Food Policy Networks

The CLF’s Food Policy Networks (FPN) project is dedicated to supporting the development of effective state and local food policy. The FPN project aims to build the capacity of local, state, regional, and tribal food systems councils, national organizations, and other groups interested in improving the food system. To this end, we integrate networking, research, and technical assistance with the goals of forging working partnerships, becoming more effective policy players, and enhancing FPCs' work to shape food systems policy.  Leveraging the Center’s experience, strengths, and institutional resources, FPN aims to improve the food-related health, sustainability, and resilience of communities through food policy.

Collaboration amongst various sectors – community, government, industry, non-profit, business, funders, and more – has emerged as a long-term strategy to create systemic and meaningful improvements in the food system. Countless food and farm groups have formed over the past several years, including over 280 food policy councils in North America to influence local and state food policy.  Changes in public food procurement procedures, revisions in urban gardening and farming codes, and better access to healthier food are just some of the improvements that have resulted from this increased public engagement in food systems.  Several national organizations have also joined the movement to share local and state food policy.  In addition, the USDA, CDC, and foundations have made strategic investments to build partnerships that encourage productive policy changes.

To do this, the FPN project manages a database of food policies, reports, and other resources for interested stakeholders, maintains a directory of over 280 food policy councils across North America, hosts a listserv to share food policy news and information, and provides direct technical assistance to food policy councils and organizations through webinars, one-on-one consulting, and skill-building training and workshops. To learn more about the Food Policy Networks project, visit our website.