If two heads are better than one, then all heads and hands working together in common purpose is the best way to create an economically, socially and ecologically sustainable food system.

Civic engagement is taking personal responsibility to contribute towards the common good by participating in democratic decision making and community life.  Individuals practice civic engagement in a number of ways, including community service, political activism, and other voluntary activities.

Creating a sustainable food system requires people from throughout the community to work together to solve problems in new and creative ways. Many problems may require community service: for example, volunteering to spread the word about a new neighborhood farmers' market, raise funds for a school garden, or help to clean up a site for a community garden. Other problems can best be solved by encouraging local, state or national governments to enact new policies that will encourage new food businesses and help create a more level playing field for small and mid-sized farms. Most problems require a combination of these efforts from community members.

Active participation by well-informed citizens that represent the interests of all community members will ensure that the food system will be inclusive and culturally appropriate.