
Sustainable Food Systems
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
Related Degrees and Certifications
- 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.
Faculty and Staff
- Megan Conway
- Ray Dybzinski
- Kevin Erickson
- Max Melstrom
- Greg Palmer
- Tania Schusler
Facilities
- 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.
More
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.
Read MoreStudent Research Opportunities
Undergraduate Research Fellowships
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 Student Opportunities
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.
Student Internships and Jobs
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.
Other Focus Areas
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.