The post-pandemic is here. Innovation, challenges, and scope of Alternative Food Circuits.

Abstract

This article summarizes the analysis of the recent development of Alternative Food Circuits (AFCs), the result of a work carried out throughout a research project. The research methodology used was qualitative, through case studies covering the period between 2020 and 2023, which encompasses the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent years. The selected cases are situated in the metropolitan area of ​​Buenos Aires and Gualeguaychú (Entre Ríos).

The study is based on the perspective of social innovation as practices, focusing on the food distribution modalities developed by these circuits: fairs, distribution of food boxes, retail outlets, and even wholesale supply. The challenges and implications of the most well-known and newer forms of AFCs were identified and analyzed. All of this made it possible to highlight achievements, but also unresolved issues, and to outline possible roadmaps. The article concludes with reflections on the need to scale up these types of circuits, with the eyes set on economic sustainability, paying particular attention to the current context