Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) makes a significant contribution to global food security. However, many millions of people, including farmers, experience food insecurity, malnutrition, and poverty in the region. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated their situation and tested the capacity of food systems to bounce back. It also provided opportunities to learn and reevaluate food system priorities. A regional Independent Dialogue, that was part of the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit, was convened to discuss the effects of the pandemic, how the food system responded, lessons that were learned, and solutions toward food system resilience and transformation in LAC. The Dialogue followed the Summit's guidelines and principles of engagement, prioritizing diversity and inclusion, with a focus on transforming food systems to achieve food security, affordable healthy diets, and sustainability. Fifty-eight people from throughout the Americas representing diverse stakeholder groups and sectors participated in the Dialogue that took place virtually in June 2021. Main themes that emerged included: disrupted food distribution networks threatened rural livelihoods and food security; producers and stakeholders adapted and innovated creating space for new food system actors; small-scale farmers lacked access to needed technology, training, and financial resources, and were not well- linked within the food system; transformation towards a more resilient, diverse, and sustainable food system requires a change of policies, models, and practices that prioritize small-scale farmers, and the health of people and the planet. We all have a role to play in this transformation within our respective spheres of influence and should do so in ways that are inclusive of small- scale farmers, ensure sustainability, and build resilience.