Sustainable and Secure Food Systems, Supply Chains, and Systems Analytics
/Despite increased interest in and support for programs and policies aimed at localizing food supply chains, we have limited empirical evidence for how localization impacts environmental and economic outcomes from a systems perspective. Local food systems have significant potential to improve access to food in vulnerable communities and strengthen local economies—but these food systems are inherently complex. Our goal is to provide data on specific supply chains in order to guide best practices and policy interventions that will improve food security, promote sustainability, and reinvigorate local and regional economies. We consider a broad range of factors, including natural resource use; the economic and social welfare of the farmers, distributors, retailers, and consumers in the supply chain; environmental effects; community impacts; and public policy objectives.
To help organizations make better decisions when considering programs and policies designed to foster localization, we used the dairy supply chain in the Northeast United States as a case study, to see what would happen if all milk consumed in a state were also produced and processed in the state. Taking a systems approach, we developed an optimization model to assess the environmental and economic impacts of two different scenarios for localizing the fluid milk supply chain. We examined multiple outcomes of interest to policy makers and businesses: distances fluid milk and other dairy products must travel, transportation costs, carbon emissions, regional employment, and economic activity.
We are also working to enhance the food security of underserved populations in the Northeast United States, where a significant share of fruits and vegetables are imported from outside the region, often at long distances. As part of a project called “Enhancing Food Security of Underserved Populations in the Northeast through Sustainable Regional Food Systems,” sponsored by the USDA, we are working with an international team of scientists and experts to examine the impacts of initiatives that localize food production, processing, and consumption. Using a systems approach, we will examine the structural, institutional, community, and individual dimensions of regionally produced, healthy food consumption in disadvantaged communities.
In another project, we considered both socioeconomic and environmental dimensions to evaluate ways of reducing carbon emissions in fruit supply chains. We are also working with the Food Bank of The Southern Tier to design tools that will help them make decisions about how best to allocate and distribute food items among agencies that serve populations in need. We expect this research will help food banks minimize food waste and better account for health and nutrition.