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.
