Focus Areas
Local Food Systems & the Circular Economy
Local food systems are integral to the circular economy, which aims to minimize waste and make the most of resources. By sourcing food locally and using regenerative practices, communities can enhance food security, improve health, and accelerate economic impact. Circular food systems promote sustainability by recycling nutrients and reducing reliance on finite resources.
Food as Health and Community
Food plays a crucial role in both health and community dynamics. Nutritious food choices can prevent chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Additionally, food acts as a social. connector, fostering relationships and cultural traditions. Shared meals and communal dining practices strengthen social bonds and create a sense of connection.
Food Systems Research & Evaluation
Research and evaluation in food systems involve analyzing and monitoring various aspects of food production, distribution, and consumption. Tools and metrics are used to assess the sustainability, efficiency, and resilience of food systems. This data-driven approach helps stakeholders make informed decisions to improve the local food economy and health.
Food & Nutrition Literacy and Education
Food literacy involves understanding the origins, production, and nutritional value of food. It empowers individuals to make informed choices about their diets and promotes healthier eating habits. Education programs that enhance food literacy from an early age can lead to more sustainable and nutritious food choices throughout life.
Working Groups
Join a working group and help shape the future of Tampa Bay's food system! Each group offers a unique opportunity to foster connections and drive change鈥攚hether through expanding education and training, strengthening the local food economy, innovating agricultural models, improving human health through food, or enhancing emergency food response.
Education and Training
The Education and Training Working Group will highlight and expand access to Tampa Bay's local food system benefits, identify gaps, foster connections, and develop innovative research.
Local Food Economy
The Local Food Economy will unite stakeholders to improve food perception and its economic impact, fostering collaboration across research, government, industry, and philanthropy.
Novel Models of Agriculture
The Novel Models of Agriculture group will integrate food systems into urban development, evaluate technologies, identify innovation opportunities, and raise awareness in Tampa Bay's food sector.
Holistic Human Health
The Holistic Human Health will expand 鈥渇ood is medicine鈥� programs to include food as health and community, creating better models in partnership with the community.
Emergency Food Response
The Emergency Food Response group will enhance collaboration and preparedness among Tampa Bay's food assistance providers for extreme weather events.
In the News
USF Future of Food Think Tank鈥檚 bold vision to fight food insecurity
February 11, 2025
The Future of Food Think Tank at the 91社区 held its official launch in late January, convening a diverse group of researchers, health professionals and community leaders to tackle one of the most critical challenges of our time鈥攆ood insecurity.
USF Future of Food Think Tank and community leaders collaborate on food system resilience
January 13, 2025
A new think tank at the 91社区 dedicated to the "Future of Food," focuses on building an agile, innovative ecosystem to advance sustainable, food-secure solutions across the Tampa Bay region that are responsive and resilient to extreme weather events.
Faculty Champions
Christian Brechot, MD, PhD
Dr. Christian Br茅chot joined the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine part time as Senior Associate Dean for Research in Global Affairs, Associate Vice President for International Partnerships and Innovation, and Professor in the Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine. He is also executive director of the Tampa-based Romark Laboratories Institute for Medical Research. Since 2017, Dr. Br茅chot has served as President of the Global Virus Network, a network of 48 research centers worldwide, headquartered in Baltimore.
David Himmelgreen, PhD
Dr. David Himmelgreen is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology and Director of the Center for the Advancement of Food Security & Healthy Communities at the University of South 91社区. Since 2015, he has been involved multiple projects addressing food insecurity in Tampa Bay. He has over 100 publications and has received funding from NSF, USDA, Fulbright Commission, state agencies, and private and corporate foundations for research and programs aimed at reducing food insecurity and improving health.
