What is a Regional Food System?
Glynwood is one of the few organizations in the United States that explicitly focuses on fostering a regional food system.
While we do this work on the ground in the Hudson Valley, we inspire and work with other regions who aim to follow suit.
A regional food system weaves together the entire network of food production, processing, distribution, and consumption, creating a network of shorter supply chains, seasonal eating patterns, and meaningful connections between food producers and consumers. These systems support local economies, minimize transportation distances, and deliver fresher food while honoring regional food cultures and traditions. Focusing on food systems at the regional scale is crucial because they build resilience against global supply chain disruptions and climate-related challenges, while giving communities more control over their food supply.
“Working with the Glynwood team over these past two years has been a tremendously generative experience. We’re grateful to be called into partnership with an organization that has longstanding, meaningful relationships with Spanish-preferred farmers and a deep commitment to engaging with and investing in Language Justice as a framework and praxis. Michelle Hughes (Director, Regional Food Programs) is a language justice practitioner in her own right, and it’s a blessing to do this work in partnership with her and the greater Glynwood team. ”
–Wendelin Regalado, Hudson Valley Language Justice Collective