More than a dozen food policy councils in the state function as forums where people from different community organizations, neighborhoods, and government agencies can work together to help make local food more accessible and increase opportunities for healthier living. Efforts are wide ranging, depending on local needs. The Springfield Food Policy Council, for example, is focused on bringing a full-line grocery store to the chronically underserved “food desert” Mason Square neighborhood. The Franklin County Food Council is encouraging institutions to buy at least ten percent of the food they serve from local farms and businesses. And the Southeastern Massachusetts Food Security Network recently produced a comprehensive food security assessment that is helping to guide community food system development efforts in the New Bedford and Fall River area.
