Developing a food policy council through community‐based participatory research

Abstract

Environmental factors and policies influence dietary intake patterns. This study aimed to establish a food policy council (FPC) through community‐based participatory research (CBPR) to influence food‐related policies and alleviate food insecurity. CBPR approach was used to build on the strengths of the community, develop partnerships, obtain funding, and establish a food policy council. Formative planning phase included 7 semi‐structured expert interviews and 3 community forums which were designed to inform the stakeholders, stimulate interest, integrate community's knowledge and priorities, and serve as co‐learning processes. These processes were used to develop the structure of the FPC, a community information toolkit, and initial focus areas for the FPC's strategic planning regarding the food system and policy recommendations. These focus areas included access to healthier foods, food‐related job creation, food safety nets, school food environments, and nutrition education. CBPR approach was incorporated into the structure of the FPC to support the sustainability of the initiative. This project indicated that CBPR was a feasible method to successfully develop a FPC that focuses on food systems and policy changes to support a healthier food environment.Funded by the USDA Hunger‐free Communities Initiative.