This research guide is intended for individuals seeking information on how to start or expand a community-supported urban agricultural program, also known as an urban food hub. For the purposes of this guide, an urban food hub is, according to a University of District of Columbia report The Urban Food Hub Solution: Building Capacity in Urban Communities, made up of four components—food production, food preparation, food distribution, and waste and water recovery.

While every community-supported agriculture program needs information resources on both the business and the plant science aspects, this guide is primarily concerned with the business aspects. Also, while some urban food hubs include livestock and beekeeping, this guide will only address plant production reference materials though some of the references provided in this guide also discuss either animal or beekeeping topics. Lastly, the concept ofurban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) is one that will arise but is often applied internationally. However, resources in this area may still be applicable.