablonski)

Project Team

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service

Samantha Schaffstall
Ashley Chaifetz
Christina Conell
Yvette Garcia
Americo Vega-Labiosa

University of Kentucky

Tim Woods
Jairus Rossi
Brett Wolff
Annelise Straw

Colorado State University

Dawn Thilmany
Becca Jablonski
Lilian Brislen
Alex DeJoy
Libby Christensen
Mackenzie Gill
Allie Bauman
James Hale

University of Maine

Josh Stoll

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