Thirteenth International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted food systems with detrimental impacts on food security and livelihoods. Due to structural inequities within U.S. society, the food system impacts of COVID-19, including food insecurity and risk of contracting COVID-19 in the workplace, were borne disproportionately by people of color. Among those responding to impacts in the Chicago, IL, USA region were non-profit organizations. Learning from their experiences can inform preparation to withstand future shocks, including from climate change. Through focus groups, we asked 26 representatives of 20 non-profit organizations that responded to pandemic-related impacts in the Chicago region food system to discuss their future visions for how food is produced, processed, distributed, and consumed. We prioritized the perspectives of people of color. The majority of participants identified as Black/African-American or Hispanic/Latine and others as American Indian/Indigenous, Asian, or White. Through thematic analysis of the focus group discussions, we identified a collective representation of participants’ visions for the future food system with six tenets: (1) ensure healthy food for all regardless of race, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status, or other social identities; (2) generate community wealth through local food-based economies; (3) value and protect farm and food industry workers; (4) connect people to food, land, and cultural traditions; (5) support reparations and healing for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities; and (6) promote equity across intersectional issues. This framework provides a tool for assessing whether food and agriculture technologies intended to address climate change challenges are likely to impede or advance social equity.