There has been an increasing consumer demand for local and organic food as they are considered to be more sustainable, ecological and healthier. The ‘conventional’ long food distribution system is not able to fulfill the current needs. Consequently, short distribution systems for local and organic food have been gaining popularity that is not only sustainable but also contribute to food security and satisfies local consumer demand. Alternative food networks (AFNs) address these concerns. They have emerged as a food provisioning system linked with reciprocal ties that promote a sustainable and civil economy, environment, biodiversity and respect for farming tradition. However, the AFNs are facing a challenge to maximize the distribution of local and organic products in the long term. The purpose of the paper is to make a review of the existing short food distribution systems for local and organic food and propose a research agenda. In order to achieve this, a literature review is conducted and different food distribution channels within AFNs are studied. The challenges for each food distribution channel are identified and then compared to ‘conventional’ distribution systems. As a main finding of the study is presented a framework with the main challenges of the existing short food distribution channels within AFNs. This gives the general criteria to consider while designing a short food distribution system that closely connects consumers and farmers of local and organic food. The policy implication is to create favorable conditions to encourage short food distribution systems in the long term.