Lessons on How Food Builds Community from UC Davis 

When we think about what connects us as humans, food inevitably rises to the top. But at UC Davis, a Terra Madre Americas panel revealed something deeper. Food isn't just what brings us together; it's a foundation for healthy communities and meaningful social transformation.

Moderated by Colin Dixon, director of the UC Davis Student Farm, the discussion brought together scholars and practitioners to explore food's role in building resilient communities. 

What's in Your City's Food Plan?

Catherine Brinkley, Ph.D, Associate Professor in Human Ecology, Community, and Regional Development, who leads the Equity Land and Food Systems Lab at UC Davis, asked the audience an intriguing question, "What's in your city’s plan?"

Brinkley explained that nearly all 50 California counties mention food in their land use plans. But the specifics vary widely. Some cities support backyard gardening, street food vending, composting, and greywater collection, while others restrict these activities.

Understanding local policies helps communities identify opportunities for change. Curious about your city's approach? Check out https://plansearch.caes.ucdavis.edu/ to see what's in your local plan.

The People Behind Our Food

Natalia Deeb-Sossa, Professor in Chicana/o Studies at UC Davis, brought her decades of community-engaged scholarship to the conversation, highlighting a profound challenge: many agricultural workers face economic barriers that limit their access to the fresh produce they help cultivate.

Through community-based participatory research, Deeb-Sossa has documented how economic pressures, physically demanding conditions, and workplace safety concerns require comprehensive support systems. "Sitting down and eating is how we show love and care for each other," she noted. True food justice requires access to affordable housing, healthcare, transportation, and culturally responsive services.

Her work bridges scholarship with hands-on learning through a partnership between Chicana/o Studies and the UC Davis Student Farm. At the heart of her approach is a guiding question. "How can I be of service to you?" This ethic of reciprocity, grounded in Chicana feminist principles, shapes how she approaches food systems transformation.

Women as Community Cultivators

Susanna Santos, a Slow Food delegate from Brazil, highlighted how women often play central roles in food system transformations. Women cultivate community connections and carry intergenerational knowledge about growing and preparing food.

"Women are drivers of change," Santos explained. "Empowering women to speak plants seeds for other women, waking them up to the idea they can drive change in their communities too."

Santos emphasized that meaningful change starts with understanding purpose. "Why are you here? When you recognize that the food sustaining you connects you to others' care and labor, it creates opportunities for reciprocal support throughout communities."

Supporting Local Food Systems

Ryan Galt, Ph.D, Professor in UC Davis's Department of Human Ecology and director of the Agricultural Sustainability Institute, brought a critical economic perspective. His research reveals a challenging reality. Many farmers are struggling to stay in business under economic pressures that make sustainable agriculture increasingly difficult.

He used some striking statistics to illustrate the disconnect. Only 8% of consumers buy directly from farmers. California aims for 20% organic cropland by 2030, but currently sits at about 5%. Closing this gap requires both consumer support and policies that help farmers weather the transition period.

Yet Galt emphasized resilience. "Generations and generations of care have brought these foods and plants to us," he noted. His advice? "What are you meant to do? Getting centered with that is probably the most powerful thing you can do."

Taking Action in Your Community

Dixon reminded us that on California Native Day and every day, we should consider how we're preserving land, protecting habitat, planning for traditional foods like acorns, and un-damming rivers for salmon.

Interested in learning more? Visit the UC Davis Student Farm website.

Kaylianne Jordan is a junior transfer student studying Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis. She has a background in culinary arts and a passion for sustainable farming and enjoys exploring the connections between agriculture, winemaking, and community. Outside of college, she loves trying out new recipes, discovering local food spot.