Massachusetts Food System Collaborative
Massachusetts Food System Collaborative

Community Food Assessments

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 are available and their location relative to public transportation, their price point, and the existence of healthy food. Assessments also gather feedback from residents about what food they eat and where they shop as well as improvements they would like to see in their food environment. Findings from these reports can identify needs in the community, and create goals and policy recommendations to improve access to healthy, affordable foods for residents. 

YearCommunityAssessment
2012ConcordBuilding Local Food Connections: A Community Food System Assessment for Concord, Mass. 
2013LowellThe Lowell Community Food Assessment 
2014Bristol, Norfolk, Plymouth CountiesThe Southeastern Massachusetts Food System Assessment 
2016Franklin CountyFood Access in Franklin County the North Quabbin
2017Hampshire County Healthy Hampshire Food Access Assessment Report
2017HolyokeLocal Foods, Local Places Community Action Plan
2017RevereFostering a Local Food Economy in Revere, MA: Food Business Growth and Community Engagement 
2018EverettEverett Community Food Assessment and Plan 
2018FraminghamFramingham Community Food Assessment 
2018SalemSalem Community Food Assessment 
2018SomervilleCity of Somerville Community Food System Assessment 
2019Berkshire CountyBerkshire County Community Food Assessment
2019MedfordMedford Food Security Plan
2021MaldenCommunity Food Assessment 
2019PeabodyCommunity Food Assessment 
2021SouthcoastFood System Assessment 
2022CambridgeCambridge Food Action Plan
2022HolyokeA Spatial Analysis Supporting Holyoke’s Food System: Mapping Food Production, Composting, and Healthy Food Access
2022LowellCommunity Food Assessment 
2022SalemSalem Food Assessment 2022
2024Lynn (In Progress)Community Food Assessment 
2024Worcester (In Progress)Community Food Assessment