Food policy councils empower communities to build better systems
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Nessa Richman, a food policy council leader in Rhode Island, authored a handbook to help communities strengthen their local food systems through increased civic participation.
Richman developed this guide after witnessing both food insecurity and access to fresh produce within the same Texas community. For nearly a decade, she has led the Rhode Island Food Policy Council, successfully advocating for laws that support small farmers and food businesses.
These councils, of which there are around 300 across the United States, connect people from different parts of the food system, farmers, government officials, and community members, to address issues like urban agriculture and food access. Despite their value, councils often struggle with funding, as demonstrated by the Rhode Island council’s recent loss of an $18.7 million grant. Richman’s handbook provides guidance on creating and sustaining these councils, emphasizing the importance of inclusive practices and deep community listening.
In Rhode Island, the council facilitated a program that connected local fishermen with refugee and immigrant communities, delivering over 900,000 pounds of fresh fish weekly to 400-500 families. They also helped pass a law allowing home-based food businesses, empowering a single mother who owned a catering company to advocate for change. The book and related resources are available for free download.
