Sustainable food systems are not widely recognized as a priority issue or legitimate area for cities to act on, especially in OECD countries. A survey of French cities found that while some local sustainable food actions exist, there is a gap between rhetoric and action. Strengthening urban and regional food systems requires mainstreaming food security policy across levels of government, improving understanding of rural-urban linkages, and supporting local planning and production through participatory governance. The International Urban Food Network aims to build an online community platform and convene events to advance understanding and governance of sustainable urban food systems.