from the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development |
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JAFSCD is the world’s only community-supported journal. JAFSCD content is open access (free) thanks to the generous support of our shareholders: the JAFSCD Shareholder Consortium, Library Shareholders, a growing number of Individual Shareholders, and our six JAFSCD Partners: |
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Community-based circular food systems articles now underway
JAFSCD is publishing a special issue in response to the call for papers on community-based circular food systems (C-B CFSs) — local and regional food systems that emphasize a community’s health and well-being while minimizing waste and protecting shared natural resources. Over the next few weeks, JAFSCD News Flashes share the published articles; see the latest ones below!
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More information on community-based circular food systems and some background on the call (now closed) can be found here. |
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In a new JAFSCD commentary, Sydney Clements, PhD candidate at the University of Connecticut and former director of the Windham Community Food Network (WCFN), reflects on the challenges and triumphs of scaling community-based food systems work to a regional level. Funded by a USDA Regional Food Systems Partnership grant, the project aimed to leverage pandemic-era consumer trends to strengthen local food access and farmer economic viability in Eastern Connecticut. The commentary appears in the special issue on community-based circular food systems.
Five key lessons are shared from the two-year initiative, emphasizing the importance of intentional relationship-building, localized solutions, and inclusive data collection. The commentary, Lessons from building a regional food system in Eastern Connecticut, highlights how cultural and geographic diversity across communities requires tailored approaches rather than a one-size-fits-all model. Clements also underscores the pitfalls of relying on grant funding without deeper community investment, advocating for sliding-scale models that bridge the gap between emergency food assistance and values-driven local food economies.
“Community buy-in is the path to success,” writes Clements. “If a project isn’t supported by the community’s time, finances, and resources, maybe it’s not what the community needs.” While the dream of a fully regional food system remains a work in progress, the partnerships and insights from this project lay a critical foundation for future efforts. SHARE ON YOUR SOCIALS
How do you build a regional food system that works for everyone? Sydney Clements of the University of Connecticut shares hard-earned lessons from USDA-funded project in Eastern Connecticut—from bridging cultural gaps to removing silos for real collaboration. #FoodJustice #LocalFood #CircularEconomy Read the full @JAFSCD article for free at: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2025.142.030
Image above: Figure 1 from the article: Windham Community Food Network Food System Working Groups. |
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JAFSCD commentary by Dr. Amanullah (The U of Agriculture Peshawar) and Urooj Khan (Khyber Medical College Peshawar)
In a new JAFSCD commentary, Community-based circular food systems in Pakistan: A path to sustainable food security, Dr. Amanullah and Khan explore how community-based circular food systems can offer a transformative path toward sustainable food security in Pakistan. With the country facing mounting challenges of food insecurity, urbanization, resource degradation, and climate stress, the commentary emphasizes the urgency of transitioning from linear to regenerative food systems that are localized, inclusive, and resilient. The commentary appears in the special issue on community-based circular food systems.
The commentary sheds light on how localized, circular food initiatives—such as composting, urban farming, food cooperatives, and short supply chains—can empower communities, reduce food waste, strengthen livelihoods, and improve access to nutritious food. These grassroots solutions align closely with the principles of agroecology and food sovereignty, fostering not only sustainability but also social equity. Importantly, the piece underscores the need for policy support, research engagement, and multistakeholder collaboration, including farmers, women, youth, and local governments, to scale these models effectively. Drawing on Pakistan’s unique context and potential for innovation at the community level, the author makes a compelling case for embedding circularity in food policy and planning. Read the full commentary to see how Pakistan’s food future could be reshaped—not by top-down reforms alone, but by community-powered transformation. SHARE ON YOUR SOCIALS Pakistan’s food future could be reshaped—not by top-down reforms alone, but by community-powered transformation. #communitybasedcircularfoodsystem #Pakistan #circularfoodsystem Read the full @JAFSCD article for free: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2025.142.029 Image above: Figure 2 from the article: Recommendations for building sustainable food systems in Pakistan. |
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JOB OPPORTUNITY IN VALUE CHAIN COORDINATION! |
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The Food Connection at the University of Kentucky (TFC) is seeking a Post Doctoral Scholar to conduct applied research on value chain coordination (VCC) in local and regional food systems.
This is a unique and high-impact postdoctoral researcher position, created in partnership with TFC, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Local and Regional Foods Division (LRFD), and the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development (JAFSCD). The postdoctoral researcher will lead a novel multi-institution research initiative that results in scholarly publications, stakeholder-facing technical assistance resources, and policy recommendations at local, regional, and national scales. Hybrid remote/on-site (Lexington, KY) applicants are welcome!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO APPLY | |
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