This study examined the processes and activities used by a food policy council to impact its local food system. Qualitative research methods using content analysis with a grounded theory approach were applied to the first 10 years of the council's monthly meeting minutes. Analysis revealed several themes centering on 5 food system issues and 7 activities. The food system issues in rank order of level of activity included: access to food, nutrition education, food quality, economic vitality of the food system, and the environment. The activities were those that the council had in relation to other agencies (external) and those within its own operation (internal). External activities comprised most (70%) of the council's involvement and included needs assessment, requesting advice, advising, creating awareness of itself, and policy development. Internal activities included planning the council's work emphasis and completing tasks to maintain its structure. Needs assessment and advising accounted for 50% and 11% of the council's involvement in all activities. Within the needs assessment process, informal monitoring accounted for 30% of all of its involvement. Although monitoring information helped the council understand the food system's stakeholders, their agendas, and how the food system functioned, needs assessment was a time-consuming and on-going process. Results suggest that by the establishment of a more formal monitoring system, the council could have utilized its time more efficiently to clarify definitions of problems, assess alternative solutions, and follow up on recommendations given to decision-makers to influence the food system.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1) identify key activities a local food policy council can perform to impact the food system. 2) describe how to implement a formal monitoring tool for the food system
Keywords: Food and Nutrition, Policy/Policy Development
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.