Reflections on 10 years of "An Annotated Bibliography on Structural Racism Present in the U.S. Food System"
June 26, 2026 - Rachel Kelly, Rich Pirog, M. Jahi Johnson-Chappell
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EmailThis article can be accessed at this DOI: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2026.153.021
Abstract
This paper is a reflective essay from the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS) on 10 years of writing and updating An Annotated Bibliography on Structural Racism Present in the U.S. Food System (ABSR). The ABSR provides a literature compilation of research, outreach, and opinion on structural racism in the U.S. food system for the practitioner, researcher, educator, and advocate. The authors of this paper provide a comprehensive overview of the ABSR, detailing its purpose, value, applications, and evolution. They also explain how the ABSR has been integrated into CRFS’s ongoing racial equity efforts. This publication concludes with learnings, outcomes, and opportunities that have emerged from the development and utilization of the ABSR.
Citation
Kelly, R. E., Pirog, R., & Johnson-Chappell, M. J. (2026). Reflections on 10 years of "An Annotated Bibliography on Structural Racism Present in the U.S. Food System". Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 15(3), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2026.153.021
Keywords
annotated bibliography, structural racism, equity, food justice, food systems, food sovereignty, systemic racism, race
Corresponding Author
Rachel Kelly, kellyra2@msu.edu
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank all the co-authors of An Annotated Bibliography on Structural Racism Present in the U.S. Food System for their contributions. In particular, we extend our thanks to two co-authors—Kimberly Carr and Sydnie Burnstein—who shared quotes about their experience working on the ABSR, and greatly appreciate Sydnie’s role in reviewing this publication. We also thank our other food systems colleagues who provided quotes for the publication. The authors would like to express gratitude to the Center for Regional Food Systems Communications team—Communication Strategists Melissa Hill and Emma Beauchamp—for copyediting, feedback, and communications support. Last, but not least, we acknowledge the many authors whose works are included in the ABSR. Their dedication to shedding light on this important topic has been and continues to be of extreme importance to advancing a more just and equitable food system.
