The impact of the 2024 hurricane season on Tampa Bay's food security has highlighted the urgent need for a robust and adaptive regional food system. The storms Debby, Helene, and Milton presented unprecedented challenges that tested the resilience of local food supply chains. In response, a collaborative effort spearheaded by the University of South Florida (USF) aims to develop innovative solutions that can withstand extreme weather events.

A pivotal step towards this vision was initiated through a listening session held at St. Joseph’s Hospital in December. This event brought together emergency food response partners and non-profit organizations to discuss their experiences during the hurricane season. Participants shared insights on the difficulties faced in coordinating relief efforts, such as power outages, disrupted communications, and the misalignment of mobile distribution teams. Despite these obstacles, community-based organizations demonstrated remarkable agility, often responding faster than official channels to provide essential resources like fresh produce and nutritious meals.

The consensus emerging from the session emphasized the importance of proactive education and disaster preparedness. There is a growing recognition that both food-secure and food-insecure populations require support during crises. USF's academic resources could play a crucial role in developing scalable models that include diverse stakeholders. Moving forward, the lessons learned will guide the creation of a more resilient and equitable food system in the Tampa Bay region.

The USF Future of Food Think Tank, set to launch on January 24, 2025, will lead this transformative initiative. Led by Drs. Christian Brechot and David Himmelgreen, the think tank seeks to build a network of thought leaders and food providers capable of innovating and adapting regional food systems during times of crisis. By fostering university-community partnerships, this endeavor aims to enhance connectivity, sustainability, and resiliency in both local and international food systems. Together, these efforts underscore the importance of collaboration and innovation in securing a sustainable future for all.