NWI Food Council selected to participate in community of practice with Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS), Ohio State University, the John Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, and Colorado State University have launched a cooperative research agreement to better understand regional approaches to strengthening food systems. Regional food policy work has emerged as a promising approach to developing equitable, sustainable, and vibrant food and agriculture systems. Yet, there is need for more resources and information to support the work of food system practitioners working at this scale. The project will involve creating a community of practice to learn together about what makes a regional approach work, identify what challenges they encounter, and explore solutions.
The application period for food policy councils interested in joining the community of practice was announced in the summer of 2022. Project organizers were delighted by the positive response from applicants. After a thorough review of over 50 applications by a team of reviewers, 11 food policy councils were selected to join the 18-month project. These councils reflect a diversity of approaches to regional food system work from across the United States.
Representatives from these councils will work closely with project organizers to advance their own regional work and inform the creation of resources to support other councils in taking a regional approach. In addition to project organizers, some sessions will be facilitated and advised by equitable engagement expert Leanne Alaman from Embodied Contribution Consulting.
Councils and associated representatives that will be participating in the community of practice include:
Boston Food Access Council (MA) – Cheryl Jean, Ryann Montiero, and Yasser Aponte
Cass Clay Food Partners (ND/MN) – Janice Tweet, Michelle Draxten, and Noelle Harden
Columbia Gorge Food Security Coalition (OR/WA) – Buck Jones, Sarah Sullivan, and Sharon Thornberry
Food Policy Council for Fresno County (CA) – Tara Sweeney, Natalie Caples, and Rosemarie Amaral
Greater Cincinnati Regional Food Policy Council (OH) – Anna Haas and Madeline Chera
Hudson Valley Food System Coalition (NY) – Mary Ann Johnson, Megan Larmer, and Sarah Salem
Just Foods Collaborative of Nash and Edgecombe Counties (NC) – Kendrick Ransome and Mary Jane Lyonnais
Metropolitan Washington Food Policy Directors/Food Security Coordinators Work Group (DC, MD, VA) – Lindsay Smith, Melissa Jensen, Michelle Caruso, and Ona Balkus
NW Indiana Food Council (IN) – Anna Martinez, Anne Massie, and Virginia Pleasant
Roanoke Foodshed Network (VA) – Katie Trozzo and Maureen McGonagle
Western Prairie Food, Farm, and Community Alliance (KS) – Misty Jimerson and Sandy Rogers
