Virginia Tech® home

Home

Center for food systems and community transformation

We work at the nexus of food, agriculture, and society to explore and catalyze the conditions for a more just and sustainable food system so that all may thrive.

Image credit: Upper left, Kim Niewolny. Upper right and lower, Melissa Ripepi.

photo compilation of field, squash, and people shelling corn

                       

What We Do

We strive to offer and support opportunities for learning that help us to support our food system and build better communities.

Our learning circles are designed to be a participatory structure for group reflection, dialogue, and planning based on selected scholarship and emergent topics.

Our Center is  home to a number of state and regional programs supporting food systems-based community development at the nexus of food, agriculure, and society.

The Center supports a number of projects related to and in support of regional food systems and community transformation. 

Center fellows bring the aims of the Center to their communities as leaders, educators, and advocates for equity, justice, and health in our food and farming systems.

Resource Pages

              

Upcoming Events

  • Article Item
    Roundtable Discussion with Varkey George , article

    In coordination with the Global Education Office, the VT Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation is hosting a roundtable discussion with scholar and international development practitioner, Varkey George, founder of Oshun South Africa. Well-known for his public scholarship, study abroad programming, and community development initiatives across South Africa, Varkey’s interests focus on global citizenship, poverty alleviation, and social entrepreneurship with partners worldwide. Through Oshun South Africa, Varkey recently collaborated with Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to hold an winter session experimental learning study abroad program in South Africa. All graduate students and faculty are welcome to join Varkey George in a roundtable discussion hosted by the Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation to be held in the GLC on April 3rd, 12 to 1:30 pm. Lunchtime refreshments will be provided. To confirm your participation, please complete RSVP form: https://forms.office.com/r/3XBF5fZAi2. If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact David Smilnak at davids21@vt.edu 540-231-4582 during regular business hours at least 10 days prior to the event. Email davids21@vt.edu for details. Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

  • Article Item
    Sustainability and Agroecology in South Africa: Reflections on Community-Based Service Learning , article

    In this session, students and faculty will reflect on their recent experience participating and leading an international experiential learning opportunity to South Africa focusing on the interface of agroecology, food security, and sustainable development. The session will discuss the interdisciplinary and participatory nature of the course and how the unique, community-partner course design provided opportunities for critical exploration of the realities of urban and rural food security and land use in South Africa. Student presenters will also reflect on their experience working with community partners and their specific projects throughout the semester-long course, and their perceptions after visiting each community partners’ projects.

  • Article Item
    Amplifying Indigenous Women's Perspectives for Soil and Water , article

    Join for a day at Oatlands to support healthy soils and water by bringing our circles together and amplifying Indigenous perspectives. We will hear from three Indigenous women leaders, Dr. Lyla June Johnston, Rene’ Locklear White, and Victoria Persinger Ferguson, who will share about Indigenous land management and foodways that support soil and water health. Each speaker will present their work and then they will engage in dialogue with one another and the audience, in a cross cultural exploration. Family friendly activities and networking will follow with educational and resource booths on soil and water stewardship available to explore.

Press