Sustainable Food Systems: Loyola University Chicago

Sustainable Food Systems

Modern industrial food systems maximize short-term profits while creating severe environmental and social problems. This research group develops more sustainable approaches to producing and distributing food. The group aims to advance practices that benefit the environment while helping low-income communities access healthy, affordable food. Team members connect theory and practice, conducting applied research, piloting sustainable food programs, and engaging students in hands-on learning opportunities.

We believe that access to fresh, healthy produce should be available to everyone, regardless of income level, race, and location.

How we're addressing food system issues

Equity

We accept government subsidized coupons and vouchers at our Farmers Market. We donate leftover produce to local food pantries. We also discuss the history of slavery and how it shaped our modern food system and affected generational wealth.

Land use

Developing land leads to biodiversity loss. By maximizing production on a small scale and in urban areas, we reduce the need to continually develop new “wild” lands for food production.

Organic

We learn about specific organic methods including soil health management, pest management practices, and labor.

Inputs

A "circular economy" involves using waste material from one process as an input for another process. Many of our student projects are focused on this key environmental concept. For example, we use brewery waste for growing mushrooms.

Our Programs and Faculty

Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture (BS)
Environmental Science and Sustainability (MS and BA/MS 4+1)
Environmental Communication (minor)

Learn more about all degrees, minors, and certifications available within SES.

Megan Conway
Ray Dybzinski
Kevin Erickson
Max Melstrom
Greg Palmer
Tania Schusler

Aquaponics Facilities
Analytical Chemistry Lab
GIS Lab
Greenhouse
LUREC
Research Labs

Learn more about our research facilities.

Community Impact

Initiatives

SES Urban Agriculture Program Celebrates 10 Years

The School of Environmental Sustainability's Urban Agriculture Program is celebrating 10 years since its founding. The program provides food for local farmers' markets and restaurants and serves the community through donations to local food pantries.

Student Research

Students Study Food Justice in the Chicago Region

Several SES students have engaged in research that aims to contribute to a more just food system.

Learn More

Community Impact

Alternative Break Immersion trip gives back to community

Loyola alums running a farm and retreat center in West Virginia live in harmony with the earth—and their community.

Student Research Opportunities

SES Undergraduate Research Fellowships allow students to conduct interdisciplinary research on issues related to unsustainable natural resource uses in the greater Chicago land region.

Graduate students have an opportunity to apply as an Alfred H. Baum Family Graduate Research Scholar to fund and explore food production, distribution, food insecurity, food deserts, and resilience planning.

The School of Environmental Sustainability provides hands-on internship opportunities for students to get deeply involved in our environmental initiatives.

Resources and Research Initiatives

Students, faculty, and staff are committed to investigate industrial agriculture of Chicago and understand its impacts on a local, national and global scale through work in the classroom, locally in Chicago, and at the LUREC campus. When an issue is explored, discussed and researched, the Loyola community responds in ways that seek to create solutions - from our local Farmer's Market to our research on urban agriculture and sustainable food systems.

Sustainable Food Systems