A network of local food policy councils and food working groups from across Massachusetts. A food policy council or food working group is defined as an organized group of stakeholders which works to address food systems issues and needs at the local (city/municipality or county), regional, or tribal nations levels.
See more information about the state’s food policy councils here
Local Food Policy Council Network
This network helps councils stay up to date on what others are working on and participate in skill building sessions, learning from each other about topics such as policy, advocacy, food policy council structures, grant programs, and more.
The councils’ work and input also informs the Collaborative’s work and priorities. By learning what is happening at the local level, the Collaborative is able to amplify those efforts and build the case for systemic change at the state level.
Call to Action: Are you part of an emerging food working group in your community or considering establishing a food policy council? Reach out to Emily Fidanza (emily@mafoodsystem.org) to get involved with the network, and check out some helpful resources below.
Get Involved
Reach out to Emily if you are interested in the Local Food Policy Council Network meetings.
Policy Advocacy
The Collaborative advocates in partnership with the network for the Local Food Policy Council grant to be included in the state’s budget each year.
Resources
From the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic and the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, details about legal concepts surrounding local food systems
Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic and the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future
Community Food Strategies - Includes guidance for holding a series of meetings for (1) clarifying intentions, (2) drafting a charter, (3) transitioning to a council
Denver Sustainable Food Policy Council - Includes examples of documents to consider when establishing a FPC including bylaws and a member handbook.
Metropolitan Area Planning Council - Model policy for establishing a food policy council through a formal municipal process, with some content that might be helpful more broadly including sample language for purpose - mission and function, objectives, member responsibilities, and more.
Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future - Briefly outlines 5 common structures and benefits and challenges of each
Mark Winne - Chapter 1 pages 5-8 cover "Why's and What's of Food Policy Councils"
Many cities, towns, and regions in Massachusetts have completed Community Food Assessments as a tool to help improve the food system in their area. Food Policy Councils often lead or contribute to these reports, or emerge as one of the primary recommendations from the assessments. An assessment includes gathering information on what food resources [...]
A map which includes food councils and working groups who have been involved with the Local Food Policy Council Network.
A strategic guide for effective state budget advocacy—detailing how to influence line‑item appropriations, coordinate with legislative champions, and shape the fiscal narrative to secure local food system investments.
Looking for policies that support community food systems? This Local Government Food Policy Database, from Growing Food Connections, is a searchable database with examples of how local public policies have been adopted to address food system issues.
Food hubs aggregate, distribute and market local and regional food. They act as an important connection between producers and consumers.
Link for resources and publications from Metropolitan Area Planning Council. Includes a Massachusetts Food System Map and information about community food system assessments and plans.
Practical guidance for engaging legislators—such as building relationships, submitting impactful testimony, and navigating the legislative process—to effectively advocate for local food system policy change.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed many challenges within the food supply chain, and illuminated the importance of a strong local food system to meet the needs of food producers and consumers not just during crises, but at all times.
The policies municipal government create can impact the food system. This toolkit presents ideas for how to make change within your city or town.
A tool to help you make meaningful changes that affect your work and your community. Using these tools, you and your allies can contribute to creating policy that helps the food system thrive.
Get Involved
For more information, please contact Emily Fidanza at emily@mafoodsystem.org