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
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.
2025 General Network Meetings & Skill Shares
January 9
February 13
May 22
August 21
October 9
December 11
Emerging Food Policy Councils Cohort
This group is open to anyone who might be thinking about or in the early stages of convening a local food working group in a city/town, region, or county. We meet monthly to share updates with each other and talk through any current considerations or challenges.
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.
On the network map, you can also find information about any policy priorities each council has.
Considering a food policy council
Doing Food Policy Councils Right: A Guide to Development and Action | Mark Winne – Chapter 1 pages 5-8 cover “Why’s and What’s of Food Policy Councils”
Establishing a food policy council
Food policy councils can be structured in various ways and led by various entities including a non profit organization, a department of a municipal government, a university or extension office, or a grassroots group. It is important to consider which models may work best for your community.
Structuring Your Food Policy Council | Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future – Briefly outlines 5 common structures and benefits and challenges of each
Model Policy to Establish a Food Policy Council & Model Bylaws | 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.
Emerging food policy council considerations
Council organizing documents | Denver Sustainable Food Policy Council – Includes examples of documents to consider when establishing a FPC including bylaws and a member handbook.
A toolkit for communities from seed to start-up | Community Food Strategies – Includes guidance for holding a series of meetings for (1) clarifying intentions, (2) drafting a charter, (3) transitioning to a council
Policy advocacy for food policy councils
In addition to relationship building and information sharing amongst their members, food policy councils advocate for municipal policies to make the local food system more equitable and sustainable. These resources may help councils identify appropriate policies and methods for moving them forward.
Advocacy and Lobbying 101 for Food Policy Councils | Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic and the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future
If you want to dive into more detail about legal concepts surrounding local food systems, check out Good Laws Good Food: Putting Local Food Policy to Work for Our Communities, from the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic and the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future
If you’d like to see additional examples of policies that support a thriving food system, check out the Healthy Food Policy Database.
For more information, please contact Emily Fidanza at emily@mafoodsystem.org
