2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Food policy councils (FPCs) strive to improve food systems through identification of food systems issues, advocacy for food justice, and advancement of policies to affect change in local food production and access to food. Characterizing FPCs working in the Puget Sound region provides a foundation for knowing which groups and organizations are performing this work as well as the specific types of work they are currently engaged in. FPCs in the Puget Sound region were identified by comparing and combining published lists of groups representing food and nutrition advocacy, food justice, and local foods in the region. Each group was asked to respond to a 10-question on-line survey regarding their group structure, who they serve, whether and how they are engaging in the policy process, what challenges they face in reaching declared goals, and in what policy and program activities they are engaging. Responses indicate that a majority of FPCs are well-established and provide regional coordination of local food systems both through policy and program activities. While many groups that self-identify as FPCs share goals of food policy creation, planning, implementation, support, or advocacy, some do not actively engage in policy on any level. The majority of groups surveyed work toward food access, and are engaged in food advocacy from farm to table, with or without food policy being part of their priorities. Some FPCs work to support the creation of farmers markets or farm-to-school nutrition programs to achieve their policy-related goals. This finding indicates that FPCs engage in food systems in ways that are not always included in their mission statements or objectives. Public and private support of FPCs, in combination with community engagement and participation, has fostered significant growth and development of existing FPCs and many of their key programs. However, the greatest challenge for many FPCs in the region is sustaining their funding and volunteer workforce. Lack of funding directly impacts the scope of work that can be accomplished as well as the populations that can be served. Difficultly in securing grants or independent donor support affects FPCs of all sizes; and the amount of time a group has been in existence does not lessen this problem. The competition among groups within the region for limited grant funding reduces their capacity to collaborate and share resources. This information helps to reveal gaps in public service, and foster interaction and collaboration among groups in the future.