Dear Readers,

Urban and metropolitan universities increasingly are involved in dialogue and action to address long-standing and emerging challenges facing urban food networks. Within their institutions and across their communities, these universities play a significant role in providing access to and information about food. The authors in this issue reflect on varied approaches to improving access to fresh, healthy food. From examining changing food systems through oral interviews to chronicling efforts to improve access to fresh food and jobs through urban food hubs, they consider why food has become a focus in communities and universities across the nation. The institutions highlighted here actively connect teaching, learning, research, and engagement to achieve a deeper understanding and help to shape these urban food systems.

We thank guest editor Julie Fox of the Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural & Environmental Sciences for guiding the development of this issue, Metropolitan Universities Vol. 28.1, Urban Food Networks.

Sincerely,
Valerie Holton
Executive Editor
Metropolitan Universities