This research suggests a strategy to address a difficult challenge: self-sustainability and the promotion of increasing the availability and accessibility of local food. This strategy has the opportunity to bring nutritious meals into our homes, place money into our local economies and promote self-sustaining communities. This study examines literature and case studies involving both primary and secondary sources. Cities and their local food programs were examined by travel within Havana, Cuba, and Kansas City, Missouri, and a field research study in Des Moines, Iowa. The study presents models that address urban agriculture, food accessibility, and design implementations to improve local food access. The ultimate goal of this research is to provide alternative, healthy, and sustainable means to make local food available to residents and create a model for future communities to initiate sustainable measures and promote the design of holistic food systems.