Rethinking Food in Our Cities: Why Urban Food Systems Are Essential
As cities grow, so does the need for fresh, local food that’s accessible to everyone.
Urban food systems aren’t just about growing produce closer to home—they’re transforming rooftops, vacant lots, and community spaces into vibrant green hubs that connect people, build resilience, and bring sustainability to city life.
Our students are at the heart of this movement, blending city planning, food policy, and environmental impact to make local food systems a reality in urban landscapes.
If you’re passionate about sustainable cities, here’s how to make urban food systems part of your path:
Connect with Local Urban Farms & Projects
Volunteering or interning with urban farms or community gardens is the perfect way to gain hands-on experience and see what it takes to grow food in the city.
Study Cross-Disciplinary Fields
Courses in city planning, food policy, environmental science, or public health will give you the tools to make a real impact. Urban food systems thrive at the intersection of these fields, so a multidisciplinary approach is key.
Engage with Policy Discussions
Local policies shape food access and distribution, so get involved! Attend public meetings, join food policy councils, or collaborate with organizations tackling urban food issues. Policy work is a powerful tool for long-lasting change.
Find Internships in Urban Development
Intern with city planning departments, sustainability offices, or nonprofits focused on food systems. These experiences offer a view of the bigger picture, where food meets urban planning and community health.
