This discussion focused on how the impacts of the Covid-19 public health crisis has revealed the deep fragility of the South African food system. There has clearly been a disruption, presenting a period of deep uncertainty and change, creating an opportunity for a recalibration of the food system. The Southern Africa Food Lab has established a platform in eThekwini Municipality and it’s neighbouring iLembe District (for dialogue-into-action) to facilitate comprehensive responses to this situation. A central argument is that a place-based approach, which considers local and community contexts, offers opportunities to restart and recalibrate local food systems.