Why a Food Systems Perspective?

 A systems approach invites us to see and try to understand what is happening in our state or local food system as a result of the drivers, the inputs, and the relationships that shape it. The result of these are the outcomes and characteristics of the food and farming system of our state.. As we know, currently, some of the characteristics and outcomes of our food system are beneficial, and some are problematic. The productivity, sustainability, equity, and resilience of the food system are outcomes of it.

Understanding the relationships and connections that make up our state’s food system is important because it helps us see where it makes sense to focus our energy for improving the outcomes. For example, where partnership building or program connections are most impactful, or where there are gaps or weaknesses or gaps that need addressing. To see these connections, we must have a diversity of knowledge and experience at the table. We all must strive to be more open, transparent, inclusive and accessible, and we must build trust with each other and with our institutions.

The NJFDC seeks to help advance a shift in perspective in NJ toward a more holistic systems perspective, and the associated shift in processes and public policy. This perspective helps us understand the challenges faced in our communities -- such as a lack of access to healthy food, or the need to reduce the ecological footprint of food and farming activities -- as being nearly impossible to tackle without collaboration. Functioning collaboration between community residents, businesses, and the institutions that govern and shape the food environments for all of us is critical and we applaud those of you here today who have been modeling healthy collaboration in your work.