Food Policy Council Success Stories
Six food policy councils across the United States share stories of initiatives they successfully implemented to improve local food systems through data collection, sustained outreach, and programs such as reduced public transit fares and summer EBT assistance.
Roanoke - The Roanoke Foodshed Network acts as a regional connector and capacity builder focused on food access, regional food identity, farming, and network growth. Supported by USDA grants—including an $800,000 implementation grant in late 2024—RFN connects more than 50 partners across a two-city, seven-county region through farm tours, convenings, and shared learning.
Massachusetts - The Massachusetts Food System Collaborative provides advocacy training to about 25 local food policy councils and nonprofits to build their confidence and skills in engaging with state legislators. The Collaborative teaches effective advocacy tactics and emphasizes the importance of sustained outreach. This sustained educational effort has successfully secured legislative support for key state food initiatives, such as the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP).
New York - Supported by the New York State Health Foundation, the New York State Community Food Collaborative unites 16 food policy entities statewide to streamline overlapping advocacy and foster deep, transparent collaboration rather than competition. Over the next year and a half, the network plans to map members' policy priorities to advance long-term, systemic changes to the food system.
Delaware - The Delaware Farm and Food Council gained momentum in 2025 when Executive Order Number 5 placed the council directly under the Office of the Governor, elevating its statewide, cross-sector influence across all cabinet agencies. In partnership with the Biden Institute for Public Administration, the council uses robust data collection and its Delaware Food Resource Connection platform to inform state policy, supply chain improvements, and food security initiatives.
Pittsburgh - The Pittsburgh Food Policy Council partnered with the Fair Fares Coalition to launch Allegheny Go, a program that offers half-price public transit fares to SNAP recipients, linking transit access directly to food security. Rooted in priorities from the 2020 Greater Pittsburgh Food Action Plan, the initiative streamlines eligibility and administration through the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.
New Orleans & Louisiana - The New Orleans Food Policy Council successfully advocated for Louisiana to adopt the USDA's SUN Bucks summer EBT program, securing a deadline extension and delivering crucial meal assistance to low-income children. In 2025, the group expanded into the statewide Louisiana Food Policy Council and helped secure $3 million in state funding to offset federal budget cuts affecting local farmers.
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