Resilient Regional Food Supply Chains and Rethinking the Way Forward: Key Takeaways from the COVID-19 Pandemic

This article explores how regional food supply chains (RFSCs) can improve the resilience of the U.S. food supply system in the face of large-scale disruptions like the COVID-19 crisis. In particular, this research seeks to gain a greater understanding of how RFSCs can leverage logistics best practices for efficient and reliable distribution to consumers in normal times and during disasters. Highlights: • Case studies demonstrate regional food system resilience during the COVID-19 crisis • Regional food system alignment with U.N. Sustainable Development Goals is described • Farmers rapidly pivoted to new market channels using logistics best practices • The importance of offering consumers convenient delivery options is emphasized • Recommendations for maintaining sustainability in the long term are discussed