Food systems are a structure that includes all activities related to the production, processing, distribution, and preparation of food, as well as the environmental, social, and economic impacts that interact with these activities. A sustainable food system, within the framework of the concept of sustainability, refers to a long-term structure that contributes to food security, meets the needs of future generations, and preserves natural resources.

Due to the relationship of this system with various fields, it needs to be considered from multiple perspectives. The concept of sustainable food was developed based on the consideration of the production and consumption of food, which is important for our health, as well as its impact on global resources. This concept includes the sensitivity to healthy nutrition, the protection of the environment, and natural resources from the point of food being made ready for consumption to its actual consumption. Although there is no universally accepted definition of sustainable food, the concept of "good food" generally refers to food that is grown, processed, and distributed with consideration for plant and animal sources and environmental awareness, as well as its consumption.

The global food system consists of local and national food systems. A local food system is defined as “the local production, processing, distribution, and consumption of food that affects environmental, economic, social domains, and nutrition.” Local food systems are generally interconnected. The national food system refers to the system that extends beyond the local food system at the national level. Viewing the global food system as a single structure and considering local and national food systems in isolation creates significant gaps in knowledge. The creation of opportunities at the global level for the food system is only possible through the interaction among its subsystems.