Abstract

Food democracy derives its strength from alternative food system initiatives including community kitchens. However, no research has explored the contribution of community kitchens to food democracy. A systematic search of three literature databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed) was performed in June to July 2021 for studies reporting outcomes of community kitchens. Sixteen studies were identified, and their empirical insights were matched against the five dimensions of food democracy: collaboration, knowledge, deliberation, efficacy, and community good. More than half of the studies were based in Canada. Knowledge and deliberation were the most reported dimensions. This analysis highlights the need for empirical studies to be done in the future to assess community kitchens’ contribution in advancing food democracy. Understanding the role of community kitchens in promoting food democracy is important in how they are perceived and understood in food policy.