Exploring Your Local Food System: Beyond the Classroom

We often hear from students that they want to engage with their region’s food systems, but they don’t always get that exposure in their coursework.

Taking the initiative to explore these areas on your own can not only deepen your understanding but also help you figure out where you want to put your energy—both now and after graduation.

Why it matters: Understanding the food system and supply chain is crucial. It helps center your strategies around justice, sustainability, and health, ensuring your work has a real impact.

How to Start: Sometimes, the best lessons aren’t in a classroom—they’re at your local farmers’ market, food hub, or in a community kitchen.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Volunteer at a local farm: Spend a weekend planting, harvesting, and learning sustainable practices. It’s a hands-on way to see the effort behind the food on your plate.

Engage with food justice organizations: Explore community-supported agriculture (CSA) or food recovery projects to see how food intersects with equity, health, and resilience.

Visit food hubs or distribution centers: Take a closer look at how food moves through the supply chain, and how these systems can support local economies and reduce emissions and waste.

Connect with those in the field: Talk to farmers, market vendors, brands, or chefs focused on sustainable practices. Hearing their stories can open up new ideas and career pathways.

Have you interacted with your region's food system?