Inventory and Evaluation of Metrics for a Sustainability Indicator Framework in the Northeast U.S. Food System

CONTEXT: Food systems support the nutritional needs and livelihoods of a growing population. Sustainably managing food systems within social and ecological bounds requires accessible and accurate data. Sustainability indicator frameworks provide a structure for curating these data, and regional approaches are particularly relevant for decision making at the state and local levels. OBJECTIVE: To assess data availability, quality, and trends in the Northeast food system, we conducted an inventory and analysis of publicly available datasets representing five dimensions of sustainability. METHODS: Data were sourced from federal, academic, and non-profit repositories, and metrics were selected to best represent the region at the county level. We used correlations and spatial regressions to assess interactions among metrics and trends over time. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We found key gaps in the Economic, Production, and Social dimensions. Some data were only available at state level, while monitoring for some metrics began recently, precluding analysis of trends over time. We identified 62 metrics to represent the framework indicators, but only 31 were available at the county level with multiple time points. Of these, half were improving, and one third were declining. Trends in the Production and Economic dimensions were neutral to positive, while the other dimensions were mixed. SIGNIFICANCE: Access to data is critical in improving regional food system sustainability. The gaps we identified should serve as a road map in developing monitoring programs. The curation of datasets that are consistent, interoperable, and accessible, is crucial in monitoring food systems and developing policies and interventions to support sustainability.