In the context of food systems, resilience refers to the capacity of food system actors to manage and adapt to disruptions, ensuring the system's sustainability and continued function. Food system resilience can be understood through three key concepts: robustness, recovery, and reorientation.

1. Robustness
   This refers to the ability of food system actors to adjust their actions in order to resist disruptions and maintain current outcomes. It emphasizes preserving the status quo despite challenges.

2. Recovery
   Recovery focuses on the capacity of food system actors to adapt their activities and return to desired outcomes after experiencing a disruption, allowing the system to "bounce back" to its previous state.

3. Reorientation
   Reorientation involves embracing alternative outcomes for the food system, either before or after disruption. This forward-thinking approach recognizes that evolving societal expectations and demands can enhance the system’s resilience, making it less susceptible to future shocks by encouraging adaptation beyond the status quo.